About Aadhaar

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number assigned to Indian residents based on their biometric and demographic data. Managed by UIDAI, Aadhaar aims to provide a single source of identity verification across the country.

Every resident of India, regardless of age, can enroll for Aadhaar. It is the world's largest biometric ID system and has become essential for accessing government benefits, opening bank accounts, and various other services.

Key Services Offered

• New Enrollment: First-time Aadhaar registration for residents who don't have an Aadhaar number.
• Download e-Aadhaar: Download your Aadhaar card digitally in PDF format from the UIDAI website.
• Demographic Updates: Changes to name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile number, and email ID.
• Biometric Updates: Updates to fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs.
• Document Upload: Submission of supporting documents for verification online.
• Status Check: Track the status of enrollment or update requests using URN or EID.
• Aadhaar PVC Card: Order a physical PVC card with enhanced security features.
• Virtual ID (VID): Generate a temporary 16-digit Virtual ID for authentication without sharing your Aadhaar number.
• Aadhaar Lock/Unlock: Lock your biometrics to prevent unauthorized authentication.

How to Apply for New Aadhaar Card

Step 1: Locate Nearest Enrollment Center

Find your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or authorized enrollment center using the UIDAI Center Locator.

Step 2: Book an Appointment (Optional but Recommended)

Book an appointment online via the UIDAI Appointment Portal to avoid long waiting times.

Step 3: Visit the Center with Documents

Carry original documents for:

• Proof of Identity (POI) - PAN card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.
• Proof of Address (POA) - Electricity bill, Rent agreement, Bank statement, etc.
• Proof of Date of Birth (POD) - Birth certificate, School certificate, etc.

*For complete list of acceptable documents, visit UIDAI Document List

Step 4: Biometric Capture

At the enrollment center, your photograph, fingerprints (all 10 fingers), and iris scans will be captured.

Step 5: Receive Acknowledgment Slip

You'll receive an acknowledgment slip with a 14-digit Enrollment ID (EID). Keep this safe to track your application status.

Step 6: Check Status and Download

After 60-90 days, check your status using EID on UIDAI Status Portal. Once generated, download your e-Aadhaar.

How to Download e-Aadhaar

Online Download Process

1. Visit the official myAadhaar Portal
2. Click on "Download Aadhaar" option
3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID
4. Enter the security code (captcha) displayed
5. Click "Send OTP" - you'll receive OTP on registered mobile number
6. Enter OTP and click "Download Aadhaar"
7. Your e-Aadhaar will be downloaded as a password-protected PDF
8. Password is your PIN code (first 4 letters of name in CAPS + year of birth)

Example: If your name is "Rohit Kumar" and birth year is 1990, password will be: ROHI1990

How to Update Aadhaar Details

Online Update (Demographic Details Only)

You can update name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile number, and email ID online through UIDAI Self Service Update Portal (SSUP).

1. Visit the SSUP portal and login using Aadhaar number
2. Verify using OTP sent to registered mobile number
3. Select the field you want to update
4. Upload supporting document (max 2MB, PDF/JPEG format)
5. Pay ₹50 fee online (per update request)
6. Submit request and note the Update Request Number (URN)
7. Track status using URN on the portal

Offline Update at Aadhaar Center

For biometric updates or if you don't have registered mobile number, visit nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

• Carry original documents for proof
• Fill the Aadhaar correction form at the center
• Provide biometrics if updating biometric data
• Pay applicable fees (₹50 for demographic, ₹100 for biometric)
• Collect acknowledgment slip with URN

How to Check Aadhaar Status

For New Enrollment

Visit UIDAI Status Check Portal

1. Enter your 14-digit Enrollment ID (EID) from acknowledgment slip
2. Enter Date and Time of enrollment
3. Enter security code and click "Check Status"
4. View current status of your Aadhaar generation

For Update Requests

Use your Update Request Number (URN) on the same status portal to track your update request.

Aadhaar Seeding with Bank (NPCI Mapping)

Check Aadhaar-Bank Link Status

To receive Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments, your Aadhaar must be linked with your bank account. Check status at Aadhaar-Bank Linking Portal.

How to Link Aadhaar with Bank

1. Visit your bank branch with Aadhaar card and bank passbook
2. Fill the Aadhaar seeding form provided by the bank
3. Submit the form - no charges applicable
4. Bank will update your Aadhaar number in their system
5. Verify linking after 2-3 days on the UIDAI portal

You can also link Aadhaar through net banking or mobile banking apps of most banks.

Mandatory Biometric Updates for Children

UIDAI mandates biometric updates for children at specific age milestones to ensure accuracy:

• At Age 5 (+/- 1 year): First biometric update (fingerprints and photograph)
• At Age 15 (+/- 1 year): Second biometric update (all biometrics)

These updates are completely FREE and essential to maintain Aadhaar validity. Blue Aadhaar cards (for children under 5) must be updated to regular Aadhaar after the age of 5.

Charges for Aadhaar Services

• New Enrollment: FREE
• Mandatory Biometric Updates (Age 5-7 and 15-17): FREE
• Download e-Aadhaar: FREE
• Demographic Updates (Online/Offline): ₹50 per update
• Biometric Updates: ₹100
• Aadhaar PVC Card: ₹50 (including delivery)
• Virtual ID Generation: FREE

*All charges are inclusive of GST and subject to change as per UIDAI guidelines.

Additional Aadhaar Services

Aadhaar PVC Card

Order a durable PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Aadhaar card with enhanced security features:

• Visit myAadhaar Portal
• Login and select "Order Aadhaar PVC Card"
• Pay ₹50 and submit request
• Card will be delivered to your address within 3-5 working days

Virtual ID (VID)

Generate a 16-digit temporary Virtual ID to use instead of your Aadhaar number for authentication:

• Visit myAadhaar Portal
• Select "Virtual ID (VID) Generator"
• VID will be sent to your registered mobile number
• Valid for multiple uses until you generate a new one

Lock/Unlock Biometrics

Lock your biometric data to prevent unauthorized authentication attempts. You can unlock it temporarily when needed for verification.

Important Links and Resources

• UIDAI Official Website: uidai.gov.in
• myAadhaar Portal: uidai.gov.in
• Download e-Aadhaar: Download Portal
• Book Appointment: Appointment Portal
• Find Aadhaar Center: Center Locator
• Check Aadhaar Status: Status Check
• Verify Aadhaar Mobile Number & Email: Verify Portal
• Aadhaar-Bank Seeding Status: NPCI Portal
• UIDAI Helpline: 1947 (Toll-free)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Aadhaar mandatory?

While Aadhaar is not mandatory by law, it has become essential for accessing government benefits, subsidies, and many services including opening bank accounts and filing income tax returns.

Q2: Can I have multiple Aadhaar cards?

No, only one Aadhaar per person is allowed. Having multiple Aadhaar numbers is illegal and can lead to penalties.

Q3: What if I don't have any documents for proof?

You can use the "Introducer" method where a person with valid Aadhaar can vouch for you. However, this should be used only as a last resort.

Q4: How long does it take to get Aadhaar after enrollment?

Typically 60-90 days. You can track status online and download e-Aadhaar once generated. Physical card may take longer to arrive by post.

Q5: My mobile number is not registered with Aadhaar. What should I do?

Visit nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra with your Aadhaar card and one more identity proof to register your mobile number.