The Aadhaar card stands as a vital identification document for residents of India, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This card features a unique 12-digit number that serves as a robust proof of identity and address for every Indian citizen. The convenience of accessing this essential document online has become increasingly important in today’s digital age.
Download Your Aadhaar Card
Please enter a 12-digit Aadhaar number
Processing
Download Aadhaar Card: Multiple Convenient Methods
For Indian citizens seeking to download their Aadhaar card, the process is streamlined and user-friendly, offering multiple pathways to obtain an e-Aadhaar. You can conveniently download your e-Aadhaar through four primary methods, each designed for ease of access and security. Below, we provide a detailed, step-by-step guide for each method, ensuring you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
💡
Note: It’s important to remember that according to the Aadhaar Act, an e-Aadhaar holds the same legal validity and is accepted for all purposes just like a physical Aadhaar card. This digital equivalence ensures you have a readily available and official ID whenever you need it.
Method 1: Downloading via the UIDAI (MyAadhaar) Portal
The official UIDAI portal, known as MyAadhaar, is a direct and reliable source for downloading your e-Aadhaar. Follow these steps to download your Aadhaar card through the portal:
- Step 1: Navigate to the MyAadhaar Portal. Visit the official UIDAI website and go to the ‘Download Aadhaar’ section or directly access the MyAadhaar portal.
- Step 2: Choose Your Identification Type. On the download page, you will be prompted to enter either your 12-digit Aadhaar Number, 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) Number, or 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID) Number. If you possess your Aadhaar number, this is the most straightforward option. Alternatively, you can use your EID or VID if you don’t have your Aadhaar number readily available.
💡
Understanding Aadhaar Identifiers: It’s helpful to know the difference between these identifiers. The EID (Enrollment ID) is a 28-digit number provided at the time of Aadhaar enrollment, used to track the application status. The UID (Unique Identification Number), or Aadhaar number, is the 12-digit number issued after successful enrollment, serving as your permanent identity proof. The VID (Virtual ID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit number that you can generate to share instead of your Aadhaar number for enhanced privacy.
- Step 3: Request and Enter OTP. Click on the ‘Send OTP’ button. An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your mobile number registered with Aadhaar. Enter this OTP in the designated field.
- Step 4: Verify and Download. After entering the OTP, click on the ‘Verify and Download’ button. Upon successful verification, your Aadhaar card will be downloaded to your device in PDF format.
If your mobile number is not currently linked to your Aadhaar, you will need to visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (Aadhaar service center) to update your mobile number. This linkage is crucial for online services and security.
💡
Note: If you have misplaced or forgotten your Aadhaar number or enrolment ID, the UIDAI portal provides a convenient ‘Retrieve EID/Aadhaar number’ option. By entering your name, registered mobile number, or email address, you can retrieve your details using OTP authentication.
Method 2: Downloading via the mAadhaar Mobile Application
For users who prefer mobile convenience, the mAadhaar application offers a seamless way to download your Aadhaar card directly to your smartphone. Here’s how to download Aadhaar using the mAadhaar app:
- Step 1: Install the mAadhaar App. Begin by installing the official mAadhaar app on your smartphone. This app is available on both Android and iOS platforms through the respective app stores:
mAadhaar (Android)
mAadhaar (iOS)
- Step 2: Open the App and Register. Launch the mAadhaar app and complete the registration process using your mobile number that is registered with Aadhaar. You’ll be required to verify your number with an OTP.
- Step 3: Navigate to the Dashboard. Once registered and logged in, you will arrive at the app’s dashboard. Look for and click on the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option, prominently displayed for easy access.
mAadhaar app dashboard showing the “Download Aadhaar” option, enabling users to access their digital Aadhaar card directly from their smartphone.
- Step 4: Choose Aadhaar Type. You will be presented with a choice between ‘Regular Aadhaar’ and ‘Masked Aadhaar’. Select the type you require based on your privacy preferences.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Aadhaar | Displays all twelve digits of your Aadhaar number. |
| Masked Aadhaar | Conceals the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number, showing only the last four for enhanced privacy. |
- Step 5: Enter Required Information. Enter your Aadhaar Number, Virtual ID (VID) Number, or Enrolment ID (EID) Number in the designated fields. Complete the captcha verification to proceed.
Form within the mAadhaar app prompting users to enter their Aadhaar number and captcha code to initiate the Aadhaar download process.
- Step 6: Receive and Enter OTP. Tap on the ‘Request OTP’ button. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP in the app to authenticate your download request.
- Step 7: Download Aadhaar Card. After successfully entering the OTP, click the ‘Open’ button. Your Aadhaar card will be downloaded in PDF format within the app, ready for use.
Confirmation screen in the mAadhaar app indicating successful download of the e-Aadhaar, emphasizing the digital copy’s PDF format.
💡
Important Note: The e-copy of your Aadhaar downloaded through the mAadhaar app will be in PDF format, protected by a password for security.
mAadhaar serves as the official mobile app developed by UIDAI, designed to provide a secure and convenient way to store and access your Aadhaar card digitally. Beyond downloading your Aadhaar, the app offers a suite of Aadhaar-related services including:
- Download Aadhaar
- Retrieve EID/VID
- Order PVC Card
- Check Aadhaar Validity
- Verify Email/Mobile
- Generate Virtual ID
- Aadhaar Status Check
- PVC Card Request Status
- Retrieve Order Aadhaar Status
Method 3: Downloading Aadhaar via DigiLocker
DigiLocker, a digital locker service provided by the Government of India, offers another secure route to download and store your Aadhaar card. Downloading Aadhaar through DigiLocker eliminates the need to carry physical copies, ensuring authenticity and accessibility at your fingertips.
💡
If you are new to DigiLocker, you will need to create an account first using your mobile number and email address. The sign-up process is straightforward and secure.
-
Step 1: Log in to DigiLocker. Access the DigiLocker website or open the DigiLocker mobile app and log in to your account using your credentials.
-
Step 2: Navigate to Aadhaar Services. Once logged in, click on the ‘Search Document’ option. In the search bar, type ‘Aadhaar Card’ and press enter or click the search icon. From the search results, select the ‘Aadhaar card’ option.
DigiLocker interface displaying the Aadhaar Card option under search results, guiding users to initiate the download process within the platform.
- Step 3: Provide Aadhaar Details. You will be prompted to enter your Aadhaar number. After entering your Aadhaar number, an OTP will be sent to your mobile number registered with Aadhaar. Enter the OTP to verify your identity and proceed to access your Aadhaar card.
- Step 4: Download Your Aadhaar. Upon successful OTP verification, DigiLocker securely fetches your Aadhaar details directly from UIDAI. Your Aadhaar will then be available in the ‘Issued Documents’ section of your DigiLocker account. You can download it as a PDF file or access it anytime directly through the DigiLocker app or website.
Method 4: Downloading Aadhaar via the UMANG Portal
The UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) portal is a government platform that integrates various government services into a single app. You can also download your Aadhaar card through the UMANG portal by following these steps:
-
Step 1: Log in to UMANG. Open the UMANG app or visit the UMANG web portal and log in to your account. If you are a new user, you will need to create an account using your mobile number and set up an MPIN (Mobile Personal Identification Number) for secure access.
-
Step 2: Select the ‘My Aadhaar’ Option. After logging in, you will see a dashboard presenting a range of government services. Navigate to the ‘Aadhaar’ section, usually found under ‘Citizen Services’ or ‘My Services’. Click on the ‘Aadhaar’ option to access Aadhaar-related services.
UMANG app showcasing Aadhaar services, including the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option within the ‘My Aadhaar’ section, facilitating access to Aadhaar functionalities.
- Step 3: Select the ‘Download Aadhaar’ Option. Within the ‘My Aadhaar’ section, you will find a list of Aadhaar services. Locate and select the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option to proceed with downloading your e-Aadhaar. The list of services might include options such as Update Aadhaar, Check Aadhaar Status, Locate Enrolment Centers, and Download Aadhaar.
- Step 4: Verification Process. A new page will load, prompting you to initiate the verification process. Click on ‘Proceed’ or a similar button to start the Aadhaar verification.
- Step 5: Enter Aadhaar Number and OTP. On the verification page, you will be asked to enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID). Ensure you accurately enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number. After entering the number, click to generate an OTP. An OTP will be sent to your mobile number registered with Aadhaar. Enter this OTP in the designated field to authenticate your download request.
- Step 6: Download Aadhaar Card. Following successful OTP verification, click on the ‘Verify & Download’ button. Your e-Aadhaar will be generated and downloaded in PDF format.
💡
Upon download, remember that the Aadhaar PDF file is password-protected to ensure your document’s security. To open the PDF, you will need to enter a specific password.
Understanding Your E-Aadhaar Password
The e-Aadhaar PDF file is protected with a password to safeguard your personal information. This password is required each time you open your downloaded e-Aadhaar. The standard Aadhaar password is an 8-character combination derived from your name and date of birth.
Here’s how the Aadhaar password is typically generated, with examples:
| Name | Year of Birth | Password |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 1990 | ROHI1990 |
| Sunita Devi | 1985 | SUNI1985 |
| Amitabh Singh | 1975 | AMIT1975 |
| Priya Reddy | 2000 | PRIY2000 |
| Anjali Verma | 1998 | ANJA1998 |
💡
Note: The password to open your Aadhaar PDF is always constructed using the first four letters of your name (exactly as recorded on your Aadhaar card) in uppercase, immediately followed by your year of birth (in YYYY format).
It’s worth noting that the password guidelines for Aadhaar PDFs have evolved. Prior to 2019, the password format was different, utilizing the PIN code of your registered address. However, to enhance security and provide a more personalized access method, the UIDAI updated the password format.
This change to the current name-and-year-based password system was implemented to make the process more secure and user-friendly. While there wasn’t a specific date widely publicized for this transition, the updated format became commonly recognized around 2019. This adjustment reflects UIDAI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the security and accessibility of digital Aadhaar.
What is an Aadhaar Card?
An Aadhaar card is more than just an identification document; it’s a cornerstone of digital identity in India. Issued by the UIDAI, it comprises a unique 12-digit number that definitively verifies an individual’s identity as a resident of India. Since its inception in January 2009, UIDAI has successfully issued over 1.38 billion Aadhaar numbers by December 2024, demonstrating its widespread adoption and significance.
The Aadhaar number functions as a robust digital identity, enabling individuals to authenticate themselves securely. This authentication can be achieved using biometric data, such as fingerprint and iris scans, or through a One-Time Password (OTP) dispatched to their registered mobile number. This dual authentication mechanism ensures both security and convenience in verifying identity across various platforms and services.
What is e-Aadhaar?
E-Aadhaar is the electronic counterpart of your physical Aadhaar card. It is a digital version officially signed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This electronic form contains all the essential details present on your physical Aadhaar card, including your 12-digit Aadhaar number, personal information, photograph, and biometric details.
Crucially, an e-Aadhaar holds the same legal standing and validity as the physical Aadhaar card. It can be readily downloaded from the UIDAI website or through the mAadhaar mobile application, providing a convenient and accessible digital form of identification.
Key Features of e-Aadhaar:
- Digital Format: E-Aadhaar allows you to store and access your Aadhaar information digitally, eliminating the need to carry a physical card.
- Password Protected: For enhanced privacy and security, the e-Aadhaar PDF is password-protected, ensuring only the cardholder can access it.
- Legally Valid: It is legally recognized and accepted as proof of identity and address, just like the physical Aadhaar card, across all services and platforms.
- Masked Aadhaar Option: For users concerned about privacy when sharing their Aadhaar number, the option to download a Masked Aadhaar is available. This version hides the initial 8 digits of the Aadhaar number, displaying only the last 4 digits, offering an added layer of privacy.
E-Aadhaar serves a multitude of purposes, functioning as a valid document for identity verification, facilitating access to government services, and fulfilling other official requirements, just as effectively as a physical Aadhaar card.
Key Uses of Aadhaar Card
The Aadhaar card has transformed into a multipurpose document, with a wide array of applications across India. It offers unparalleled convenience, serves as a primary means of identification, and unlocks access to numerous services. Here are some of its principal uses:
| Use | Details |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity and Address | Aadhaar is universally accepted as a valid proof of identity and address for accessing a wide range of government and private services. |
| Subsidies and Welfare Benefits | It is integrally linked to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, ensuring direct delivery of subsidies for LPG, pensions, and various other welfare programs. |
| Opening a Bank Account | Aadhaar is a key document for KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, simplifying the process of opening bank accounts. |
| Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) | Linking Aadhaar with PAN (Permanent Account Number) is mandatory for filing Income Tax Returns and availing various tax benefits. |
| SIM Card Issuance | Aadhaar facilitates a quicker and more efficient KYC verification process for issuing new mobile SIM cards. |
| Availing Government Services | It is essential for accessing numerous government schemes and initiatives, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, and more. |
| Pension and Provident Fund Access | Aadhaar is required for seamless processing of pension disbursements, EPF (Employee Provident Fund) claims, and provident fund benefits. |
| Digital Services Authentication | It enables secure authentication for e-governance services and accessing various online services, including e-Aadhaar itself. |
| Aadhaar-enabled Payment Systems (AePS) | Aadhaar underpins secure digital payment systems like AePS, which utilizes biometric authentication at micro-ATMs for transactions. |
| Aadhaar-based Voter ID Linking | It plays a role in linking Aadhaar with Voter IDs to eliminate duplicate entries in voter lists and ensure a more accurate voter registration process. |
For any queries, issues, or assistance related to Aadhaar, you can visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or reach out to UIDAI through the following contact channels:
- Helpline number: 1947
- Email: [email protected]
