Aadhaar card is an essential identity document issued by UIDAI, used widely for verification and access to government and private services. Downloading the Aadhaar card online is simple and secure through official UIDAI platforms.
Users can easily get a digital e-Aadhaar using basic details, which is legally valid, password protected, and convenient for use anytime, anywhere.
Methods to Download Your Aadhaar Card
UIDAI offers four primary methods to download your e-Aadhaar, each requiring OTP verification for security. Below are detailed steps for each method, ensuring you can choose the one that suits you best.
1. Via UIDAI MyAadhaar Portal
The MyAadhaar portal is the most direct and official method for downloading your Aadhaar card.
- Visit uidai.gov.in.
- Navigate to “Download Aadhaar” under “My Aadhaar.”
- Select your preferred method:
- Aadhaar Number: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Enrolment ID (EID): Enter your 28-digit EID, including enrollment date and time.
- Virtual ID (VID): Enter your 16-digit VID.
- Complete the captcha to verify you are not a bot.
- Click “Send OTP” to receive an 8-digit OTP (valid for 30 seconds) on your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP and select “Masked Aadhaar” if you prefer privacy.
- Click “Verify and Download” to download your e-Aadhaar as a PDF.
2. Via mAadhaar App
The mAadhaar app, available for Android and iOS, offers a mobile-friendly way to download and manage your Aadhaar.
- Download the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).
- Open the app and register using your registered mobile number, verifying with the OTP sent via SMS.
- From the dashboard, select the “Download Aadhaar” option.
- Choose between “Regular Aadhaar” (full details) or “Masked Aadhaar” (hides the Aadhaar number for privacy).
- Enter your Aadhaar number, VID, or EID, and complete the captcha.
- Request an OTP, enter it, and click “Open” to download your e-Aadhaar as a PDF.
3. Via DigiLocker
DigiLocker, a digital document storage platform, allows you to download your Aadhaar alongside other documents.
- Visit digilocker.gov.in or download the DigiLocker app from the respective app store.
- Log in using your mobile number, Aadhaar number, or username, and verify with the OTP.
- Search for “Aadhaar Card” under the “Search Document” section and select the UIDAI option.
- Enter your Aadhaar number, request an OTP, and verify.
- Your Aadhaar card will appear in the “Issued Documents” section, ready for download.
4. Via UMANG Portal
The UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) portal provides access to various government services, including Aadhaar downloads.
- Visit web.umang.gov.in or download the UMANG app, available for Android and iOS.
- Log in with your mobile number or email and OTP, or register if you don’t have an account.
- Navigate to “Services” under Umang and select “Download Aadhaar.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number, request an OTP, and verify.
- Click “Download” to download your e-Aadhaar as a PDF.
Handling Special Cases
Certain situations may prevent you from downloading your Aadhaar online. Here’s how to address them:
If Your Mobile Number is Not Registered
Solution: Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK).
Process:
- Request the Aadhaar download and coloured print service, which costs Rs. 30.
- Your physical presence is required for biometric authentication (fingerprint or iris scan).
- Alternatively, update your mobile number at the centre to enable online access.
If You’ve Forgotten Your Aadhaar Number or EID
- Solution: Use the “Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID” feature on the MyAadhaar portal.
- Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
- Select “Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID” under “Aadhaar Services.”
- Enter your full name, registered mobile number, or email, and complete the captcha.
- Click “Send OTP,” enter the OTP received, and submit.
- Your Aadhaar number or EID will be sent via SMS or email.
- Use the retrieved details to download your e-Aadhaar using any of the methods above.
Additional Information
To ensure you can fully utilize your e-Aadhaar, here are key details and considerations:
Opening the e-Aadhaar PDF
- The e-Aadhaar PDF is password-protected to secure your personal information.
- The password is typically the first four letters of your name in uppercase followed by your birth year (e.g., AMIT1984 for someone named Amit born in 1984).
- Use a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat to open the file.
- If the password doesn’t work, double-check your name and birth year as registered with UIDAI.
Printing Your e-Aadhaar
- Open the PDF using the correct password.
- Select “Print” in your PDF reader, choose the number of copies, and ensure your printer is connected.
- The printed e-Aadhaar is legally valid and can be used like the physical card.
Costs Associated with Aadhaar Services
The following table summarizes the costs for various Aadhaar-related services:
| Service | Fee (₹) | Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| New Aadhaar Enrolment | Free | Enrollment for all residents remains free. |
| Biometric Update | 125 | Fingerprint, iris, or photo update. |
| Biometric Update – Children (Special Waivers) | Free | First mandatory update for ages 5–7 & 15–17. Fee waived for ages 7–15 until 30 Sep 2026. |
| Demographic Update (Name, Address, DOB, Mobile, Email) | 75 | If done alone; free when combined with biometric update. |
| Document Update (PoI/PoA) | 75 | At Aadhaar centre; online free until 14 Jun 2026. |
| Aadhaar Printout (Colour A4) | 40 | Print via Aadhaar centres or online tools. |
| Home Visit Enrolment / Update | ~700 + 350 per extra resident | Premium service; fees in addition to update charges. |
| PVC Aadhaar Card | 75 | Includes GST and delivery charges. |
| Online e-Aadhaar Download | Free | Requires registered mobile number. |
| Offline Update at Aadhaar Centre | 50 | For demographic or biometric updates. |
| Online Update (post-June 14, 2026) | 25 | Free until June 14, 2026; fees apply after. |
Benefits of Downloading e-Aadhaar
Downloading your Aadhaar card digitally provides numerous advantages:
- Convenience: Store and access your Aadhaar on your phone or computer, eliminating the need to carry a physical card.
- Legal Validity: The e-Aadhaar is legally equivalent to the physical card, accepted for all verification purposes across India.
- Accessibility: Multiple platforms, including the MyAadhaar portal, mAadhaar app, DigiLocker, and UMANG portal, allow downloads from anywhere with internet access.
- Security: The e-Aadhaar is password-protected, safeguarding your personal information.
- Environmental Sustainability: Digital downloads reduce paper usage, supporting eco-friendly practices.
- Cost-Free: Online downloading is free, unlike some offline services that incur fees.
These benefits make the e-Aadhaar a practical choice for modern, digital-first lifestyles.
Requirements
To download your Aadhaar card online, you need:
- Registered Mobile Number: Your mobile number must be linked with UIDAI to receive OTPs for verification.
- Identification Details: Your 12-digit Aadhaar number, 16-digit Virtual ID (VID), or 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID).
- Internet Access: A stable internet connection to access UIDAI’s online platforms or apps.
- Device: A smartphone, tablet, or computer to download and view the PDF.
Aadhaar & UIDAI
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is the government agency responsible for issuing and managing Aadhaar, India’s 12-digit unique identity number. Established in 2009 under the Aadhaar Act, UIDAI plays a critical role in creating a secure and verifiable digital identity for every Indian resident.
Key Functions of UIDAI:
- Aadhaar Enrollment & Issuance: UIDAI registers residents, captures their demographic (name, date of birth, address) and biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan, photo), and issues a unique Aadhaar number.
- Authentication Services: UIDAI provides secure biometric and demographic authentication for banks, government agencies, and private services.
- Data Security: UIDAI ensures all Aadhaar data is encrypted and safely stored to protect privacy.
- Digital Services: UIDAI manages services like e-Aadhaar download, Virtual ID creation, Aadhaar update services, and the mAadhaar mobile app.
- Policy & Regulation: UIDAI regulates how Aadhaar is used across public and private sectors, ensuring compliance with the law.
UIDAI is the backbone of India’s digital identity ecosystem, enabling seamless access to banking, subsidies, telecom, and government services. By providing secure identity verification, UIDAI reduces fraud and ensures inclusive access for all residents.
UIDAI Contact Information:
- Toll-Free Helpline: 1947
- Email: help@uidai.gov.in
- Website: www.uidai.gov.in
- Enrollment & Update Centers: Banks, post offices, and Common Service Centers (CSCs)
What is Aadhaar
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by UIDAI to Indian residents. It serves as a proof of identity and address, helping residents access government subsidies, banking services, and other digital services securely.
Key Features of Aadhaar:
- 12-digit number uniquely identifying every resident
- Biometric authentication for secure verification
- Lifetime validity with no need for renewal
- Free enrollment for all residents
Aadhaar stores demographic information (like name, date of birth, address) and biometric data (photo, fingerprints, iris scan) with strong encryption to prevent misuse.
Eligibility:
- Any Indian resident who has stayed in India for 182 days or more in the past 12 months can apply for Aadhaar.
- Children and infants are also eligible; enrollment is free.
- Foreign nationals residing in India temporarily may also apply under certain conditions.
Required Documents:
- Identity Proof (PoI): Passport, PAN card, voter ID, or driving license
- Address Proof (PoA): Utility bills, ration card, bank statement, or rental agreement
- Date of Birth Proof: Birth certificate, school certificate, or passport
Special Cases:
- Children under 5 have optional biometric updates until the age of 5.
- For minors above 5, biometrics are captured and updated regularly.
Aadhaar Enrolment Process
Enrolling for Aadhaar at an authorized UIDAI center typically takes 15–30 minutes.
Steps for Enrollment:
- Visit the Aadhaar Enrollment Center – banks, post offices, or CSCs
- Fill the Aadhaar application form with personal details
- Submit required documents (ID, address, DOB proof)
- Capture biometric data – fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph
- Verify details with the operator
- Receive acknowledgment slip with enrollment number
- Download e-Aadhaar online after processing (usually within a few days)
Security Features of Aadhaar
Aadhaar includes several advanced security measures to prevent fraud and protect residents’ data:
- Encryption: 2048-bit Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) encryption to protect data
- Biometric Lock: Residents can lock/unlock their biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized use
- Virtual ID: 16-digit temporary ID for authentication instead of Aadhaar number
- QR Code: Aadhaar cards include a QR code with encrypted data for offline verification
These measures ensure that Aadhaar is tamper-proof and secure for both online and offline transactions.
Uses & Applications of Aadhaar
Aadhaar is widely used in government and private sectors to simplify access to services:
Government Services:
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of subsidies
- Pension and scholarship payments
- Public distribution system (PDS)
Banking & Financial Services:
- Opening bank accounts
- Linking Aadhaar for KYC compliance
- Securing loans and credit
Telecom & Digital Services:
- SIM card verification
- e-KYC for online platforms
- Identity verification for digital services
UIDAI Digital Services
UIDAI provides digital services through its website and mAadhaar app, and New Aadhaar App allowing residents to manage their Aadhaar conveniently:
- e-Aadhaar Download: Instant download of Aadhaar in PDF format
- Mobile Number Update
- Status Check: Track application or update status
- Update Info: Update demographic and contact information online
- Virtual ID Generation: Protect your Aadhaar number
- Authentication History: Check past authentications
- mAadhaar App: Manage Aadhaar on mobile