Aadhaar Card

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues the Aadhaar card which is a 12-digit unique identification number assigned to all residents of India, non-resident Indians, OCI cardholders, LTV holders, Nepal/Bhutan nationals, etc. Residents get this number by providing their biometric and demographic details at various government-authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centres or Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs). The key idea behind issuing Aadhaar cards by the government is to have a more streamlined and transparent method of allocating various government benefits and subsidies to residents.

On This Page:

What is Aadhaar Card	Components of Aadhaar Card	Types of Aadhaar Cards
Eligibility for Aadhaar Card	Documents Required for Aadhaar Card	Aadhaar Card Services on UIDAI Portal
Aadhaar Card Login	How to Book Aadhaar Appointment Online	How to Apply for Aadhaar Card
How to Check Aadhaar Card Enrolment Status Online	How to Download Aadhaar Card and Print It	What is mAadhaar App
How to Update Aadhaar Card	How to Check Aadhaar Update Status Online	PVC Aadhaar Card
How to Link Aadhaar with PAN	How to Link Aadhaar with Bank Account	How to Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics
How to Verify Aadhaar Card	Aadhaar Card Benefits	Aadhaar Card FAQs

What is Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar card issued by UIDAI contains your Aadhaar number and various biometric and demographic details of an individual. The Aadhar card can be used as a relevant proof of identity and address to avail various services such as opening a bank account, availing government subsidies, applying for loans, etc.

Components of Aadhaar Card

Given below are the key components that make up your Aadhaar card:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Photograph
• Aadhaar number
• QR code
• Address

Types of Aadhaar Card

UIDAI issues different Aadhaar cards to residents. The following are the three different types of Aadhaar card that an individual can avail depending on their age and residential status:

Aadhaar Card for Resident Indians Every Indian citizen can apply for an Aadhaar card. Moreover, the Government of India has now made it mandatory for taxpayers to link their PAN with Aadhaar for filing their annual Income Tax Return (ITR). Baal Aadhaar or Aadhar Card for Minors Aadhaar enrolment is available even for minors, unlike the voter identification card. To apply for an Aadhaar card for children, you have to provide proof of identity and address of parents. Newborns can also be enrolled for Aadhaar. However, they have to update their biometric data as soon as they turn 5 and 15 years old. The Baal Aadhaar card for children below 5 years is blue in colour. Click to know more about Baal Aadhaar Aadhaar Card for NRIs Non-resident Indians (NRIs) including both minors and adults having a valid Indian Passport can apply for Aadhaar card by visiting any Aadhaar Kendra. Even OCIs (Overseas Citizens of India) can also apply for Aadhaar card. However, they need to reside in India for 182 days in the past one year to get the Aadhar card. Click to know more about Aadhaar Card for NRIs

Eligibility for Aadhaar Card

The purpose of issuing Aadhaar by UIDAI to the residents of India was to provide them with a document that can be used as unique identity proof for various purposes. It is more than just an identification number. However, the eligibility to avail an Aadhaar Card is not just limited to Indians.

The eligibility criteria for Aadhaar enrolment are as follows:

• The applicant is an Indian citizen residing in India
• The applicant is a non-resident Indian residing in India
• The applicant is an OCI cardholder, with a valid foreign passport and should have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the last 12 months
• The applicant is an LTV holder with a foreign passport of origin country issued to minorities communities of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan such as Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis and Christians
• The applicant is a citizen of Nepal/ Bhutan
• Other resident foreigners who have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the last one year

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card

At the time of Aadhaar enrolment, you have to submit the following document proofs –

1. Proof of Address (POA),
2. Proof of Identity (POI),
3. Proof of Relationship (PoR)
4. Proof of Date of Birth (DoB)

The most common documents that are generally used to apply for an Aadhaar Card are given below:

Passport of the applicant	PAN Card	Ration card or PDS Photo Card
Voter Identification Card	Driving Licence	NREGS Jobs Card
Photo Bank ATM Card	Voter Identification Card	Certificate of birth of the applicant

Click to know the complete list of documents required for Aadhaar card application

To apply for a new Aadhaar card or update details in your card, you can download the form by visiting the official website, i.e. https://uidai.gov.in or can visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre to submit Aadhaar card enrolment form which is free of cost. You need to submit the form along with the supporting documents to initiate the process of Aadhaar enrolment.

Note: In case you want to update details in your Aadhaar card, you need to pay a fee of Rs. 50 for the demographic and Rs. 100 for the biometric update at the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

Aadhaar Card Services on UIDAI Portal

The following key Aadhaar card services are available on the UIDAI portal:

Document Update	Check Aadhaar Update Status	Update Demographics Data and Check Status
Check Aadhaar Update History	Book an Appointment	Check Aadhaar Status
Download Aadhaar	Order Aadhaar PVC Card	Check Aadhaar PVC Card Status
Locate an Enrolment Center in Bhuvan Aadhaar	Verify an Aadhaar Number	Verify Email/Mobile Number
Retrieve Lost/Forgotten EID/UID	Virtua ID (VID) Generator	Aadhaar Paperless Offline eKYC (Beta)
Bank Seeding Status	Check Aadhaar Validity	Lock/Unlock Biometrics
Aadhaar Authentication History	Aadhaar Lock and Unlock Service	Aadhaar Services on SMS
Know Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Charges	Grievance and Feedback	Check Grievance/Feedback Status

Aadhaar Card Login

For Aadhaar card login or to login to your UIDAI account, you need to visit the Aadhaar card login page and enter your Aadhaar number, captcha code and the OTP that you receive on your registered mobile number.

Here are the key services that you can avail only once you do an Aadhaar card login:

• Free Proof of Identity and Proof of Address document update
• Download Aadhaar
• Order Aadhaar PVC card
• Address update
• Check bank seeding status
• Generate Virtual ID
• Lock/unlock biometrics
• View authentication history
• Offline eKYC
• Check payment history
• Head of Family (HoF) Requests
• Check Aadhaar update history

It is worth noting that you cannot login to Aadhaar card portal if you don’t have a mobile number registered with UIDAI against your Aadhaar.

How to Book Aadhaar Appointment Online

To enroll for an Aadhaar card or to make updates to your Aadhaar card (except for address update), you need to physically visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. Booking an appointment online lets you choose the appointment date and time as per your convenience.

The online appointment booking is also free of cost and you are not required to pay any charges for your initial Aadhaar enrollment. However, you may be required to pay for the Aadhaar service that you avail at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra, that is, Rs. 50 for demographic update and Rs.100 for biometric update per appointment.

Booking an Aadhaar appointment online before you visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra ensures a more convenient and hassle-free experience.

Click to know more about Aadhaar online appointment booking

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card

To apply for an Aadhar card, the applicant can either directly walk-in to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or book an appointment for a more convenient and hassle-free experience.

The applicant is then required to provide the necessary information at the time of Aadhaar enrolment and when such data is verified, the Aadhaar card is generated. You can check the Aadhaar enrolment status online as well.

The step by step Aadhaar Card application process is as follows:

1. Visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center
2. Fill the Aadhaar Enrollment Form
3. Provide the Photograph and Biometric Data (fingerprint and iris scan)
4. After enrolment, you will now receive an acknowledgement slip containing the enrolment number that can be used to check Aadhar status online as well as through IVR
5. Dispatch of Aadhaar to the Address of the Applicant

Find How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Here

How to Check Aadhaar Card Enrolment Status Online

After enrolment, you can check the Aadhaar Card application status online using the 28-digit ‘Enrolment ID’ or ‘EID’ which is available on the top of your Aadhaar Acknowledgement Slip. The EID is made of the 14-digit enrolment number (1234/12345/12345) and 14-digit date and time of enrolment (yyyy/mm/dd hh:mm:ss).

To check the status online, you need to visit the UIDAI website and click on “Check Aadhaar Status” listed under the Get Aadhaar section.If your Aadhaar is generated, you will get the Aadhaar details and the delivery status.

Know in Detail – How to check Aadhaar Application Status Online

How to Download Aadhaar Card and Print It

Once the Aadhaar card status enquiry shows that your Aadhaar number is generated, it is dispatched to your residential address. However, it may take some time before the physical Aadhaar reaches you. Till then you can download Aadhar card online as well and print the PDF version of Aadhaar card, also known as e-Aadhaar card. Both e-Aadhar card as well as its print out is equally valid as your original Aadhaar card and acceptable at all places.

There are various ways through which you can get your Aadhar card online or e-Aadhaar card. You can get your Aadhaar card by using your:

• Aadhaar Number
• Name and Date of Birth
• Without a Registered Mobile Number
• Enrolment Number (EID)
• Virtual ID
• DigiLocker Account
• Umang App
• mAadhaar App

Read more: Aadhaar Card Download & Print

What is mAadhaar

Aadhaar card is often the key/mandatory requirement to avail a number of services and people need to provide their Aadhaar card almost everywhere. To meet these requirements, UIDAI has introduced its official mobile application – mAadhaar app that lets you carry and access your Aadhaar card on your smartphone anytime and anywhere.

The mAadhaar app can be installed on both Android or iOS devices and lets you add up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device. It also offers several other features and services. Some of the key services available on the mAadhaar app include the option to:

• View and Download Aadhaar
• Retrieve EID/UID
• Order PVC Card
• Check Aadhaar Validity
• Verify Email/Mobile
• Generate Virtual ID
• QR Code Scanner
• Generate QR Code
• Paperless Offline e-KYC
• Book an Appointment
• Check Request Status- Enrollment & Update Status, PVC Card Request Status, Retrieve Order Aadhaar Status
• Get TOTP
• View Authentication History and Aadhaar Update History
• Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics
• Lock/Unlock Aadhaar
• Locate an Enrollment Center

Click to know more about the mAadhaar App

How to Update Aadhaar Card

You can make updates/corrections to your Aadhaar card online as well as offline. You will have to pay a fee of Rs. 50 each time you make a demographic update to your Aadhaar card and Rs. 100 for every biometric update. However, as per the latest updates, you can update Proof of Identity and Proof of Address documents free of cost till 14th September, 2024.

Steps to Update Aadhar Online

At present, you can only update your proof of identity and proof of address documents if not updated in the past ten years. You can make corrections to your address online via the UIDAI website. You need to simply fill up the relevant details, upload the necessary documents and pay the applicable fee (if any) to make updates online.

Steps to Update Aadhar Card Offline

To make any other changes to your demographic information apart from address update or update your biometric data, you need to physically visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Update Center and submit the request along with the applicable charges.

Click to know about Aadhar Card Update or Correction Online & Offline

How to Check Aadhaar Update Status Online

If there are errors in Aadhaar details, people can get them rectified both online and offline. However, you can check the status of both online and offline update requests online. Follow these simple steps to check Aadhaar card update status online:

1. On the UIDAI website, under the Update Aadhaar section, click on “Check Aadhaar Update Status”
2. Enter your Service Request Number (SRN) or Update Request Number (URN) generated at the time of making the request along with the captcha code
3. Click on “Submit” to see the Aadhaar update status online

PVC Aadhaar Card

UIDAI has now permitted the Aadhaar Card to be reprinted as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) card. You can apply for the Aadhaar PVC card online by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 50 (inclusive of GST and Speed Post charges). The Aadhaar PVC card is comparatively more durable, comes with a host of security features and is a valid form of Aadhaar.

Click to know more about PVC Aadhaar Card

How to Link Aadhaar with PAN

The Union Government of India has made it mandatory for people to link their PAN with Aadhaar for filing ‘Income Tax Return’ under Section 133 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act. The deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar card has ended on 30th June 2023.

However, to continue using your PAN card and file your income tax returns, you can still try to link your PAN and Aadhaar post the deadline via the income tax e-filing website and paying the prescribed penalty of Rs. 1,000.

Read More – How to Link Aadhaar with PAN Card Online

How to Link Aadhaar with Bank Account

The Reserve Bank of India made it compulsory for all bank accounts to be linked with Aadhaar in 2017. However, as per the Supreme Court’s judgement in 2018, it is no longer a compulsion to link your Aadhaar with the bank account.

However, in case you want to link Aadhaar with Bank Account, you can do so via any of the following means given below:

• Link Aadhaar with bank accounts via internet banking
• Bank’s mobile application
• By visiting the nearest bank branch
• ATM
• SMS service
• Mobile number

Read More: How to link Aadhaar with Bank Account

How to Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics

Aadhaar acts as the proof of identity and proof of address for the citizens of India which are one of most important documents for availing government-related services.  However, to protect it from frauds, UIDAI provides the security of your Aadhaar by providing the facility to lock/unlock Aadhaar biometric data online. The ways to lock and unlock your Aadhaar biometric data online are as follows:

• Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric through UIDAI
• Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric via mAdhaar app

Read more on: How to Lock Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Data

How to Verify your Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar card verification is done to check the validity of an Aadhaar card. A service provider may perform Aadhaar card verification to know if the Aadhaar mentioned in a document actually belongs to the applicant or not.

The Aadhaar card verification process may be carried out online via the UIDAI website, mAadhaar app or offline through the Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC process. Click here to find out more about Aadhaar card verification.

Aadhaar Card Benefits

The Government of India issues an Aadhaar number to every Indian citizen which acts as the proof of identity everywhere in the country. There are a range of benefits of having an Aadhaar card, as mentioned below:

Identity Card

Aadhaar is an identity card accepted by all government and non-government organisations even though it is not a citizenship document. It not only has the photograph of the card holder but also contains biometric details like fingerprints and iris image. Aadhaar card also contains a QR code that can be scanned to verify whether the details mentioned in the card are correct or not.

Proof of Address/Residence

Aadhar card contains the residential address of the card holder. It can thus be used as a proof of residence for various governmental as well as non-governmental verification processes. Aadhaar is also considered a valid proof of residence when applying for various financial products like share market investments, mutual funds, home loan, personal loan, credit card, etc. as well as for availing financial services such as filing ITR.

Government Subsidy

The government has made it compulsory for people to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar to avail subsidies under different schemes. In order to get the subsidy directly in the bank account for schemes such as Pahal, Atal Pension Yojna, kerosene subsidy, school subsidy, food subsidies and others, people have to mandatorily furnish their Aadhaar.

Bank Accounts

Aadhaar has become a key document along with PAN for opening bank accounts these days. These days banks need only Aadhaar card and PAN to open a bank account for the applicant. Jan Dhan accounts also need Aadhaar of the applicant. However, it is not compulsory to link your bank account with an Aadhar card.

Income Tax

The Income Tax Department has made it compulsory for taxpayers to link Aadhaar to PAN. Aadhaar would now mandatorily be required while paying income tax and filing returns otherwise the ITR application of the taxpayer would not be processed. The deadline for linking Aadhaar with PAN has been extended to 30th June 2023.

Phone Connection

Almost all telecom companies provide phone connections after accepting Aadhaar as proof of identity and address. Once Aadhaar is provided, the connection gets activated in the least possible time.

Gas Connection

People have to provide their Aadhaar for getting a new gas connection. In case they want to avail subsidy on their present gas connection, they will have to fill the KYC form and link Aadhaar with their bank account to get subsidy directly in their account under the Pahal (DBTL) scheme.

Mutual Fund

Using the Aadhar Card, you could earlier complete e-KYC for mutual fund investments as mandated by SEBI. Even though the earlier e-KYC process is no longer operational, the investment account opening process is simplified in case you have your Aadhar card.

Note: The current limit for complete e-KYC for mutual fund accounts is Rs 50,000 per year per fund. To override this limitation, in-person biometric verification needs to be completed by the investor.

Read More about Aadhaar Card

The Aadhaar program was launched by the former prime minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in 2009. In April 2010, Nandan Nilekani, who was appointed as the Chairman of UIDAI on June 23rd 2009, launched the logo and the brand name “Aadhaar”.

Aadhaar is a Hindi word that means ‘base’ or ‘foundation’. Currently, Mr. Pankaj Kumar is the CEO of UIDAI/Aadhaar. On September 29, 2010, Ranjana Sonawane from Nandurbar district of Maharashtra state became the first Indian to receive the Aadhaar card. Find out more about Aadhaar card below:

What is UIDAI

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) provides Aadhaar, a unique identity to every individual residing in India which now acts as a centre point of most of the government schemes. It is responsible for generating, updating and deleting Aadhaar cards apart from carrying out awareness programs, facilitation of digitisation using Aadhaar e-KYC, etc. The organisation works under the central government and has its data centre at IMT Manesar, Haryana.

What is an Aadhaar Sewa Kendra (ASK) or Aadhaar Enrolment Centre

Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) is a one-stop destination for residents to avail all kinds of Aadhaar-related services. ASKs provided dedicated Aadhaar enrolment and update services to residents in a state-of-the-art environment. All ASKs are wheelchair-friendly and have special provisions to service the specially-abled and elderly.

These ASKs are available in addition to the Aadhaar Enrolment Centres already run by banks, CSC, Post Offices, BSNL and state governments. You can find the updated list of all the functional ASKs on the UIDAI website.

Read more about Aadhaar Enrolment Centres

What is eAadhaar

e-Aadhaar is an electronic copy of your Aadhaar card. You can download it online free of cost from the UIDAI website, mAadhaar, UMANG app or DigiLocker account. It is equally valid as any other form of Aadhaar and acceptable everywhere.

What is masked Aadhaar

This is the latest option for the citizens to mask their Aadhaar cards in downloaded e-Aadhaar in which the first 8 digits are replaced with characters ‘XXXX-XXXX’ and only show the last four digits of the Aadhaar number.

It can be used as a valid proof of identity at hotels, amusement parks, train travel, etc.

Read More: Masked Aadhaar

How to Fill Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form

Applicants have to fill the Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form if they want to enrol for Aadhaar or they want to make corrections in their existing Aadhaar. The duly filled Aadhaar card correction/enrolment form should be submitted to process the request.

Also Read: How to Fill Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form

What to do if you have lost your Aadhaar Card

In case you have lost your original Aadhaar card, Aadhar card download can be done online through the UIDAI website, print it and use it as the normal Aadhar card. You can search for an Aadhaar card by name, email and mobile number and download it online. Alternatively, you can install the mAadhaar app on your smartphone and use it in place of your original Aadhaar card.

FAQs on Aadhaar Card

Q. What is the validity of my downloaded Aadhaar Card?

Ans. Once you download the Aadhaar Card, it is valid for your entire life.

Q. What is Aadhaar authentication and what are its benefits?

Ans. Aadhaar authentication is the process of the verification of demographic, biometric and other information submitted to the CIDR authorities for verification. The benefit of authenticated Aadhaar is that it helps in establishing identity, improving efficiency and transparency in service delivery, demographic and address verification in future.

Q. How to link an Aadhaar Number with a Bank Account?

Ans. The government of India in 2017 made it mandatory for the applicants to link Aadhaar with Bank accounts, but it was later ruled out by the Supreme Court in 2018 that it is no longer mandatory to link Aadhaar card with bank account. However, banks have provided various options through which account holders can link their accounts with Aadhaar card. Some of the methods to link Aadhaar with bank accounts are –

• Bank’s mobile app
• Internet banking
• Through IVR
• By visiting the ATM or
• By visiting the bank’s branch

Q. How to link Aadhar Number with PAN?

Ans. You can link your PAN with Aadhaar online by visiting income tax e-filing website and paying the prescribed penalty of Rs. 1,000

Q. How to link an Aadhar Number with your ration card?

Ans. Linking Aadhaar with a ration card enables easy transfer of PDS benefits to your bank account (if applicable). In order to link your Aadhaar with ration card, you have to follow these steps:

1. Visit the nearest PDS centre/ration shop
2. Provide the self-attested copy of your and your family members’ Aadhaar
3. Now provide a self-attested copy of your ration card.
4. You will also have to provide your bank account details in case you have not linked it with Aadhaar.
5. Now provide your fingerprints for biometric authentication.

Q. How to link Aadhar Number with EPF Account?

Ans. Linking your EPF account/UAN with Aadhaar allows you to access your EPF account online. Here’s how to do it:

• Register on the EPF member portal and login to your account
• In the KYC section, add your Aadhaar details and submit the form
• Your request will appear under pending KYC
• Once approved by EPFO, it will be viewed under approved KYC
• On successful verification by UIDAI, “Verified” will be mentioned against your approved Aadhaar.

Q. When do I need to authenticate Aadhaar Number?

Ans. You need to authenticate Aadhaar for the verification of identity under different schemes like PDS, NREGA, etc. Beneficiaries are required to authenticate Aadhaar either at the time of applying for such schemes or at the time of availing benefits.

Q. From where can I authenticate Aadhar Number?

Ans. The request to authenticate Aadhaar can be placed at the masked point of service delivery by various agencies. Some of these are self-service kiosks whereas others are operator-managed. Examples of such authentication points are FPS shops, bank terminals, NREGA centres, etc.

Q. How can I know if my Aadhar number is linked with my bank account?

Ans. UIDAI has provided a facility to check whether a bank account is linked with Aadhaar or not. Users can visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in/bank-mapper and login using their Aadhaar number and OTP to check the linkage.

Q. My mobile number is not registered in Aadhaar, how can I get my mobile number updated in Aadhaar?

Ans. In order to get your mobile number linked with an Aadhaar card, you have to visit one of the Aadhaar Enrolment Centres and submit a request for mobile phone updation. Once the request is submitted, the mobile number will be linked with Aadhaar.

Q. How can I know if my update request has been processed?

Ans. Whenever a person files an updation request, he gets a URN after successful submission of the form. He can track the request with the help of this URN.

Q. From where do I download the m-Aadhaar App?

Ans. m-Aadhaar app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or App Store.

Q. Is it necessary to link a bank account with Aadhaar?

Ans. No. It is not mandatory to link a bank account with Aadhaar as long as you have provided any of the other key KYC documents such as PAN, Driving License, Voter ID card, Passport etc.

Q. How to update address in your Aadhaar?

Ans. You can update the address in your Aadhaar card online as well as offline. The online process is free of cost whereas you have to pay a charge of Rs. 50 to update your address in Aadhaar by visiting the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

Q. How to change mobile number in Aadhaar card?

Ans. You can change your mobile number in your Aadhaar card by visiting the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

Q. What is the URN number in Aadhaar Card?

Ans. Whenever you file a request for updation or correction of details in your Aadhaar online, an Update Request Number (URN) is provided after successful submission of the application. You can use this URN to track the updation process.

Q. How to check Aadhaar Card update or correction status?

Ans. Aadhar details may sometimes be wrong or may need to be updated. It might take some time to make the correction after a request is made. In order to check Aadhaar update status or correction status, you can visit the official UIDAI website. However, you will have to provide the Update Request Number (URN) to track the status of your update request.

Q. How to get a duplicate Aadhaar Card?

Ans. In order to get a duplicate Aadhar card, you must follow the steps mentioned below:

• You can call the toll free number 1800-180-1947 and follow the IVR.
• You can download e-Aadhaar from UIDAI’s website and print it to use it in place of Aadhaar.

Q. What to do if an Aadhaar Card is not received?

Ans. In case you check the status of Aadhaar on the website and find that it has been dispatched but the Aadhaar card is not received at your end, you can download the e-Aadhaar from UIDAI’s website using your enrolment number or you can place a request for sending the Aadhar card again.

Q. Can I e-file a tax return without an Aadhaar number?

Ans. E-filing a tax return without Aadhaar is not possible according to the current norms. The government has made it mandatory to link PAN and Aadhaar. In case PAN and Aadhaar are not linked, the e-filing of return would not be processed.

Q. I am not in India and I don’t have an Aadhar Card. Can I apply for an Aadhaar card from outside India?

Ans. No. You cannot apply for Aadhaar from outside of India as it is mandatory to provide biometric details at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, which is located in India. Additionally, you need to have a residential address in India if you want to apply for an Aadhaar card.

Also read about: PAN Card

Q. What are the charges for the Aadhaar PVC Card?

You can apply for a PVC Aadhaar card online by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 50 (inclusive of GST and Speed Post charges).

Q. How many Aadhaar cards may be linked to the same mobile number?

There is no restriction on the number of Aadhaar cards that can be linked to one mobile number. However, only 5 accounts can be accessed using one mobile number on Aadhaar card. It is advisable to link your own mobile number or the mobile number you have better access only to your Aadhaar card as the same will be used for various OTP-based authentication services.

Q. Are e-Aadhaar and the Aadhaar card the same thing?

e-Aadhaar is an electronic or digital copy of your physical Aadhaar card that can be downloaded in PDF format and then printed too. e-Aadhaar card is equally valid and acceptable as any other form of Aadhaar.

Q. What can I update on my own on the Self Service Update Portal (SSUP) of Aadhaar card?

At present, you can only update your address as well as proof of identity and address documents on the Aadhaar Card Self Service Update Portal.

Q. Are NRIs allowed to apply for an Aadhaar card?

Yes, NRIs can apply for an Aadhaar card provided they meet the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements issued by the UIDAI.

Read more about: Aadhaar Card for NRIs and Foreigners

Q. Can the Aadhaar card be made online?

No, you need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for your initial Aadhaar enrollment.

Q. How long does it take to update or make correction in Aadhaar card?

It can take up to 30 days for your update request to be processed and get the updated Aadhaar delivered at your address.

Q. Where do I find my nearest Aadhaar update centre/ Aadhaar Seva Kendra?

You can locate the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra via the UIDAI website.

Q. Can I update demographic information in Aadhaar online?

Yes, at present you can only make changes to your address information in Aadhaar online.

Q. Can I get my Aadhaar card from DigiLocker?

Yes, you can download your Aadhaar card from your DigiLocker account.

Q. How can I update mobile number in Aadhaar Card?

To update your mobile number in Aadhaar card you need to visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra, make the update request and pay a fee of Rs. 50.

Q. How can I check/verify my mobile number linked to Aadhaar card?

You can check/verify the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card via the UIDAI website. Here is a step-by-step guide to do so:

1. Click on the My Aadhaar tab and select “Verify Email/Mobile Number” listed under the Aadhaar Services section
2. Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, captcha code and click on “Submit” to verify if your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar.

Aadhaar Card Latest News

Deadline for Free Online Aadhaar Document Update Extended to 14th September 2024

17-07-2024- As per a recent update, UIDAI has extended the deadline to update the demographic information on your Aadhaar card online for free to 14th September 2024.

Aadhaar card holders can now update the demographic information on their Aadhaar card online free of cost by uploading their identity and address proof documents on the myAadhaar portal till 14th September 2024.

Deadline for Free Online Aadhaar Document Update Extended to 14th June 2024

25-04-2024- As per the latest information, the deadline to update the demographic information on your Aadhaar card online for free has been further extended to 14th June 2024.

Residents can now update the demographic information on their Aadhaar card online for free by uploading their identity and address proof documents on the myAadhaar portal till 14th June 2024.

Free Online Aadhaar Document Update Deadline Extended to 14th March 2024

5-03-2024- As per the recent update, the deadline to update the demographic information on your Aadhaar online for free has been extended to 14th March 2024.

Residents can now update the demographic information on their Aadhaar free of cost online by uploading their identity and address proof documents on the myAadhaar portal till 14th March 2024.

Deadline for Free Online Aadhaar Document Update Extended to 14th December 2023

18-09-2023- As per the latest update, the deadline to update the demographic information on your Aadhaar online for free has been extended to 14th December 2023.

Residents can now update the demographic information on their Aadhaar online for free by uploading their identity and address proof documents on the myAadhaar portal till 14th December 2023.

Deadline for Free Aadhaar Online Document Upload Extended to 14th September 2023

14-07-2023- As per a recent update, UIDAI has extended the deadline to update demographic information online for free on your Aadhaar till 14th September 2023.

Residents can now upload their proof of identity and proof of address documents online without paying any charges till 14th September 2023.

Deadline for Linking Aadhaar and Ration Card Extended Till 30th September 2023

5-07-2023- As per a recent update, the Government of India has now extended the Aadhaar and ration card linking deadline from 30th June 2023 to 30th September 2023. Linking of Aadhaar and ration card is mandatory for people who want to avail benefits under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and the Priority Household Scheme. Aadhaar and ration card linking can be done free of cost either online via your respective state government website or by visiting a local ration office.

This Aadhaar-Ration card linking requirement has been put in place to eliminate users from having multiple ration cards and help authorities monitor ineligible people whose income exceeds the limit avail ration at subsidised rates.

Read more on Aadhaar-Ration Card Linking

Deadline for PAN-Aadhaar Linking Ending Soon

9-06-2023- Taxpayers who haven’t linked their PAN and Aadhaar yet, need to do the same latest by 30th June 2023 by paying the prescribed fee of Rs. 1,000. To avoid the deactivation of your PAN card and file your income tax return you must mandatorily link your PAN and Aadhaar before 1st July 2023.

UIDAI Makes the Online Aadhaar Updation Process Free of Cost till 14th June 2023

10-04-2023- As per a recent update, UIDAI has waived off the online Aadhaar card update/correction charges till 14th June 2023. This implies that till 14th June 2023, Indian residents can update demographic details including their name (minor changes), date of birth, address and gender in Aadhaar card online through the official UIDAI website for free without paying the usual fee of Rs. 50 that is generally charged for biometric and demographic updates. 

However, to update your phone number or biometric information in your Aadhaar card you still need to visit the nearest Aadhaar centre and pay the applicable charges.

Deadline for Linking PAN-Aadhaar Extended to 30th June 2023

28-03-2023- As per the latest update, the last date for linking PAN-Aadhaar has been extended from 31st March 2023 to 30th June 2023 in order to provide some more time to taxpayers. People can now intimate their Aadhaar number to the prescribed authority for Aadhaar-PAN linking by paying the prescribed fee of Rs. 1,000 before 1st July 2023.

SEBI Asks Investors to Link their PAN with Aaadhaar by March End

9-03-2023- As per a recent update, capital markets regulator SEBI has asked all investors to link their PAN with Aadhaar by 31 March, 23 to ensure continual and smooth transactions in the securities market. 

Failure to link PAN with Aadhaar by March end would be considered non-KYC complaint and securities and other transactions would be restricted until PAN and Aadhaar are linked. SEBI has also instructed that all SEBI-registered entities and market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) must ensure valid KYC for all participants since PAN is the key identification number and part of KYC requirements for all transactions in the securities market. Moreover, as per a circular issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes earlier in March 2022, PAN allotted to a person would become inoperative if it is not linked to Aadhaar by 31 March, 23 and he/she would be liable to all the consequences as per the Income Tax Act, 1961, for not furnishing, quoting or intimating PAN.

UIDAI Suggests People to Update their Aadhaar Biometric and Demographic Details if They Haven’t Done it in the Past 10 Years

11-11-2022- Since Aadhaar has become one of the most important proofs of identity, UIDAI has suggested residents to keep their documents updated in Aadhaar. This will ensure better service delivery, help in ease of living as well as enable accurate authentication.

However, the Press Information Bureau in its latest notification clarified that updating documents in Aadhaar post 10 years of enrolment is not a mandatory requirement. The notification is issued in response to news reports and social media posts that had incorrectly stated that the same had been mandatory by the government.

UIDAI Launches New Chatbot ‘Aadhaar Mitra’ 

7-11-2022- To improve the overall resident service experience, UIDAI has recently launched its new chatbot- ‘Aadhaar Mitra’ as part of its new and advanced CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solution. 

Aadhaar Mitra is an AI/ML based chatbot and is available in both Hindi and English on the UIDAI website homepage and resident portal. It lets you track Aadhaar card enrolment/update status, check Aadhaar PVC card status, get information on enrolment centre location as well as register and track your grievances online.

Election Commission to Start a Drive to Link Aadhaar Card with Voter ID

5-08-2022- Starting 1 August 2022, the Election Commission (EC) of India has decided to launch a new drive to link Voter id cards with Aadhaar cards in several states. The move has been brought in place to establish the identity of electors and authentication of entries in the electoral roll.  It will also help in the identification of registration of the name of the same person in more than one constituency or more than once in the same constituency. 

Voters can link their Aadhaar with their Voter id card by filling up form-6B available online at nvsp.in. They can submit the form either after self-authenticating their Aadhaar using the OTP received on their mobile number registered with UIDAI or may submit form-6B along with required enclosures online without self-authentication. However, linking Aadhaar with Voter id card is not mandatory and voters’ names will not be deleted from the voters’ list as providing Aadhaar card by voters is voluntary. 

UIDAI’s New Mobile App AadhaarFaceRd Lets You Perform Face Authentication Anytime Anywhere

22-07-2022- With UIDAI’s newly launched AadhaarFaceRd app Aadhaar card holders no longer carry physical identification using fingerprint and iris scans by physically visiting their local Aadhaar enrollment centre. Their identities, including their Aadhaar numbers and all biometric and demographic data are stored in the Central Identity Data Repository using face authentication. This live face authentication app can be used to verify residents’ identities by various Aadhaar authentication apps like Jeevan Praman, PDS, scholarship schemes, COWIN and farmer welfare schemes.

Centre Tells Ministries to Use Aadhaar Based Direct Benefit Transfer for All Welfare Schemes

15-07-2022- To eliminate data duplication, fake beneficiaries and ensure smooth disbursal of benefits to beneficiaries, the central government has ordered all ministries and departments to use Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for all welfare schemes. Under DBT, the subsidy is transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries and helps increase the transparency in the system. Moreover, Aadhaar helps in the cost-effective authentication of beneficiaries on a real-time basis, eliminate fake beneficiaries by removing duplication of records and can also be used as a financial address as more than 77 crore bank accounts are linked with Aadhaar.

Child’s Aadhaar Not Mandatory to Avail Benefits of the Government’s Nutrition Scheme

In response to a media report which claimed that children will soon mandatorily require an Aadhaar id to avail benefits of the government’s Poshan scheme, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry has clarified that the child’s Aadhaar card is not mandatory to access benefits of the nutrition scheme and the same can be accessed by registering the mother’s Aadhaar card on the Poshan tracker app. The same has also been clarified by a Press Information Bureau fact-check in a recent tweet. 

Aadhaar to Soon Cover Indian Citizens’ Entire Life Cycle

16-06-2022- In order to deepen its reach across the country, UIDAI plans to launch two new pilot programmes with the aim of covering Indian citizens’ entire lifecycle. The move seeks to provide a temporary Aadhaar number to newborns which will be renewed with biometric data on attainment of majority. This will help to ensure that no one is left out of the social security net and children and families benefit from government programmes. UIDAI also aims to link Aadhaar numbers with death registration records to prevent the misuse of government benefits through the use of deceased person’s Aadhaar numbers.

UIDAI to Roll Out Door-to-door Aadhaar Sewa; Training 48,000 Postman for the Same

7-06-2022- The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) is training around 48,000 India Post Payment Bank (IPPB) postmen to carry out door-to-door Aadhaar services such as linking Aadhaar with mobile numbers, updating details and conducting Aadhaar enrolment for children across the remotest corners of the country. 

As part of its expansion plan, UIDAI is also looking to onboard around 13,000 CSC (Common Service Centre) banking correspondents to carry out doorstep Aadhaar services, open an Aadhaar Seva Kendra in all 755 districts of the country and ‘mini’ Aadhaar Sewa Kendras in all the 7224 blocks of the country. All of this will help in easier and faster collection and updation of Aadhaar data

Quoting Aadhaar or PAN Mandatory for Withdrawals/Deposits over Rs. 20 Lakh or Opening a Current A/C

11-05-2022- As per a recent government update, it is now mandatory to quote your PAN or Aadhaar when withdrawing or depositing over Rs. 20 lakh in a financial year or when opening a current account. The move has been brought in place by the Central Board of Direct Taxes to increase the transparency of financial transactions, trace the movement of cash in the system and get tax evaders under the tax net.

Aadhaar-Ration Card Linking Deadline Extended Till 30th June 2022

28-03-2022- As per a recent update, the Aadhaar-Ration Card linking deadline has been extended by another 3 months in order to enable maximum citizens to complete the process. Earlier the last date for linking Aadhaar with Ration Card was 31st March 2022, which has now been extended till 30th June 2022.

Aadhaar Tweak to Enable Auto Update of Key DigiLocker Documents

17-03-2022- As per a recent update, in order to make updates in documents easier, UIDAI is coordinating with various government departments to effect changes in documents stored in DigiLocker following an update in the user’s Aadhaar.

The transport ministry and UIDAI have already started this initiative, permitting those with their driving licenses stored in DigiLocker to get their address updated through consent after they update their address in Aadhaar. Next in line is PAN for which UIDAI is coordinating with the Income Tax department to exercise a similar initiative.

UIDAI to Open 166 Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASKs) for Aadhaar Enrolment and Update

21-02-2022 – Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the organization responsible for issuing and managing Aadhaar cards, has decided to open a total of 166 standalone Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASKs) to facilitate easy Aadhaar enrolment and update. These ASKs are in addition to more than 52,000 centres operated in banks and post offices.

55 ASKs have already started to function and more than 70 lakh customers have been served. All services related to the Aadhaar card can be availed in these centres. However, if you need an Aadhaar card, you can order Aadhaar PVC card online at a nominal fee of Rs. 50.