Aadhaar Card – Enrolment, Download, Status, UIDAI Services

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 for Nepal/Bhutan nationals and resident foreign nationals. Residents get this number by providing their biometric and demographic details at the various government-authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centres or Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs). Read below to know everything about the Aadhar card.

Eligibility for Aadhaar Card Enrolment

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 a LTV holder with 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 Nepal/Bhutan for Nepal/ Bhutan national
• Other resident foreigners who have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the last one year

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).

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.

To know more about Aadhaar Card for NRIs, click here.

Aadhaar Card for Minors or Baal Aadhaar

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.

To know more about Baal Aadhaar, click here

Documents Required for Aadhaar Enrolment

At the time of Aadhaar enrolment, you have to submit the following document proofs – Proof of Address (POA), Proof of Identity (POI), Proof of Relationship (PoR) and Proof of Date of Birth (DoB). The most common that are generally used to apply for an Aadhaar Card are given below:

To know the exact list of documents required for Aadhaar card application, click here.

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 charge of Rs. 50 for the demographic and Rs. 100 for the biometric update at the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card

Considering the importance of Aadhaar and its various benefits, the next question that arises is – How to get the Aadhaar card? There are systematic protocols and a step by step process which needs to be followed to apply for an Aadhar Card.

The applicant is 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 application process of the Aadhaar Card is as follows:

1. Visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
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

How to Check Aadhaar Application Status Online

You can check the Aadhaar Card application status online using ‘Enrolment ID’ which is available in the Aadhaar Acknowledgement Slip containing the 14-digit enrolment number (1234/12345/12345) and 14-digit date and time of enrolment (yyyy/mm/dd hh:mm:ss).

Follow these simple steps to check your Aadhaar enrolment status online:

1. Visit the UIDAI website and click on “Check Aadhaar Status” in the “Get Aadhaar” section.
2. Enter your enrolment number and security code
3. If your Aadhaar is generated, you will get the Aadhaar details and the delivery status

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 the update request online as well. Follow these simple steps to check Aadhaar card update status online:

1. In the “Update Aadhaar” section, click on “Check Aadhaar Update Status”
2. Enter your Service Request Number or SRN generated at the time of updating
3. You will be able to see the Aadhaar update status online

Click here to know in detail how to check Aadhaar application status online

How to Download or Print e-Aadhaar Card Online

Once the Aadhaar card status enquiry shows that your Aadhaar number is generated, it is dispatched to your residential address. However, you can download Aadhar card online as well. There are various ways through which you can get your Aadhar card. They are using:

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

Note: You can print the downloaded e-Aadhaar card and use it as your original Aadhaar till the original Aadhaar reaches you. The e-Aadhar card is also acceptable at all places.
Also Read: How to Download Aadhaar Card

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.

To know more about PVC Aadhaar Card, click here.

How to Link PAN with Aadhaar

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. As of now, the deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar card is 30th June 2023. However, if you link PAN with Aadhar card by 30th June 2022, you will have to pay a fee of Rs. 500 whereas the fee would be Rs. 1,000 in case the Aadhar PAN linking is done between 1st July 2022 and 30th June 2023.

The ways to link to PAN with Aadhaar are as follows:

• Linking PAN with Aadhaar through the e-filing website
• Linking of Aadhaar Number and PAN via SMS

How to Change Address in Aadhaar Card Without Any Address Proof

When you shift to a new city or change your house after marriage, you do not have a valid address proof due to which you can face a lot of problems. However, you can now update your address in Aadhaar card without documents and use it as valid address proof.

This can be done with the help of Aadhaar Address Validation Letter that is provided by the address verifier. The verifier’s address is updated in your Aadhaar card as well. However, no other details of the verifier are imported to your Aadhaar apart from the address. A verifier can be your relative, friend, family member or landlord whoever is willing to provide you his/her address details.

The Process to Link Aadhaar with Bank Account

The Reserve Bank of India made it compulsory for all the 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 Account via Internet Banking
• Bank’s Mobile Application
• By Visiting the nearest bank branch
• ATM
• SMS Service
• Mobile Number

Suggested Read: How to link Aadhaar with Bank Account

How to Lock/Unlock your 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, 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

Aadhaar Card Benefits

The Government of India issues an Aadhaar number to every Indian citizen which acts as a 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.

UIDAI Aadhaar Card Services

• You can download an Aadhaar card online from the  official website of UIDAI
• You can check Aadhaar card status if your Aadhaar is generated after enrolment or not
• You can easily locate Aadhaar Enrolment/ Update Centre in your area in case you want to visit there to update your details via UIDAI online portal
• If you forget/misplace your Aadhaar/Enrolment number, you can retrieve lost UID/EID online quite easily
• You can update your address online by visiting the UIDAI’s portal free of cost
• You can also verify Aadhaar number of a resident  through the online portal
• A resident can lock and unlock Aadhaar biometrics online as well as through the mAadhaar app
•  Aadhaar-bank account linking status can be checked by an employee online
• You can track all authentication requests in the past 6 months by checking Aadhaar authentication history
• To protect your Aadhaar and provide an added layer of security, you can generate or retrieve your Aadhaar Virtual ID against Aadhaar number

Find 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 a unique identity to every individual residing in India, which now acts as a centre point of most of the government schemes. The organisation works under the central government and has its data centre at IMT Manesar, Haryana.

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

How to verify your Aadhaar Card?

Aadhaar card verification is done to check whether an Aadhaar is valid or not. To verify Aadhaar online, you have to do the following:

Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website and click on “Verify Aadhaar Number”
Step 2: Enter the Aadhaar number you want to verify
Step 3: Enter the security code
Step 4: If the Aadhar number is valid, then the age band, gender, state and last two digits of the registered mobile number of the holder can be seen on the screen
Step 5: In case the Aadhaar number is not valid, a message is displayed stating that the Aadhaar number does not exist

Apart from this, now you can also verify your Aadhaar card offline using a sharable document issued by UIDAI. To know more about Aadhaar offline verification, click here.

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 either online or through SMS:

• Aadhaar can be linked online by visiting
  https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/Services/LinkAadhaarPrelogin.html.
• You can also link your PAN with Aadhaar through SMS. Type a message in the format UIDPAN<12 digit Aadhaar><10 digit PAN> and send the SMS to either 567678 or 56161.

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. What is a Masked Aadhaar Card?

Ans. 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 like ‘XXXX-XXXX’ and only shows the last four digits of the Aadhaar number.

Q. From where can I authenticate Aadhar Number?

Ans. The request to authenticate Aadhaar can be placed at the 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 Playstore 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]