Aadhar Card

As we are fully aware of the meaning and advantages of the Aadhar Card, we can understand the need and importance of holding the same. So the next question arises – how to get the Aadhaar card? There is a systematic protocol 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 Aadhar enrolment and when such data is verified, the Aadhaar card is issued. You can check the Aadhaar enrolment status online as well. Let us have a look at the application process of the Aadhar Card step by step:

• Aadhaar Enrolment Centre– At first, if the individual wishes to apply for the Aadhar card, he needs to check for the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. He would have to locate and then go to the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre that is authorised by the UIDAI. One can locate the centre online using the portal of UIDAI. The individual is then supposed to carry his identity proof and the proof of address where he is residing when he visits the authorized centre.
• Fill the form– In the authorised centre, Aadhar Enrolment Form is available for enrolling for the card. The form is free of cost and the individual is required to fill up the entire form. This form is also available on the internet so the individual can also download the form from the internet and can easily fill it out after printing it. After filling the form, submit it at the enrolment centre in order to save time.
• Photograph and Biometric Data Collection– After the form is submitted, the process of enrolment takes place. In this method, the photograph, fingerprint scan and iris scan of the individual is taken.  During the enrolment procedure, it is of utmost importance that the individual double-checks all the provided details in the form and make any rectifications if an error is found.
• Acknowledgement Slip– After enrolment, the applicant receives an acknowledgement slip that works till the time the individual receives the original Aadhar Card copy. The slip contains the enrolment number that can be used to check Aadhar status online as well as through IVR.
• Issue of Aadhaar Card– Before issuing the original Aadhar Card, all the data provided by the individual is verified through the central government agency UIDAI, and only upon proper verification, the Aadhar Card is issued to the individual.
• Dispatch of Aadhaar to the Address of the applicant– If the Aadhar verification process is successful, the applicant initially receives an SMS or a notification through e-mail. Then, in a few days’ time, the Aadhaar number gets printed on the Aadhar Card of the individual and is sent to their verified residing address through post.

Aadhaar was brought into effect to help people residing in India to have a document that can be used for various purposes. It is more than just an identification number. However, it is also not the case that only Indians can apply for Aadhar card. The eligibility criteria for Aadhar card is not as complex as it may seem to many. A person can apply for Aadhaar if:

• He/she is an Indian Citizen residing in India, or
• He/she is a non-resident Indian residing in India, or
• He/she is a foreigner residing in India.
• Even new-borns can enrol for Aadhaar.

Aadhar Card for Resident Indians

Every Indian citizen can apply for Aadhar card and get the number. The government has now made it mandatory for taxpayers to link their PAN with Aadhaar while filing their income tax returns.

Aadhaar Card for Minors

Unlike voter identification card, Aadhaar can be opened for minors. They have to furnish the birth certificate along with the proof of identity and address of parents. New-borns can also be enrolled for Aadhaar. However, they have to update their biometric data as soon as they turn 5 and 15 years old. Aadhaar card for children below 5 years is blue in colour.

Aadhar for Foreigners

Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship for India. It just contains various details necessary to identify a person. Thus, people, who are residing in India even though they have the citizenship of another country, can apply for Aadhar card and get the document to avail various facilities. However, they have to reside in India for more than 182 days in the past 12 months to avail this facility. Thus, it is quite clear now that anyone who lives in India can apply for Aadhaar.

Applicants have to submit two documents at the time of enrolment – Proof of address (POA) and Proof of Identity (POI). Any of the following documents would be accepted by the UIDAI as the identity proof of the individual. These documents have the name and photograph of the individual which qualify them to act as an identity proof. Here is the list of the documents required for Aadhaar card when you are applying for one:

• 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.

People can download the form for applying for fresh Aadhaar as well as for updating details in their Aadhaar by visiting the following Aadhar card official website https://uidai.gov.in. This Aadhar card enrolment form is also available at all Aadhaar enrolment centres free of cost. Applicants have to fill the form completely and submit it along with the supporting documents to initiate the process of Aadhaar enrolment.

Aadhaar is a scheme launched by the government of India to provide a unique identification number to everybody residing in India. Thus, the government has made this service free and there are no charges associated with it whatsoever. All charges, including the infrastructure, logistics and services, are borne by the government of India. However, in case you want to update details in your Aadhaar card, a charge of Rs 25 is taken from the applicant.

Aadhaar number is a unique identification number that enables each individual to have a proper identity proof acceptable everywhere in the country. The Aadhar Card has many benefits that can be enjoyed by the people residing in India once they decide to enrol for the same. Though Aadhar card registration is not compulsory, still people need to apply for Aadhar card and the importance to get the card is felt by each and every one.  Most of the banking schemes and income tax related forms need Aadhaar details to be furnished. Let us have a look at the various benefits and advantages of Aadhar Card in India:

Identity Card

Aadhaar has become one of the most trusted and reliable identity cards. It not only has the photograph of the card holder but also contains his biometric details like fingerprints and iris image. Aadhaar card also contains the QR code that can be scanned to verify whether the details mentioned in the card are correct or not. This makes Aadhaar all the more important identification proof.

Proof of Residence

Aadhar card contains the residential address of the card holder. It can thus be used as a proof of residence in almost all governmental as well as non-governmental verification processes. Aadhaar is also considered a valid proof of residence when applying for home loan, personal loan, etc. to meet your financial needs.

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 primary requirement for opening bank account these days. Most banks need only Aadhaar card and PAN to open the bank account of the applicant. Jan Dhan accounts also need Aadhaar of the applicant. You can also apply for savings account at Paisabazaar.com using your Aadhaar.

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.

Phone Connection

Almost all telecom companies provide phone connections after accepting Aadhaar as the only proof. Once Aadhaar is furnished, the connection gets activated in least possible time. Also, existing customers have to link their mobile numbers with their Aadhaar for reverification.

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 Aadhar with their bank account to get subsidy directly in their account under the Pahal (DBTL) scheme.

Mutual Fund

Using the Aadhar Card, you can also complete e-KYC for mutual fund investments as mandated by SEBI .The entire process can be completed online and physical paper work needs to be submitted in case you have your Aadhar card.

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

What is UIDAI?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was set up to provide unique identity to each and every individual residing in India which could be verified online and would be hard to duplicate and forge. UIDAI came up with Aadhaar which has now become 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 Aadhar. The duly filled Aadhar card correction/enrolment form should be submitted to process the request. If you are enrolling for Aadhar, you have to fill the complete form whereas in case of updating details mentioned in your Aadhar card, you have to fill only those details that need to be updated/corrected.

What are the documents required while applying for an Aadhaar Card?

While applying for an Aadhar card, you have to provide two proofs – Proof of Address (POA) and Proof of Identity (POI). These documents are required for approving your identity and residence and thus have to be submitted at the time of enrolment.  In case of minors, parents have to submit their identity proof and proof of residence to authenticate their child’s details.

How to apply for Aadhaar Card?

People can apply for Aadhar card by visiting any of the Aadhaar enrolment centres. They can search for a nearby Aadhar Enrolment Centre online by visiting the UIDAI website. They have to fill the Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form and submit required documents and provide their biometric data to complete the enrolment procedure.

How to check Aadhaar card status?

Once the enrolment process is complete, the applicant is handed over the acknowledgement slip which contains the enrolment number. Using this number, the applicant can check Aadhar card status whether it is generated, dispatched or is still being processed.

How to download Aadhar card online?

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

Aadhar Card Download from Aadhaar Number

Step 1: You can download your Aadhaar card by entering your Aadhaar number, name and pincode.
Step 2: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number to validate your Aadhaar card download request.
Step 3: Once you enter this OTP, your Aadhaar copy will be downloaded.

Aadhar Card Download from Enrolment Number

Users can also download their Aadhar card by following these steps:

Step 1: Enter your enrolment number and the time and date when enrolment was carried out.
Step 2: These details are mentioned in the acknowledgement slip.
Step 3: Rest of the process is same as that of the previous method.

Print Aadhar Card

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.

How to update Aadhaar Card details?

There may be circumstances when some details might have been mistakenly filled that are not correct. Errors may also occur while updating the details in the database as well. People can update Aadhaar card details online as well as by visiting a nearby Aadhar Enrolment Centre. People can update their address online whereas for updating all other details, one has to visit the Aadhar Enrolment Centre.

How to update Address in your Aadhaar?

You can update your Address in your Aadhaar card online as well as offline. The online process is free of cost whereas you have to pay Rs 25 for update done by visiting the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

How to change mobile number in Aadhaar card?

• You can change your mobile number in your Aadhaar card by visiting the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
• Mention your mobile number in the Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form
• You do not have to provide any proof or document to change your mobile number in Aadhaar.
• A fee of Rs 25 will be charged for the service availed.

What is URN number in Aadhar Card?

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

How to check Aadhaar Card update or correction status?

Aadhar details may sometimes be wrong or may need updation. Sometimes there might be a condition that the name or date of birth mentioned on the card is incorrect. People can get these details corrected. But the process takes some time. In order to check Aadhaar update status or correction status, you can visit the UIDAI website. However, you will have to provide the Update Request Number (URN) to track the status of your update request.

How to get a duplicate Aadhaar Card?

There may be conditions when Aadhar card of a person might be misplaced or lost. In order to get a duplicate Aadhar card:

• 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.

What to do if Aadhaar Card is not received?

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.

Aadhar Card Verification Procedure

Aadhaar card verification is done to check whether an Aadhaar is valid or not. To verify Aadhaar, 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.

What to do if you lost your Aadhaar Card?

In case you have lost your original Aadhaar card, you can download it online through the UIDAI website, print it and use it as the normal Aadhar card. You can search Aadhar 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.

Q. How to link Aadhar Number with Bank Account?

A. The government has made it mandatory to link Aadhaar with bank accounts. Banks have provided various options through which account holders can link their accounts with Aadhaar. 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?

A. People can link their 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 Aadhar with your mobile number?

A. The government has made it mandatory to link Aadhaar with the mobile number. There are three methods through which you can link mobile number with Aadhaar:

• Aadhaar Linking with Mobile Number by visiting the Store
  • Visit the Store of your operator and provide your mobile number
  • The operator sends an OTP to your mobile number
  • Provide this OTP to the operator.
  • Now provide your fingerprint for biometric verification.
  • You will receive a message on your number within 24 hours.
  • Send ‘Y’ as the reply to complete the linking process.
• Aadhaar Linking with Mobile Number through OTP
  • Your mobile number should be registered with UIDAI to avail this service
  • Send an SMS to the service provider mentioning your Aadhaar number
  • The operator does a demographic verification of the number
  • Now, it sends an OTP request for this number to UIDAI
  • UIDAI sends the OTP to the mobile number
  • The user sends this OTP to the operator
• Aadhaar linking with Mobile Number through IVR
  • Make a call to your operator’s verification number
  • Follow the instructions and select appropriate options
  • Enter your Aadhaar number
  • Confirm the details provided
  • Your Aadhaar will be linked with your mobile number

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

A. The government has made it mandatory to link Aadhaar with ration card for increasing the efficiency of PDS. In order to link your Aadhaar with your ration card, you have to follow these steps:

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

Q. How to link Aadhar Number with EPF Account?

A. 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
• Login to your account
• In the KYC section, add your Aadhaar details
• Now 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. What is Aadhar authentication and what are its benefits?

A. 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. When do I need to authenticate Aadhaar Number?

A. People are expected 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?

A. 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. Can a US citizen apply for Aadhar Card?

A. If the concerned US citizen is residing in India for the past 182 days continuously or in parts in a year, he can apply for an Aadhar card. But the card can be used only in India and should not be considered as the proof of Indian citizenship.

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

A. 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 I can get my mobile number updated in Aadhaar?

A. In order to get your mobile number linked with Aadhar 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 liked with Aadhaar.

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

A. 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. Is it necessary to link bank account with Aadhaar?

A. The Government of India has made it compulsory for everybody to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar latest by 31^st December 2017. Those accounts that will not be linked with Aadhaar after this deadline will be frozen until the account is linked with Aadhaar.

Q. Is there any fee charged by UIDAI for enrolment for Aadhar Card?

A. No fee is charged by UIDAI for Aadhaar enrolment process. Also, availing original as well as duplicate Aadhar card is free of cost.

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

A. 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 Aadhar Card. Can I apply for Aadhaar card from outside India?

A. Foreign citizens can apply for Aadhaar number only when they reside in India. Those foreigners who do not reside in India cannot apply for Aadhaar as it is mandatory to provide biometric details at one of the Aadhaar Enrolment Centres and have a residential address in the country.

[Also read about: PAN Card]

UIDAI Launches Aadhaar Update History Feature in Beta Mode

12-June-2018 – UIDAI has launched the facility to check Aadhaar update history online through which a user can check all update requests placed in the past. This will help users to keep a tab on when each update was done and what details were updated. Results are displayed in a detailed tabular format clearly mentioning the name, date of birth, mobile number, email id, gender and address along with the photograph of the user changed after the update.

Aadhaar Linking Deadline for Welfare Schemes Extended till 30^th June

29-March-2018 – The government has extended the Aadhaar linking deadline with various welfare schemes from 31st march to 30th June 2018. The Supreme Court had refused to extend the deadline to which the central government provided the respite to those who were not able to enrol for Aadhaar by now. Such people who qualify for different welfare schemes but do not have an Aadhaar can enrol for Aadhaar now and link their documents with Aadhaar before the new deadline ends.

Aadhaar – PAN linking deadline extended to 30^th June

28-March-2018 – The Central board of Direct Taxes has extended the Aadhaar-PAN linking deadline from 31st March to 30th June. This outcome has come after the Supreme Court extended the Aadhaar linking deadline with various instruments indefinitely from March 31st while hearing cases against the constitutional validity of Aadhaar. The extension has come as a relief to people who were not able to link their PAN cards with Aadhaar till now.

Supreme Court Denies Extending Aadhaar Linking Deadline of March 31^st for Welfare Schemes

28-March-2018 – The Supreme Court has refused to extend the Aadhaar linking deadline with government welfare schemes of March 31st, 2018. Earlier, the five-judge constitution bench, headed by the CJI Dipak Misra, had extended the Aadhaar linking deadline with bank accounts, mobile number and other instruments indefinitely. Now, people who avail benefits under government welfare schemes have to link their Aadhaar with these schemes or they will be deprived of the benefits under these schemes from 1st April 2018.

Face ID to be Used for Aadhaar Authentication From July 1

27-March-2018 – UIDAI has informed the Supreme Court that it is going to start the face ID detection to authenticate Aadhaar for those individuals who have poor biometrics to curb authentication failures in those cases. As per the organisation, they already have the photograph of Aadhaar holders that can be used for authentication. This will help a huge section of senior citizens who, in some cases, are deprived of the pension benefits and provident funds due to unapproved authentications.

Aadhaar Linking Deadline Extended by the Supreme Court

19-March-2018 – The Constitutional bench of Supreme Court headed by the Chief Justice Dipak Mishra has extended the Aadhaar linking deadline indefinitely. Earlier, the last date for linking Aadhaar with various schemes was 31st March 2018. However, Aadhaar will still be mandatory for opening new bank accounts, tatkal passport and availing subsidies under various government schemes.

Aadhaar Linking with Flight Tickets to Enable Faster Airport Entry Soon

23-Nov-2017 – Domestic passengers will soon be able to gain access to the airport terminals faster than normal flyers. They have to just mention their Aadhaar at the time of air-ticket booking,. These passengers will be able to avail seamless travel experience At Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Vijaywada airports from 2018 under the Central Government’s “digi yatra” programme.

IRDAI Makes Aadhaar Linking with Insurance Policies Mandatory

09-Nov-2017 – Insurance regulator IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has made Aadhaar linking with insurance policies compulsory. General insurance as well as life insurance companies will have to implement this directive immediately and start the linking process. IRDAI said, “These rules have statutory force and, as such, life and general insurers (including standalone health insurers) have to implement them without awaiting further instructions”.

Aadhaar Linking for Postal Accounts Deadline 31st December

06-Nov-2017 – In order to help postal account holders meet the 31^st December 2017 deadline for linking of account with Aadhaar and mobile number, the Department of Posts (DoP) has unveiled 585 additional Aadhaar enrollment centres in Andhra Pradesh. These new centres are in addition to the 1595 post offices in the state that already provide similar services.

Aadhaar verified Passengers Can Book Upto 12 Railway Tickets Online in a Month

03-Nov-2017 – In their bid to encourage people for Aadhaar enrolment, Indian railways has announced the increase in monthly online railway ticket booking quota for Aadhaar verified passengers. Now, those who have verified Aadhaar can book up to 12 railway tickets online in a month, which was earlier restricted to 6. The move has came in effect from 26^th October 2017 and is being hailed as an innovative way of encouraging people to link Aadhaar with their IRCTC accounts.

Now Link Aadhaar With Mobile Using OTP

02-Nov-2017 – A tweet posted by UIDAI on Nov 2 stated that from December 1, 2017, users will be able to link their mobile number with Aadhaar through OTP (one-time password) received on their registered mobile number. Users will no longer need to visit telecom service provider centres as from next month; they will be able to link their mobile number and Aadhaar on their own from the comfort of their home.

Telecom Operators to display the reverification process on their website by December

31^st Oct 2017 – UIDAI and the Department of Telecom (DoT) are making a framework which will help in linking Aadhaar with mobile numbers and their reverification. Mobile operators will have to display this data on their website by December. DoT has proposed three new facilities for linking Aadhaar with mobile numbers – OTP-based method, IVRS and through the telecom operator’s app. Telecom secretary, Aruna Sundararanjan said, “Operators have to inform DoT by November 15 on the mechanism by which all options for linking Aadhaar with mobile number are made available on their portals. This will then be verified by DoT and UIDAI over another two weeks. So we hope that by December, citizens will know about the options that they can choose online.”

Bangalore International Airport to Become Aadhaar-enabled by March

12^th Oct 2017 – Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has come up with a project to make passengers’ experience at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) smooth and quick. The authority has decided to implement Aadhaar-enabled access system at the airport. This will help in reducing the verification time and screening time would be reduced from 25 minutes to as less as 10 minutes. The first stage would be brought into effect by March 2018. Domestic airlines would be brought on-board by June 2018 whereas all international airlines would also be brought on-board by October 2018.

Government Allocates Rs 2,000 Crores for Setting up Aadhaar Centres in Post Offices

11^th Oct 2017 – The Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Rs 2,000 Crores for setting up Aadhaar Centres in 15,000 Post Offices across India. The deadline set to complete this project is March 31st, 2018. This step is aimed at minimising frauds and corruption committed at private Aadhaar Enrolment and Update centres. This will also help in mitigating the risk of Aadhaar data breach. The government has also asked banks to open more than 15,000 Aadhaar centres in their branches. This step would not only ensure improved access for Aadhaar enrolment and update but also extend the reach of UID in remote areas.