Aadhaar Card: Eligibility Requirements, Documents Checklist, and Status Tracking

Important Details related to Aadhaar Card:

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Aadhaar Card:

All the residents of India are eligible to apply for Aadhaar card, irrespective of their age and gender. Read on to know more about it:

1. The applicant should be a residing in India.

1. Children and newborn babies can apply for Baal Aadhaar.

1. Non-Resident Indians

1. Foreign nationals may also apply for an Aadhaar card if they are residing in India under eligible visa categories, allowing temporary use of Aadhaar to access specific services.

Aadhaar Card for Indians

Indians residing in India can apply for Aadhaar. However, as per the rule by the Government of India, it is now mandatory to link your Aadhaar with your PAN so as to file your income tax returns.

Aadhaar Card for Minors

Minors or citizens of India below the age of 18 years can also apply for an Aadhaar. However, the details of the parents of the child including their identity and address proof are to be provided. Newborn babies can also apply for Aadhaar; however, they will have to get their biometrics updated as soon as they turn five years and 15 years old.

Find a detailed guide to about Baal Aadhaar

Aadhaar for NRIs

NRIs can apply for an Aadhaar Card. However, NRIs must have a valid Indian Passport to apply for an Aadhaar.

Find a detailed guide to about NRI or  Foreign Aadhaar

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card

There is a list of documents that you should carry for the Aadhaar card enrolment process. In general, for the application process, you will be required to provide - proof of identity, proof of address, proof of age, and proof of relationship. Mentioned below is a list of documents for each of these cases that you can provide for the enrolment process:

To Know Complete list of Valid Document for Aadhaar card Document for Aadhar card.

How to Enroll for Aadhaar?

The Aadhaar application process can be done from any authorised Aadhar Enrolment Centre/Permanent Enrolment Centre. You can find an updated list of existing Aadhaar Enrolment Centres on the UIDAI website.

In an effort to simplify the enrolment process, the UIDAI has also authorised over 10,000 post offices and bank branches to operate as Permanent Enrolment Centres.

Also know about  if Aadhaar Card is not Received

Applicants can follow the Procedure Listed below to Complete the Enrolment Process:

Step 1 - Visit the official website of Aadhaar to find an Aadhaar enrolment centre

Step 2 - Enter the required details to fill in the form

Step 3 - Submit the required documents.

Step 4 - The applicant needs to provide their biometrics (fingerprint and iris scan).

Step 5 - The applicant needs to obtain the enrolment acknowledgement slip

Step 6 - The applicant will receive their Aadhaar card at the registered address.

Step 7 - The Aadhaar enrolment is voluntary service offered free of cost.

How to Enroll for Baal-Aadhaar

The following are the steps to enrol for Baal Aadhar:

Step 1 - Visit the UIDAI website to find the nearest enrolment center

Step 2 - Visit the enrolment center with a copy of the child’s birth certificate.

Step 3 - The Aadhaar number of one of the child’s parents must be provided compulsorily for authentication and Baal Aadhaar will be linked to the parents Aadhaar.

Step 4 - All relevant details and a mobile number that the applicant wishes to register with Baal Adhaar must be filled in on the Baal Aadhaar application form.

Step 5 - A photograph of the child or minor will be taken, and no biometric will be recorded if the child is below five years of age.

Step 6 - Collect the acknowledgment slip, after completing the above steps.

Step 7 - Baal Aadhaar will be dispatched to the designated address, after verification SMS is sent to the mobile number as mentioned in the application form.

How to Update Aadhaar?

Aadhar Card Update can be done through two main sources, such as via enrolment center or through online mode. Here are the two main purpose of updating Aadhaar:

1. Change details like name, age, date of birth, mobile number, address, photo,

1. Change Biometric Aadhaar data; Iris, Fingerprint

Applicants can update address through online mode, while other demographic data along with biometric data can be updated by visiting the enrolment center only

How to Check the Status of Aadhaar Card Application?

Follow the steps given below to check the status of your Aadhaar card application:

Step 1: You need to visit the official UIDAI website.

Step 2: Login to the portal using the credentials

Step 3: Navigate to ‘My Aadhaar’ section and click on ‘Check Aadhaar Status’

Step 4: Enter enrolment number and time of enrolment

Step 5: Click on ‘Check Status’ after entering the captcha verification code.

The status of your Aadhaar card application will be displayed on the screen.

How to Download/Print Aadhaar Card?

If you have enrolled for an Aadhaar card but haven’t received the physical copy yet, you can easily download Aadhaar Card and print the e-Aadhaar (PDF version) from the official Aadhaar website. This digital version is valid and accepted everywhere.

You can also get your updated Aadhaar card using options like your Date of Birth, Virtual ID, m-Aadhaar App, DigiLocker, or the UMANG App.

How to Complete Aadhaar Card Verification Process?

Follow the steps given below to complete the Aadhaar card verification process:

Step 1: You need to visit the official UIDAI website.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section.

Step 3: You need to click on ‘Verify an Aadhaar Number’. The option can be found under the ‘Aadhaar Services’ section.

Step 4: Enter the Aadhaar number and captcha.

Step 5: Click on ‘Proceed and Verify Aadhaar’.

Step 6: Follow the steps on the next page to complete the process.

You can reach UIDAI on the toll-free number 1947 for rectification, in case there is a mismatch in detail.

How to Link Aadhaar Card with PAN card?

The government has made it compulsory to link Aadhaar with PAN by 30th June 2023. Those who missed the deadline can still link it by paying a late fee of Rs.1,000. After making the payment, you can link your Aadhaar card and PAN card by following one of the methods given below:

There are two methods for linking PAN with Aadhaar:

Linking PAN with Aadhaar through the e-filing website:

Step 1: Visit the official Income Tax e-filing website – https://www.incometax.gov.in.

Step 2: Under the "Quick Links" section, click on Link Aadhaar.

Step 3: Enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number, and name as per Aadhaar.

Step 4: Verify details, then click on Link Aadhaar.

Linking Aadhaar Number and PAN via SMS

You can also link Aadhaar and PAN through SMS by typing:

UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> and sending it to 567678 or 56161

Quick Guide to Link Aadhaar with PAN

The Indian Government has imposed a requirement for individuals to connect their PAN (Permanent Account Number) with Aadhaar (Unique Identification Number) when filing their Income Tax Returns. This mandate is in accordance with Section 133 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act.

Purpose of Aadhaar

The following is the list of purposes of Aadhaar:

1. Aadhaar is a unique 12-digit number serving as universally accepted proof of identity for every Indian resident.
2. It helps in streamlining the distribution of government benefits and subsidies, ensuring that rightful recipients receive aid while reducing fraud.
3. Aadhaar facilitates the opening of bank accounts and accessing financial services, particularly for marginalized and rural populations.
4. It simplifies tax filing by linking Aadhaar with PAN, making it mandatory for taxpayers.
5. Aadhaar enables digital authentication for services, mobile connections, and online banking.
6. It provides accurate demographic data, supporting the development of data-driven policies.

Also Check : How To link Aadhar Card with PAN Card

Benefits of Aadhaar

Given below are some of the benefits of Aadhaar card:

Direct Benefit Transfer: Aadhaar ensures subsidies, pensions, and scholarships are credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, reducing delays and leakages.

Simplified KYC: It makes processes like opening bank accounts, getting mobile connections, or availing financial services faster and hassle-free.

Reliable Identity Proof: With biometric and demographic details, Aadhaar offers strong identity verification, reducing fraud and improving security.

Easy Access to Services: From e-signatures and DigiLocker to online banking, Aadhaar provides quick and convenient access to digital services.

Lower Costs: By cutting paperwork and intermediaries, Aadhaar reduces service delivery costs for both government and private organizations.

Inclusivity and Empowerment: It gives every resident a recognized identity, enabling access to social, financial, and welfare services.

Unified Database: Aadhaar helps build a central database for better planning, resource distribution, and policymaking.

Greater Transparency: It minimises corruption and ensures benefits reach the right individuals directly.

  Note: Also, know more about on Benefits of Aadhaar Card

What is e-Aadhaar?

The e-Aadhaar is an electronic copy of your Aadhar card and can be used in lieu of a physical copy of the card. It is accepted universally and can be downloaded from the UIDAI website. The eAadhaar is saved in a PDF format and is password protected. You can also choose to download a masked copy of your Aadhaar, which will hide your Aadhaar number.

What is mAdhaar?

With a view to making the Aadhaar card and its allied services more universally available, UIDAI has released mAadhaar which is a mobile application for Android devices. The app contains the user's Aadhaar information in a digitized form and enables accessibility on the go. Users can add up to 3 profiles on their app and perform a wide variety of services such as locking their biometrics and accessing their e-KYC for Aadhaar.

What is Aadhaar Virtual ID?

Aadhaar Virtual ID is a temporary code consisting of a 16-digit number which is the alternative to the Aadhaar number generated against an Aadhaar number. The virtual ID cannot be used to retrieve the original Aadhaar card under any circumstances. Applicants can generate only one virtual ID generated against an Aadhaar number that can be generated as many times as the applicants wants.

What is Aadhaar PVC Card?

UIDAI introduced a new form of Aadhaar called the Aadhaar PVC Card. Apart from being durable and easy to carry, the new PVC card comes with several security features. You can order the PVC Aadhaar Card online by using the Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID, or Virtual ID. Rs.50 will be charged to apply for the Aadhaar PVC Card. The new card will be sent via speed post to the registered address.

Things to Remember when Updating the Aadhaar

The following are some of the vital points that should be remembered while filling out Aadhaar form whether filling out the form online or offline:

1. Fill in the form using capital letters

1. Salutation such as Mr., Mrs., or Miss cannot be used before the name

1. The form can be filled out in either the individual’s native language or English

1. Individuals must provide their current mobile number

1. Make sure to provide the address where the Aadhaar to be delivered

1. Along with the application, individuals also must submit their necessary documents

1. Application will be rejected if any expired documents are submitted

1. Individuals must make sure that they provide accurate information

Aadhaar Card Customer Care

The following are some of the details about Aadhaar card customer care:

1. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced 24X7 IVR (Interactive voice response) services where individuals can call at toll-free number 1947 regarding any Aadhaar-related services.
2. You can also write an email at help@uidai.gov.in

1. It is not available on the three national holidays which are 26 January, 15 August and 2 October.

Aadhaar card is an important document in India and serves as more than just an identity proof. This document is valid for lifetime and allows you access various government schemes and subsidies. It is important to keep your Aadhaar card updated and linked to all essential documents like PAN card, to avoid any inconvenience.