Latest Update
Deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar extended to 30 June 2021.
Find out if your PAN Card is Linked with Aadhaar Card.
Aadhaar card is a unique one-time government-issued identity card that is assigned to all Indian residents. It is a 12-digit random number that records the individual’s biometric and demographic data. Applying for an Aadhaar is voluntary and free of cost.
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The Aadhaar program was constituted in 2016 when the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was set up. All Aadhar cards are issued through this body, which collects the cardholder’s demographic and biometric data to enable a more streamlined and transparent method of allocating certain government benefits and subsidies to citizens.
Aadhaar Card Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for an Aadhaar card is as follows:
- All Indian citizens are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card.
- NRIs (Non Resident Indians) who have lived in the country for a continuous period of 182 days are permitted to apply.
Documents Required for Aadhaar Card
The list of documents that must be submitted to apply for an Aadhaar Card is mentioned below:
- Identity Proof
- Address Proof
- Date of Birth Proof
- Proof of Relationship
How to Enrol for Aadhaar?
The Aadhaar application process can be done from any authorised Aadhaar 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 Enrol Centres. Applicants can follow the 3 simple steps listed below to complete the enrolment process.
- Step 1: Locate the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre.
- Step 2: Fill in the application form and submit required documents.
- Step 3: Complete biometrics and collect acknowledgement.
How to Apply for Aadhaar without Any Documents?
As per the UIDAI’s Aadhaar enrolment form, the two different methods to apply for an Aadhaar card in case you don’t have the supporting documents are mentioned below:
- Head of Family (HoF) based application: Under this enrolment process, the Head of Family (with a valid Aadhaar) can submit documents proving his/her relationship to the applicant. The applicant’s enrolment will then be processed after successful verification of these details.
- Introducer-based application: In cases where the applicant has no valid proof of identity or address documents, an Introducer appointed by a Registrar can assist in the enrolment process. The Introducer can be contacted through the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
Check Status of Aadhaar Application Online
Applicants who wish to track the status of their Aadhaar application can do so through the official UIDAI website. You will need to mention your enrolment ID, which can be found on the acknowledgment slip issued after you submit your application.
Find a detailed guide to checking your Aadhaar status online.
Baal Aadhaar/Aadhaar for Minors
In case of minor applicants below the age of 5, the process is listed below:
- The parents’ biometric details will be captured at the time of enrolment. When the child turns 15 years, he/she will have to visit a centre to update his/her biometric data.
- Parent’s Aadhaar is to be provided when submitting the application form and documents at the Enrolment Centre.
How to Download/Print Aadhaar Card
In an effort to make the Aadhaar more accessible, the UIDAI has made arrangement for the electronic storage and retrieval of Aadhaar details. Known as the e-Aadhaar, this card is available in a PDF format and can be downloaded from the UIDAI website.
The e-Aadhaar can be accessed through the official UIDAI website by using any of the following:
- With Aadhaar number.
- With VID (Virtual ID).
- With EID (Enrolment ID).
Find A detailed guide on how to download/print your e-Aadhaar card from the UIDAI Website.
Aadhaar Services
To make the Aadhaar process more transparent and streamlined, the UIDAI has made available various services relating to Aadhaar processes and features. A brief summary of each is provided below:
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Verify Aadhaar Number
Applicants can verify if their Aadhar card is active or has been deactivated as follows:
- Visit the UIDAI website and click on the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab.
- Click on the ‘Verify Aadhaar Number’ tab and enter your Aadhaar number along with the security CAPTCHA.
- The current status of your Aadhaar card will appear on screen.
Find a comprehensive guide to Verify Aadhaar Number
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Verify mobile number or email registered with Aadhaar:
Providing an email address and mobile number when applying for an Aadhaar card is advisable as it makes getting updates on services easier. As an applicant, you can also receive notifications on additional features or information pertaining to your Aadhaar remotely. Follow the steps listed here to verify the mobile number or email address registered with your Aadhaar.
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Retrieve your Aadhaar number:
If you have misplaced or lost your Aadhaar card, UIDAI has simplified the retrieval process. You can retrieve your Aadhaar card, VID or EID electronically by following the steps listed here.
It is important to note that retrieval of Aadhaar information requires you to have a registered mobile number.
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Check status of Aadhaar linking:
To avail most government subsidies and schemes, applicants have to link their Aadhar card to their bank account for disbursement of the subsidy. You can check the current status of the linking process as listed below:
- On the official UIDAI website, navigate to the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab and select the ‘Aadhaar Services’ tab.
- Enter your Aadhaar/ VID number and the security code.
- An OTP will be generated and sent to your registered mobile number, and the current linking status will be displayed on screen.
Read more:Link Aadhaar with Bank Account
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Generate Virtual ID (VID):
To ensure data protection and safeguard the information provided under Aadhaar, the UIDAI initiated the VID. This offers limited KYC (Know Your Customer) access to vendors/merchants seeking Aadhaar information for various services.
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Lock/Unlock your biometrics:
In order to strengthen privacy, the UIDAI introduced Biometrics Locking/Unlocking, where individuals can lock their biometrics or temporarily unlock it. You will need the Virtual ID to complete this process. You can visit the official website of UIDAI and go to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section to Lock/Unlock the biometric data.
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Check authentication history:
Each time you provide your Aadhaar card for any purpose, the details of the Authorised User Agencies (AUA) accessing this information is logged in the Aadhaar system. You can check your authentication history which lists the AUA and the information they have accessed. This process enables you to verify who has accessed your Aadhaar data. This feature is especially helpful when it comes to managing the security of your information.
Find a guide on how to check your authentication history.
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Offline verification of Aadhaar:
Aadhar paperless e-KYC is a sharable and secure document that can be used for offline verification of Aadhar identification. As an Aadhaar cardholder, you can share proof of identity and address information in a secure, tamper-proof format to vendors/service providers.
Generating the Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC can be done as follows:
- Visit the UIDAI website and click on the ‘My Services’ tab.
- Click on the ‘Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC’ under the ‘Aadhaar Services’ tab.
- Enter your Aadhar number and the security code, after which you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
- After the OTP has been successfully verified, a downloadable XML file will be available.
Quick Guide to Link Aadhaar with PAN
Aadhaar Information
Being a government-issued document, it can be used as proof of identity as well as proof of address for the purpose of opening a bank account, applying for loans and government subsidies.
An Aadhaar card carries the following information:
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Demographic information
- Name
- Date of birth/age
- Address
- EID- the enrolment number
- Barcode
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Biometric information
- Photograph
- Iris scan (both eyes)
- Fingerprints (all ten)
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Find Information About Aadhaar Enrolment Centres
Applicants can find information on Aadhaar Enrolment Centres as well as Permanent Enrolment Centres on the UIDAI website, which lists current enrolment centres by state and city. A detailed guide on how to find existing Aadhaar Enrolment Centres can be found here.
- How to update Aadhaar details online?
If your Aadhaar details have errors or you wish to change information after you have submitted your application, you can update are correct this information online by visiting the UIDAI website. Both demographic data as well as biometric information can be updated.
Find a step-by-step guide on the process to update Aadhaar details online.
- How to Add Your Mobile Number To Aadhar Card
Adding your mobile number to Aadhaar card is important as availing Aadhaar services and making changes/updating details in your Aadhaar card requires two-factor authorisation, with an OTP being sent to your registered mobile number.
In order to add your mobile number, you will have to visit a Permanent Aadhaar Centre and submit an application to add the same to your card.
Find a guide on how to update mobile number in Aadhaar.
- eAadhaar
The eAadhaar 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.
- mAadhaar
With a view to making the Aadhaar card and its allied services more universally available, the UIDAI has released mAadhaar which is a mobile application for Android devices. The app contains the user’s Aadhaar information in a digitised 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 access their e-KYC for Aadhaar. Find a more comprehensive guide to the mAadhaar app, including linking your mobile number.
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 Aadhaar PVC 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.
Security Features of the Aadhaar PVC Card
The main security features of the Aadhaar PVC Card are mentioned below:
- Embossed Aadhaar Logo
- Embossed Aadhaar Logo
- The print date and issue date will be mentioned
- Ghost image
- Micro text
- Hologram
- Secure QR Code
Process to Apply for the Aadhaar PVC Card Online
The procedure to apply for the Aadhaar PVC Card online is mentioned below:
- Visit https://uidai.gov.in/.
- Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ section, you will find the ‘Order Aadhaar PVC Card’ option. Click on it.
- On the next page, enter the Aadhaar Number, Virtual ID, or EID.
- Next, enter the security code.
- Click on ‘Send OTP’.
- Enter the OTP that is sent to your registered mobile number. Agree to the terms and conditions and click on ‘Submit’.
- If your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar, you can preview the Aadhaar Card and complete the verification process.
- Select ‘Make Payment’. You can make the payment via UPI, net banking, debit card, or credit card.
Aadhaar Card FAQs
- I have lost my Aadhaar letter. Can I get a reprint?
Yes, the UIDAI has launched a new service called the ‘Order Aadhaar Reprint’ service. You can apply for the same on the UIDAI website/through the mAadhaar app and get a reprint of your Aadhaar letter for a nominal fee of Rs.50.
- I do not have access to internet/mAadhaar app. How do I access online services?
You can sign up for the Aadhaar SMS service by sending an SMS to 1947 from your registered mobile number. You can access features and services available online/on the mAadhaar app such as locking/unlocking biometric, generating a Virtual ID etc.
- I do not have documentary proof for my current address. Can I still update it in my Aadhaar?
Yes, you can still update your address through Address Verifier by applying for an Address Verification Letter on the UIDAI website. This is to be submitted along with your application form.
- I would like to update my name on my Aadhaar. Can I update it online through the Self Service Update Portal (SSUP)?
No, only addresses can be updated through the SSUP. For updating name, date of birth, photograph, mobile number etc., you will have to visit a Permanent Enrolment Centre and update the details.
- How long is the Aadhaar card valid?
The Aadhaar card is valid for life.
- Are e-Aadhaar and the Aadhaar card the same thing?
Yes, Aadhaar card and e-Aadhaar are same. The only difference being the Aadhaar card is a document sent to the applicant through the post by UIDAI while the e-Aadhaar is a digital version that can be downloaded from the UIDAI website.
- What information is contained in the e-Aadhaar QR code?
The Aadhaar QR code contains the cardholder’s demographic details such as name, date of birth, photograph, gender (if provided) and the Masked Aadhaar number.
- Is it mandatory to link my PAN with Aadhaar in order to file my tax returns?
Yes, as per the new provisions of the Finance Act, it is mandatory for all taxpayers to link their PAN with Aadhaar.
- Do I need to carry originals when updating my details at an Enrolment Centre?
Yes, you are required to carry originals of all documents whose details you are updating at an Enrolment Centre.
- My first Aadhaar application was rejected, can I re-apply?
Usually an Aadhaar application is rejected due to technical/quality reasons. You are permitted to reapply for your Aadhaar.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. For more information please refer the link(s) provided above or visit https://uidai.gov.in/