1 min read
25 May 2021

An Aadhaar card may not be mandatory but is required to carry out several procedures. Say it is time to file your income tax return, but you cannot find the physical copy of your Aadhaar card. Since it is compulsory to mention your Aadhaar number while filing income tax returns, you can consider taking the help of an e-Aadhaar card for such occasions. These electronic cards are available online and are equally effective in making your life easier. Aadhaar card is one of the important KYC document required while applying for a personal loan.

What is an e-Aadhaar card?

E-Aadhaar is a password protected digital version of the Aadhaar card. According to the Aadhaar act, an e-Aadhaar is as good as a physical Aadhaar card. You can download your e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website by entering either your Aadhaar number or your enrollment number.

Preparing for the application process:

To apply for an E-Aadhaar card online, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the UIDAI Website: Go to UIDAI’s official website.
  2. Select 'Download Aadhaar': Click on the 'Download Aadhaar' option under the 'Aadhaar Services' menu.
  3. Enter Aadhaar Details: Provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number or VID, along with the captcha code.
  4. Verify with OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
  5. Download E-Aadhaar: After OTP verification, download the E-Aadhaar PDF, which is password-protected (use your Aadhaar number as the password).

How to download an e-Aadhaar card PDF?

Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website and click on 'download Aadhaar' service
Step 2: Enter your enrollment or Aadhaar number
Step 3: Enter your full name and pin code
Step 4: Click on ‘get OTP’ link. This will send the OTP to your registered mobile number
Step 5: Enter the OTP and download the e-Aadhaar
Step 6: This will be a PDF file. Enter the first four letters of your name in capitals and your birth year (YYYY format) as a password to this file

Additional read: How to apply for an e-Aadhaar card?

Benefits of the e-Aadhaar card

  1. An e-Aadhaar card is the electronic form of the Aadhaar card; hence you can access it at all times, which cancels the need of carrying the physical copy everywhere.
  2. As e-Aadhaar is password protected, it is safe. Moreover, since it is virtually stored, it cannot be misplaced or mishandled.
  3. It is a universal ID since it contains proof of your identity as well as your address.
  4. It is digitally verified and is as good as the Aadhaar card. Therefore, it can be used as a valid ID as mentioned by UIDAI.

Information Available on e-Aadhaar

Just like the physical copy, an e-Aadhaar card contains the following information:

  • Name
  • Photograph
  • Address
  • Date of birth
  • Sex
  • Aadhaar number

How to open e-Aadhaar card PDF?

  • Download the PDF from UIDAI website
  • Open the PDF by double-clicking on file.
  • Enter the Password using the first 4 letters of your name in a capital format

What is the Aadhar password to open the PDF file?

The password for your Aadhaar card PDF file comprises the initial four letters of your name (as stated in your Aadhaar card) in CAPITALS, followed by your Year of Birth (in YYYY format).
For example: Your name is PAWAN
Your year of birth is 1997
Then you have to enter PAWA1997

Additonal read: How to open Aadhaar card with password

How to check e-Aadhaar card status online

Aadhaar number is essential for many transactions and procedures such as filing ITR, applying for a passport, a new mobile number and opening a bank account. If you have already applied for an Aadhaar card and wish to check e-Aadhaar status, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit Aadhaar portal
Step 2: Enter the enrollment ID along with the date and time in the dd/ mm/ yyyy and hh/ mm/ ss format
Step 3: Enter the security code for captcha verification
Step 4: Click on “check status”

After this, the status of the Aadhaar will appear on your screen. Checking e-Aadhaar status is easy and involves only a few steps.

The e-Aadhaar is indeed a resourceful asset. As India heads towards digitalisation, the government encourages every citizen to use their e-Aadhaar for essential purposes. An Aadhaar card may prove helpful at any point in time as it is a complete identification proof. Having the e-Aadhaar with you at all times will make your life easier.
 

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Frequently asked questions

How many numbers are there in an e-Aadhaar card?

An e-Aadhaar card typically contains a 12-digit unique identification number, just like a physical Aadhaar card.

Is an e-Aadhaar as legitimate as a physical Aadhaar card?

Yes, an e-Aadhaar is as legitimate as a physical Aadhaar card and can be used for various official purposes.

Is Aadhaar and e-Aadhaar the same thing?

Aadhaar and e-Aadhaar essentially refer to the same unique identification document, with e-Aadhaar being its electronic version.

What is a masked Aadhaar?

A masked Aadhaar is a version of the Aadhaar card where certain digits of the Aadhaar number are partially hidden or masked for privacy protection.

Do you need any supporting software to access your e-Aadhaar?

You need a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat or any compatible software to access and view your e-Aadhaar card, which is typically downloaded as a PDF file.

How can I verify the authenticity of my e-Aadhaar card?

You can verify the authenticity of your e-Aadhaar card by using the "Validate Signature" option provided on the official UIDAI website or by using the mAadhaar app.

How can I get my e Aadhar card online?

To get your e-Aadhaar card online, visit the UIDAI website and select ‘Download Aadhaar’. Enter your Aadhaar number or VID, captcha code, and OTP sent to your mobile number. After verification, download the PDF, which is password-protected using your Aadhaar number.

How to open e-Aadhaar?

To open your e-Aadhaar PDF, download the file from the UIDAI website. Open the PDF using a PDF reader and enter the password, which is your 12-digit Aadhaar number. Once entered, you can view, print, or save your e-Aadhaar card.

How many days will it take to get an e Aadhaar card?

You can get your e-Aadhaar card almost instantly. After the successful submission of your Aadhaar details on the UIDAI website, the e-Aadhaar PDF is available for download immediately after OTP verification.

Can we get Aadhar card immediately?

Yes, you can get an Aadhaar card immediately if you visit an Aadhaar Enrollment Center for a new card. You'll receive an Aadhaar Enrollment ID, and the e-Aadhaar card can be downloaded online once your Aadhaar is processed.

How many times can we download e-Aadhaar?

You can download your e-Aadhaar card as many times as needed. There is no limit on the number of downloads from the UIDAI website once you have your Aadhaar number and the necessary OTP for verification.

What is the easiest way to get an Aadhaar card?

The easiest way to get an Aadhaar card is by visiting an Aadhaar Enrollment Center, where you can complete the registration process. Alternatively, you can apply for Aadhaar updates or download your e-Aadhaar online if you already have an Aadhaar number.

Can I get a personal loan on an Aadhaar card?

Yes, you can use your Aadhaar card to apply for a personal loan. It serves as a valid identity proof and can be submitted to financial institutions along with other required documents like income proof and address verification for loan applications.

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