How to Download Aadhar Card Online

Key takeaways

You can download your e-Aadhaar online through official UIDAI services using your Aadhaar number, EID or VID and complete OTP verification.

• Download e-Aadhaar free of cost through the official UIDAI service.
• Use your 12-digit Aadhaar number, EID or VID to access your e-Aadhaar.
• Complete OTP verification using the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
• The e-Aadhaar PDF is password-protected and digitally signed by UIDAI.
• e-Aadhaar has the same validity as the physical Aadhaar for applicable purposes.

What is e-Aadhaar?

e-Aadhaar is a password-protected electronic copy of your Aadhaar, digitally signed by UIDAI. You can download it through the MyAadhaar portal or the Aadhaar app. UIDAI states that e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical copy of Aadhaar.

The downloaded PDF can be used when you need to present your Aadhaar for eligible identity verification or other services that accept Aadhaar. You should keep the file secure and avoid sharing your Aadhaar details unnecessarily.

What details are required to download Aadhaar?

The details you need depend on the download method you choose. UIDAI currently allows e-Aadhaar download using your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID or Virtual ID, with OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

You should keep the following details ready:

• 12-digit Aadhaar number, 28-digit EID or 16-digit VID
• Mobile number registered with Aadhaar for OTP verification
• Security code shown on the UIDAI service, where applicable
• Internet-enabled device

If you have forgotten your Aadhaar number or EID, UIDAI also provides a facility to retrieve lost UID/EID using the applicable details.

How to download Aadhaar card using your Aadhaar number

You can complete Aadhaar card download online in six steps using your 12-digit Aadhaar number through the UIDAI portal.

1. Visit the UIDAI portal and select Download Aadhaar under the MyAadhaar services to begin the UIDAI Aadhaar card download process.
2. Select Aadhaar Number as the identification method.
3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the security code displayed on the screen.
4. Select the option to receive an OTP and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Choose the Masked Aadhaar option if you want a version that displays only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number.
6. Select Verify and Download to download your e-Aadhaar PDF.

The downloaded PDF is password-protected. The password is generally the first four letters of your name in uppercase followed by your year of birth, such as THOM1989. UIDAI provides this password format for e-Aadhaar.

If you need Aadhaar as a KYC document for a financial service, check the specific documentation requirements of the service provider.

How to download Aadhaar card with name and date of birth

If you do not remember your Aadhaar number or EID, you can retrieve your UID/EID using the applicable UIDAI service and registered contact details before downloading your e-Aadhaar.

1. Visit the UIDAI portal and select the Retrieve Lost or Forgotten UID/EID service.
2. Enter your name and the registered mobile number or email ID, as applicable.
3. Enter the security code and request an OTP.
4. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
5. Retrieve your Aadhaar number or EID through the applicable UIDAI service.
6. Return to the Download Aadhaar service on the UIDAI portal.
7. Enter the retrieved Aadhaar number or EID and complete the required verification.
8. Select Verify and Download to complete the e-Aadhaar card download online process.

This is a two-stage process: first retrieve your UID/EID and then use it to download your e-Aadhaar. UIDAI provides a facility to retrieve lost UID/EID.

How to download Aadhaar using Virtual ID

UIDAI allows you to download e-Aadhaar using your 16-digit Virtual ID (VID). The VID can be used as an alternative identifier for Aadhaar-related services where supported.

1. Visit the UIDAI portal and select Download Aadhaar.
2. Select VID as the identification method.
3. Enter your 16-digit Virtual ID and the security code.
4. Request an OTP.
5. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
6. Complete verification and download your e-Aadhaar PDF.

You can open the downloaded PDF using the prescribed e-Aadhaar password format.

How to download Aadhaar using the Aadhaar app

You can download e-Aadhaar through UIDAI's current Aadhaar app, which is available for Android and iOS devices.

1. Download the Aadhaar app from the relevant app store.
2. Open the app and enter your Aadhaar number as required.
3. Complete the authentication process specified by the app.
4. Access the available e-Aadhaar download service.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to download your e-Aadhaar.
6. Open the downloaded document using the prescribed password.

UIDAI's current information states that the Aadhaar app provides services including e-Aadhaar download.

Note: The current UIDAI website refers to this as the Aadhaar app. Therefore, the article should not continue presenting the older mAadhaar process as the primary current app-based download method.

How to access Aadhaar through DigiLocker

DigiLocker is a Government of India digital document platform that provides access to authentic digital documents issued by participating organisations. You can sign in using Aadhaar or VID and use the services available in your DigiLocker account.

If Aadhaar is available in your DigiLocker account, you can access the issued document through the platform rather than treating DigiLocker as a replacement for the UIDAI download process.

For the most direct e-Aadhaar download, use the official UIDAI MyAadhaar service.

Can you download Aadhaar through UMANG?

UMANG provides access to various government services and integrates with DigiLocker. Its current platform also lists Aadhaar-related services, although the services and interface available through the app may change.

If you use UMANG, search for the available Aadhaar service and follow the authentication and download instructions displayed there. For the most direct and current e-Aadhaar download process, use UIDAI's MyAadhaar portal or Aadhaar app.

What is the password for the e-Aadhaar PDF?

The e-Aadhaar PDF is password-protected. The password generally consists of the first four letters of your name in uppercase followed by your year of birth in YYYY format.

For example, if your name is THOMAS and your year of birth is 1989, the password would be THOM1989. UIDAI also provides examples covering shorter names and names containing initials.

Important points to remember when downloading e-Aadhaar

• Use the official UIDAI website or authorised digital service.
• Make sure you can access the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar for OTP verification.
• Check your personal details after downloading the PDF.
• Keep your e-Aadhaar file and Aadhaar details secure.
• Do not share OTPs, passwords or other confidential authentication details with anyone.
• Use Masked Aadhaar when you do not need to disclose the full Aadhaar number.
• If your details are incorrect, use the applicable UIDAI update service.
• If you have forgotten your Aadhaar number or EID, use UIDAI's retrieval facility instead of relying on unofficial websites.