How to Get Aadhar Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Eligibility for an Aadhaar card

In brief, every Indian resident is eligible to get an Aadhar card. Here, the meaning of a ‘resident’ needs to be kept in mind before deciding the eligibility. According to the Aadhar Act 2016, an individual who has resided in India for a period of 182 days or more (in total) in the 12 months immediately before applying for Aadhar is an Indian resident. This could also include NRIs and foreign citizens, provided they have resided in India for the said period.

How to get an Aadhar card?

- To start the process of getting an Aadhar card you need to find an enrollment centre near you by visiting the UIDAI website and entering your PIN code. Fill the enrollment form once you visit one.
- After you have filled the form, submit the same with an identity proof and an address proof. Your passport, or ration card or Voter ID or a driving license can act as your id proof. At the same time, you could also use your water/electricity bill, passport or a bank statement as address proof.
- Further, you will be required to give your biometrics, i.e. your fingerprint, iris scan and your photo.
- Now you have applied for the Aadhar card.

Additional Read: How to Link Your Aadhaar Card with Your PAN & Mobile Number?

How to check the status of Aadhar card?

- After you have submitted your documents and biometrics, you will get an acknowledgement slip containing your enrollment number.
- To check your Aadhar status, go to the UIDAI website
- Enter this 14-digit enrollment number and it would display the current status of your Aadhar application.


- You can even check the Aadhar status through SMS by sending a message to 51969 with the message, “UID STATUS (14 digit enrolment number)”.
- Moreover, you can also check the status, even if you lose your enrolment number with the help of your registered mobile number. For that, you will need to visit the UIDAI website, retrieve the lost enrollment ID and follow the above process.

How to download Aadhar card?

Once you have checked the status, you can download Aadhar card.

1. You will have to visit the UIDAI website and enter your details.
You can download the Aadhar in three ways –
A) By entering your enrollment number
B) By entering your date of birth and name Or
C) By entering your Aadhar number


2. Once you have entered your details on the website link, you will get a One Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number.


3. Enter this OTP on the website and click on ‘validate and download’.
You will get a downloaded Aadhar card in a PDF form.
- When you open the PDF, it will ask for a password. The first four letter of your name in CAPITALS and your year of birth will be the password.

Additional Read: How to Prevent Misuse of Your Aadhar Card

How to verify your Aadhar card?

It is necessary to verify your Aadhar card to ensure its validity. To verify your Aadhar -
- Choose the ‘Aadhar services’ on the UIDAI website and click on the ‘verify Aadhar’ option.


- Enter your 12-digit Aadhar number in the space provided.


- Your Aadhar verification status will appear on the screen. It will display your Aadhar details if it has been issued.

By simplifying government procedures and reducing multiple documents, Aadhar card can make our daily life quite convenient. It is advisable and important for everyone to have an Aadhar at the earliest. Though it may seem difficult initially, getting an Aadhar card is simple and easy. By following the step-to-step guide, you can get through the application and obtain an Aadhar card effortlessly.