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

Eligibility for an Aadhaar card

In brief, every Indian resident is eligible to get an Aadhaar card. Here, the meaning of a ‘resident’ needs to be kept in mind before deciding the eligibility. According to the Aadhaar 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 Aadhaar 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 Aadhaar card?

- To start the process of getting an Aadhaar 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 Aadhaar card.

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

How to check the status of Aadhaar card?

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


- You can even check the Aadhaar 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 Aadhaar card?

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

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

How to verify your Aadhaar card?

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


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


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

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