How to download aadhar card?
Quick Answer
To download your Aadhar card, visit the official UIDAI portal at uidai.gov.in/my-aadhaar/get-aadhaar.html or use the mAadhaar app. You will need your 12-digit Aadhar Number, 28-digit Enrollment ID (EID), or 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) and access to the registered mobile number for a One-Time Password (OTP) verification. The e-Aadhar is a password-protected PDF, unlocked using the first four letters of your name (uppercase) and your birth year.
Understanding Your e-Aadhar Card
An e-Aadhar is the electronic version of your physical Aadhar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is legally valid and accepted as proof of identity for all purposes, including government services, financial transactions, and travel within India. The e-Aadhar is typically a password-protected PDF document that can be stored on your mobile phone, computer, or cloud storage. It contains the same information as your physical card, including your demographic data and photograph.
The primary methods for obtaining your e-Aadhar involve the official UIDAI website and the mAadhaar mobile application. Both platforms require you to authenticate your identity using either your Aadhar number, Enrollment ID (found on your Aadhar enrollment slip), or Virtual ID (VID), along with an OTP sent to your Aadhar-registered mobile number. This secure two-factor authentication ensures that only the legitimate cardholder can access their e-Aadhar.
How to Download Your Aadhar Card Specifically
To download your Aadhar card using the official UIDAI portal, first open your web browser and navigate to uidai.gov.in. On the homepage, locate the 'My Aadhaar' section and click on 'Download Aadhaar'. You will be redirected to a new page where you can choose to download by 'Aadhaar Number', 'Enrollment ID (EID)', or 'Virtual ID (VID)'. Select your preferred option and accurately enter the 12-digit Aadhar Number, 28-digit Enrollment ID, or 16-digit Virtual ID in the designated field. Ensure you also enter the security captcha code correctly.
Next, click the 'Send OTP' button. A six-digit One-Time Password will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhar. Enter this OTP into the provided field within 10 minutes. After successful verification, you will be prompted to complete a quick survey and then click 'Verify & Download'. Your e-Aadhar will be downloaded as a password-protected PDF file to your device, typically saved in the 'Downloads' folder. The password for this PDF is the first four letters of your name (as it appears on your Aadhar, in uppercase) followed by your four-digit birth year (e.g., if your name is 'Ramesh Kumar' and birth year is 1990, the password is 'RAME1990').
Alternatively, you can download your Aadhar using the mAadhaar app, available on both Android and iOS devices. After installing the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, open it and tap on 'Register My Aadhaar'. Enter your 12-digit Aadhar number and the security captcha. Then, tap 'Request OTP', enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number, and tap 'Verify'. Your Aadhar profile will be loaded, and you can then tap the 'Download Aadhaar' icon to save the e-Aadhar PDF to your phone's storage. The password format remains the same: first four letters of your name (uppercase) followed by your four-digit birth year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One frequent error is attempting to download your Aadhar card from unofficial or third-party websites. These sites may be fraudulent, compromise your personal data, or charge unnecessary fees. Always ensure you are on the official UIDAI portal (uidai.gov.in) or using the official mAadhaar app downloaded from Google Play Store or Apple App Store to protect your information.
Another common mistake is entering an incorrect Aadhar Number, Enrollment ID, or Virtual ID. Even a single digit error will prevent the system from finding your record and sending the OTP. Double-check all entered details against your physical Aadhar card or enrollment slip before clicking 'Send OTP'.
Many users forget that the downloaded e-Aadhar PDF is password protected. They might try to open it directly without providing a password or use an incorrect password. Remember, the password is a combination of the first four letters of your name (in uppercase) and your four-digit birth year. For example, if your name is 'Priya Sharma' and your birth year is '1985', the password is 'PRIY1985'.
Not having access to the Aadhar-registered mobile number is a significant hurdle. The OTP is mandatory for verification, and without it, you cannot proceed with the download. Ensure your registered mobile number is active and accessible before initiating the download process. If your number has changed, you must update it at an Aadhar enrollment center first.
Expert Tips for Best Results
Always prioritize using the official UIDAI portal (uidai.gov.in) or the mAadhaar mobile application for downloading your Aadhar card. These are the only authorized platforms, ensuring the security and authenticity of your e-Aadhar and personal data. Avoid any third-party services or websites that promise quick Aadhar downloads, as they pose significant security risks.
Keep your registered mobile number updated with UIDAI. Since an OTP is crucial for downloading your e-Aadhar, an outdated or inaccessible mobile number will prevent you from completing the process. Visit an Aadhar enrollment center to update your mobile number if it has changed, a process that typically takes 24-72 hours to reflect in the system.
After downloading your e-Aadhar, save multiple copies in secure locations. Consider storing it on your device's internal storage, a secure cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox, and even a physical printout. This redundancy ensures you always have access to your Aadhar, even if one storage method fails or your device is lost.
Regularly verify the details on your e-Aadhar against your physical Aadhar card. While unlikely, discrepancies can occur. If you notice any incorrect information, initiate an Aadhar update request through the official UIDAI portal or by visiting an Aadhar enrollment center promptly to ensure all your documents are consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download my Aadhar card without a registered mobile number?
No, it is not possible to download your Aadhar card directly without a registered mobile number. The One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number is a mandatory security step for identity verification during the download process. If your mobile number is not registered or has changed, you must first update it at an Aadhar enrollment center.
What is the password for the e-Aadhar PDF?
The password for your e-Aadhar PDF is composed of the first four letters of your name (as it appears on your Aadhar, in uppercase) followed by your four-digit birth year. For instance, if your name is 'Suresh Kumar' and your birth year is '1988', the password will be 'SURE1988'.
How many times can I download my e-Aadhar?
There is no limit to how many times you can download your e-Aadhar. You can download it as many times as needed from the official UIDAI website or mAadhaar app using your Aadhar number, EID, or VID, provided you have access to your registered mobile number for OTP verification.
Is the downloaded e-Aadhar valid for all purposes?
Yes, the downloaded e-Aadhar is completely valid and holds the same legal standing as the physical Aadhar card. It is accepted as valid proof of identity and address for all government and private services across India, as per UIDAI guidelines.
What if I forgot my Aadhar number or Enrollment ID?
If you forgot your Aadhar number or Enrollment ID, you can retrieve it from the official UIDAI website. Go to uidai.gov.in, navigate to 'My Aadhaar', and select 'Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID'. You will need to enter your name, email address, or registered mobile number, and a captcha. An OTP will be sent to your registered contact, after which your Aadhar number or EID will be displayed on the screen.