Optional Grouping: Aadhar

Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number,¹ specific to each individual,² issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to the residents of India after satisfying a verification process based on demographic information and biometric information.³ You will be assigned an Aadhaar number on a card with your personal details such as name, date of birth, address, etc., usually in English as well as the language of the State where you have your permanent address.

 

It is possible to download  your Aadhaar Card, termed as e-Aadhaar, which is a valid and secure password-protected electronic document as good as a physical Aadhaar.^{(( Ministry of Electronics & IT, Unique Identification Authority of India, Validity of e-Aadhaar as Proof of Identity, https://uidai.gov.in/images/uidai_om_on_e_aadhaar_validity.pdf}

Your identity information and personal details are confidential and have to be kept secure by the Authority,⁴

which is restricted from sharing this information unless for certain legally authorized purposes.⁵ For more information, refer to the Aadhaar (Data Security) Regulations, 2016 and the Aadhaar (Sharing of Information) Regulations, 2016 here.

An Aadhaar number is generated at random.⁶ It is a unique number which eliminates the possibility of duplicate identities. In effect, the Aadhaar number is a portable proof of identity, applicable throughout India. However, merely having an Aadhaar does not mean that you are a citizen of India.⁷

Aadhaar may be used as a primary identifier without any other documentation to avail the benefits of several Government welfare schemes, programmes, various subsidies, benefits and services.⁸ An Aadhaar Card can be used as a proof of identity, proof of address, as well as proof of age to avail various services.

Any individual, irrespective of age and gender, who is a resident of India, may voluntarily enrol to obtain an Aadhaar number. You are considered a ‘resident’ if  you have resided in India for a period amounting in total to at least 182 days in the twelve months immediately before the date of application for enrolment.⁹

An Aadhaar number is permanently associated with one specific individual and does not require any renewal. You can get a new Aadhaar or update your Aadhaar. It is also possible to retrieve a lost Aadhaar. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Virtual Aadhar ID

Read this Government website to know more about Aadhar

1. Section 2(a), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
2. Section 4(1), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
3. Section 3(3), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
4. Section 28, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
5. Section 29, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
6. Section 4(2), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
7. Section 9, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
8. Section 7, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
9. Section 2(v), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]

The process for obtaining a new Aadhaar Card requires going in person to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, and cannot be done online.

The cost-free Aadhaar enrolment process is as follows:

Step 1: You can visit any authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centre anywhere in India. This is an agency appointed for collecting demographic and biometric information of individuals,¹ and includes certain Banks and Post Offices which have been designated as Aadhaar Enrolment Centres. Locate the Enrolment Centre nearest to you here. Book an Appointment here.

Step 2: At the Centre, you will be required to fill in the Aadhaar Enrolment Form, available here. You will have to submit details (demographic information) such as:

• • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Other relevant information as may be specified in the form²

Step 3: While filling the Form in Step 2, you are also required to submit the originals of one valid Proof of Identity (PoI) document and one valid Proof of Address (PoA) document. View the list of acceptable documents here.

Step 4: After you fill the form, your biometric data shall also be taken as part of the enrolment. It includes your:³

• Photograph
• Finger-prints
• Iris scan

Step 4: At the end of the process, you will get an acknowledgement slip with an Enrolment Number and other details you have given during enrolment.

Step 5: You can check if your Aadhaar is ready using your Enrolment ID here. Verify whether your Aadhaar is genuine or not here.

Step 6: Your Aadhaar will be ready in 60-90 days. Once the Aadhaar is ready, you receive an SMS on the registered mobile number. After Aadhaar is ready, your Aadhaar Card with your Aadhaar number and other details are enclosed in a physical letter which will be delivered to you.

You can also download an electronic version of your Aadhaar with your Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID here. Downloaded Aadhaar (e-Aadhaar) is a valid and secure password-protected electronic document which is  treated at par with the original Aadhaar letter. ⁴

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Check this Government resource to learn more about how to get Aadhar.

1. Section 2(l), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
2. Section 2(k), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
3. Section 2(g), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016[↩]
4. Ministry of Electronics & IT, Unique Identification Authority of India, Validity of e-Aadhaar as Proof of Identity, https://uidai.gov.in/images/uidai_om_on_e_aadhaar_validity.pdf[↩]

Follow the options below to get a Aadhar Card:

• In case the mobile number is registered with UIDAI, you can retrieve your lost/forgotten Aadhaar Number (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID) here.
• Select EID/UID for retrieval and enter the name and mobile number (as registered during Aadhaar enrolment).
• The EID/Aadhaar number delivered on the registered email/ mobile number.

In case the mobile number is not registered in Aadhaar, visit the nearest Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment centre to update details. If a reprint of the Aadhaar is required,  order Aadhaar Reprint by paying Rs. 50.

For any additional help and support, see our explainer on Complaints/Help and Support for updating identitity documents”.