The Aadhaar card is a crucial identity document in India, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is widely used for KYC (Know Your Customer) verification in banks, telecom services, government subsidies, and other essential services. Sometimes, you may misplace your physical Aadhaar card or need a digital copy. In such cases, you can easily download Aadhaar online from the UIDAI portal.
In this detailed guide, we will explain step-by-step methods, types of Aadhaar available for download, password details, and the difference between e-Aadhaar and physical Aadhaar.
Different Ways to Download Aadhaar Online
UIDAI provides multiple ways to download Aadhaar digitally:
- Using Aadhaar Number (UID) – Download with your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Using Enrollment ID (EID) – Download with the acknowledgment slip number received during enrollment.
- Using Virtual ID (VID) – Download with the 16-digit VID generated from UIDAI portal.
- Using Name and Date of Birth – Retrieve Aadhaar if you don’t remember your UID/EID.
- Through mAadhaar App – Download Aadhaar directly on your smartphone.
Step-by-Step Process to Download Aadhaar Online
1. Download Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number (UID)
- Visit the official UIDAI website: uidai.gov.in.
- Click on “Download Aadhaar” under the “My Aadhaar” section.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, captcha code, and request OTP.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Choose “Download Aadhaar” to get a PDF copy.
2. Download Aadhaar Using Enrollment ID (EID)
- On the UIDAI portal, select EID option.
- Enter the 14-digit enrollment ID and the 14-digit date-time stamp from the acknowledgment slip.
- Verify with OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Download Aadhaar in PDF format.
3. Download Aadhaar Using Virtual ID (VID)
- Generate a 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) from the UIDAI portal.
- Select the VID option on the download page.
- Enter VID, captcha, and verify via OTP.
- Download the e-Aadhaar PDF.
4. Download Aadhaar by Name and Date of Birth
- Visit UIDAI’s “Retrieve Lost UID/EID” section.
- Enter your name, date of birth, and registered mobile/email.
- Receive UID/EID on your mobile via OTP.
- Use the retrieved details to download Aadhaar.
5. Download Aadhaar from mAadhaar App
- Download the mAadhaar app from Google Play Store or App Store.
- Register using your Aadhaar number and OTP.
- Access and download Aadhaar securely within the app.
Types of Aadhaar Available for Download
UIDAI offers different versions of Aadhaar, all equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card.
| Aadhaar Type | Description | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Regular e-Aadhaar | PDF version downloaded from UIDAI website | Valid everywhere |
| Masked Aadhaar | Displays only last 4 digits of Aadhaar number | Secure for sharing |
| mAadhaar | Digital Aadhaar within mobile app | Valid everywhere |
| PVC Aadhaar (Order) | Plastic Aadhaar card ordered online for ₹50 | Same validity as original |
e-Aadhaar Password
When you download Aadhaar online, it comes in a PDF format which is password-protected.
The password is a combination of:
- First 4 letters of your name in CAPITAL letters (as in Aadhaar)
- Year of Birth (YYYY)
Example:
If your name is Rahul Kumar and year of birth is 1992, the password will be RAHU1992.
Advantages of Downloading Aadhaar Online
- Instant Access – Get your Aadhaar anytime without waiting for postal delivery.
- Equally Valid – e-Aadhaar is valid as a physical Aadhaar card.
- Secure – You can download a masked Aadhaar to keep your data private.
- Portable – Save Aadhaar on mobile or laptop for easy use.
- Cost-Free – Downloading Aadhaar online is completely free.
Common Issues While Downloading Aadhaar
- Mobile number not linked – OTP cannot be received. Visit Aadhaar center to update.
- Forgot UID/EID – Use the “Retrieve UID/EID” option on UIDAI website.
- PDF not opening – Ensure you are entering the correct password.
- Technical errors – Retry after some time or use the mAadhaar app.
Overview Table
| Method | Requirement | Verification Mode | Format Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar Number (UID) | 12-digit Aadhaar | OTP on mobile | e-Aadhaar PDF |
| Enrollment ID (EID) | Acknowledgment slip number | OTP on mobile | e-Aadhaar PDF |
| Virtual ID (VID) | 16-digit VID | OTP on mobile | e-Aadhaar PDF |
| Name & Date of Birth | Basic details + registered mobile | OTP verification | UID/EID + e-Aadhaar |
| mAadhaar App | Aadhaar number + OTP | Mobile app login | Digital Aadhaar |
Important Tips
- Ensure your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar before downloading.
- Use the masked Aadhaar when sharing details with third parties.
- Always download Aadhaar from the official UIDAI website or app to avoid fraud.
- Save the e-Aadhaar securely in a password-protected folder.
FAQs
Q1: Is e-Aadhaar valid like a physical Aadhaar card?
Yes, e-Aadhaar downloaded online is equally valid for all purposes.
Q2: What is the password to open e-Aadhaar PDF?
It is the first 4 letters of your name in capital letters + year of birth.
Q3: Can I download Aadhaar without a registered mobile number?
No, OTP verification is mandatory, so you must update your mobile number first.