Aadhaar, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is one of the most important identity documents in India. It serves as proof of identity and address, and is widely used for banking, government subsidies, PAN linking, and KYC verification. Losing a physical Aadhaar card or needing a digital copy should not be a problem, as UIDAI provides easy online options to download e-Aadhaar. In this guide, we explain the process step-by-step, along with the required documents, security features, and FAQs.
Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can download Aadhaar? | Any Aadhaar holder with a registered mobile number |
| Official website | UIDAI |
| Modes available | Aadhaar Number (UID), Enrolment ID (EID), Virtual ID (VID) |
| File format | PDF (password-protected) |
| Password to open | First 4 letters of your name in CAPITALS + Year of Birth |
| Validity | e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card |
Why Download Aadhaar Online
Downloading Aadhaar online is convenient, fast, and secure. It offers several benefits:
- Duplicate Aadhaar: Retrieve your Aadhaar in case of loss, theft, or damage.
- Soft Copy Access: Maintain a digital version for instant use in online verifications.
- KYC and Financial Services: Link Aadhaar with PAN, bank accounts, or mobile numbers easily.
- Official Identity Proof: e-Aadhaar is legally valid for identity and address proof across India.
- Convenient Anytime Access: Accessible from home, reducing dependency on physical documents.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download Aadhaar Online
1. Using Aadhaar Number (UID)
- Visit the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in
- Navigate to My Aadhaar → Download Aadhaar.
- Select Aadhaar Number (UID) option.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, captcha code, and click “Send OTP”.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Click “Download Aadhaar” to get your e-Aadhaar PDF.
The downloaded PDF is password-protected for security.
2. Using Enrolment ID (EID)
- On the same Download Aadhaar page, choose Enrolment ID (EID).
- Enter your 14-digit Enrolment ID and the 14-digit date-time stamp (from your enrolment slip).
- Fill the captcha and click Request OTP.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile and click Download Aadhaar.
This option is useful if you do not have your Aadhaar number but have the enrolment slip from when you applied.
3. Using Virtual ID (VID)
- Select VID on the download page instead of UID/EID.
- Enter your 16-digit Virtual ID and captcha.
- Authenticate with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Download the Aadhaar PDF instantly.
VID is a temporary 16-digit number, helping to protect your Aadhaar number while using online services.
4. Through mAadhaar App
- Download and install the official mAadhaar app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Login using your Aadhaar number or VID.
- Authenticate using OTP sent to the registered mobile number.
- Download and store your Aadhaar digitally in the app for easy access anytime.
The mAadhaar app also provides features such as sharing e-Aadhaar, updating details, and locating Aadhaar centers.
How to Open the Aadhaar PDF
The e-Aadhaar PDF is password-protected for security. To open:
- Password format: First 4 letters of your name in CAPITAL letters + Year of Birth
- Example: If your name is Ravi Kumar and birth year is 1992, password = RAVI1992
Ensure you enter the name exactly as printed in Aadhaar, including spaces and initials.
Important Points to Remember
- Your mobile number must be linked with Aadhaar to receive OTPs.
- Downloaded e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical card.
- If your mobile number is not linked, visit a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update it.
- Always use the official UIDAI website to avoid phishing or fraudulent portals.
- Keep the e-Aadhaar PDF safe; it contains sensitive personal information.
Security Measures
- e-Aadhaar PDFs are encrypted with a password, making them secure.
- OTP-based authentication ensures that only the Aadhaar holder can download the card.
- Virtual ID (VID) offers an alternative to sharing Aadhaar numbers, protecting privacy during KYC.
- mAadhaar app stores Aadhaar digitally in a secure, encrypted format.
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| OTP not received | Check your mobile number linked with Aadhaar; request resend. |
| Mobile number not linked | Visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your number. |
| Incorrect name in PDF password | Use the exact spelling and capitalization as in Aadhaar. |
| Cannot download via VID | Ensure VID is active and linked to the correct Aadhaar number. |
The Bottom Line
Downloading Aadhaar online is quick, secure, and free. Whether using Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID, or Virtual ID, you can always access a valid digital copy for:
- Government schemes and subsidies
- PAN-Aadhaar linking
- Bank KYC and loan applications
- Identity and address verification
By keeping a digital Aadhaar, you reduce dependency on the physical card and ensure seamless access to services that require Aadhaar authentication.
FAQs
Q1. Is e-Aadhaar downloaded online valid?
A = Yes, e-Aadhaar is legally valid and can be used wherever physical Aadhaar is accepted.
Q2. Can I download Aadhaar without mobile OTP?
A = No, a registered mobile number is mandatory to receive OTP for authentication.
Q3. What if my mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar?
A = You must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your mobile number before downloading.
Q4. Can I download Aadhaar multiple times?
A = Yes, there is no restriction on the number of times you can download e-Aadhaar.
Q5. Is the e-Aadhaar PDF secure?
A = Yes, the PDF is password-protected and can only be opened with the correct password.