Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique ID issued by the Indian government. This article outlines the steps to download it, essential for identity verification and accessing services.
Download Aadhaar Card
Download your official Aadhaar card online. Get instant access to e-Aadhaar.
What is e-Aadhaar?
The e-Aadhaar is a password-protected electronic version of your Aadhaar card, digitally signed by UIDAI. It contains all the details of your physical Aadhaar card, including your 12-digit Aadhaar number, name, address, date of birth, gender, photograph, and biometric data.
Note - As per the Aadhaar Act 2016, the e-Aadhaar is legally valid and accepted as proof of identity and address across India for various government and private services.
You can download either a Regular Aadhaar (displaying the full 12-digit number) or a Masked Aadhaar (showing only the last four digits for enhanced privacy). The e-Aadhaar is downloaded as a PDF file, which requires a password to open. The password is a combination of the first four letters of your name (in uppercase) and your birth year in YYYY format (e.g., for Priya born in 1990, the password is PRIY1990).
Prerequisites for Downloading Aadhaar
To download your e-Aadhaar, you need:
- Aadhaar Number (UID), Enrolment ID (EID), or Virtual ID (VID): The 12-digit Aadhaar number, 28-digit EID (14-digit enrolment number + 14-digit timestamp), or 16-digit VID.
- Registered Mobile Number: Linked to your Aadhaar for receiving the One-Time Password (OTP) for authentication.
- Stable Internet Connection: To access the UIDAI website or apps.
- PDF Reader: To open the downloaded e-Aadhaar PDF file (e.g., Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Edge).
If your mobile number is not registered with UIDAI, you will need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) for assistance.
Methods to Download Aadhaar Card
Below are the detailed steps for downloading your Aadhaar card using various platforms:
1. Downloading via UIDAI Website (myAadhaar Portal)
The UIDAI’s myAadhaar portal is the most direct method to download your e-Aadhaar. Follow these steps:
- Visit the UIDAI Website: Go to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
- Select “Download Aadhaar”: Under the “My Aadhaar” section, click on the “Download Aadhaar” option.
- Choose Your Identifier: Select one of the following options:
- Aadhaar Number: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Enrolment ID (EID): Enter the 28-digit EID from your enrolment acknowledgement slip.
- Virtual ID (VID): Enter your 16-digit VID if you have generated one.
- Enter Captcha: Input the security code displayed on the screen.
- Request OTP: Click “Send OTP” to receive a one-time password on your registered mobile number.
- Select Aadhaar Type: Choose between Regular Aadhaar or Masked Aadhaar for privacy.
- Verify and Download: Enter the OTP received and click “Verify and Download.” The e-Aadhaar PDF will be downloaded to your device.
- Open the PDF: Use a PDF reader and enter the password (first four letters of your name in uppercase + birth year, e.g., AMIT1984 for Amith born in 1984).
Note: If you’ve recently updated your Aadhaar details, the downloaded e-Aadhaar will reflect the latest information.
2. Downloading via mAadhaar App
The mAadhaar app, developed by UIDAI, allows you to carry and manage your Aadhaar digitally on your smartphone. It is available on Google Play Store (Android) and App Store (iOS).
- Install the App: Download the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
- Select Language: Open the app and choose your preferred language.
- Log In: Enter your registered mobile number and click “Submit” to receive an OTP.
- Verify OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Access Dashboard: Once logged in, go to the dashboard and select “Download Aadhaar” under “Get Aadhaar.”
- Choose Aadhaar Type: Select Regular Aadhaar or Masked Aadhaar.
- Enter Details: Input your Aadhaar Number, EID, or VID, and the captcha code.
- Request OTP/TOTP: Generate an OTP or use the TOTP feature within the app (if enabled).
- Download: After verification, click “Verify and Download” to save the e-Aadhaar PDF to your device.
- Open the PDF: Use the same password format (first four letters of your name in uppercase + birth year).
Note: The mAadhaar app also allows you to lock/unlock biometrics, verify Aadhaar, and order a PVC card, but demographic updates (e.g., name, date of birth) are limited to address changes only.
4. Downloading via DigiLocker
DigiLocker is a cloud-based platform for storing and accessing digital documents, integrated with UIDAI for Aadhaar services.
- Sign In to DigiLocker: Visit https://digilocker.gov.in or download the DigiLocker app from Google Play Store or App Store.
- Log In: Sign in using your mobile number, username, or Aadhaar number, and verify with OTP.
- Select UIDAI: In the search documents section, type "UIDAI" and selec
t it, then choose the "Aadhaar" option.
- Enter Aadhaar Number: Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number and verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Download: After verification, your Aadhaar card will appear in the “Issued Documents” section. Click the download icon to save the e-Aadhaar PDF.
- Open the PDF: Enter the password (first four letters of your name in uppercase + birth year).
5. Downloading Using Name and Date of Birth
If you’ve forgotten your Aadhaar number or EID, you can retrieve your EID or Aadhaar number using your name and date of birth, then proceed to download the e-Aadhaar.
- Visit UIDAI Website: Go to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/ and select “Retrieve EID/Aadhaar Number”.”
- Enter Personal Details: Provide your full name, registered mobile number or email, and date of birth.
- Complete Captcha: Enter the security code and click “Send OTP.”
- Verify OTP: Input the OTP received on your mobile or email.
- Retrieve EID/Aadhaar Number: Your EID or Aadhaar number will be sent to your registered mobile/email.
- Download e-Aadhaar: Use the retrieved EID or Aadhaar number to follow the steps in Method 1 (UIDAI Website).
6. Downloading Without a Registered Mobile Number
If your mobile number is not registered with UIDAI, you cannot download the e-Aadhaar online. Instead, visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK):
- Locate an ASK: Find the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra using the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app.
- Provide Biometric Verification: Submit your fingerprints or iris scan for authentication.
- Carry Identity Proof: Bring other identity documents (e.g., PAN card, voter ID) for verification.
- Request Download/Print: The centre can download and provide a printout of your Aadhaar for Rs. 30 (normal colour print) or Rs. 50 (PVC version).
Printing Your e-Aadhaar
Once downloaded, the e-Aadhaar PDF can be printed for physical use:
- Open the PDF: Use a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Edge.
- Enter Password: Input the password (first four letters of your name in uppercase + birth year, e.g., RAHU1990 for Rahul born in 1990).
- Select Print: Choose the number of copies and click “Print.” The printed e-Aadhaar is as valid as the physical card.
Note: The e-Aadhaar card password is an 8-character combination of the first four letters of the cardholder’s name (as on the Aadhaar card) in uppercase, followed by the birth year in YYYY format. Examples:
- Name: Sameer Sarkar, Birth Year: 1990 → Password: SAME1990
- Name: Raj Yadav, Birth Year: 1988 → Password: RAJY1988
- Name: Ria Sharma, Birth Year: 1990 → Password: RIAS1990
- Name: R.M. Kumar, Birth Year: 1989 → Password: R.M.1989
- Name: Sai, Birth Year: 1989 → Password: SAI1989
Masked Aadhaar Card
The Masked Aadhaar card is a secure version of the e-Aadhaar, displaying only the last four digits of the 12-digit Aadhaar number to protect privacy while maintaining its legal validity for identity and address verification across India.
Issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the Masked Aadhaar is ideal for sharing in scenarios like KYC, rentals, or other verifications without exposing the full Aadhaar number.
Features
- Definition: A digital e-Aadhaar PDF that masks the first eight digits of the 12-digit Aadhaar number (e.g., XXXX XXXX 1234), showing only the last four digits.
- Purpose: Enhances privacy by minimizing the risk of misuse when sharing Aadhaar for verifications (e.g., banking, telecom, rentals, employment).
- Validity: Legally equivalent to the regular e-Aadhaar and physical Aadhaar card under the Aadhaar Act 2016, accepted for all government and private services requiring identity or address proof.
- Content: Includes demographic details (name, address, date of birth, gender), photograph, QR code for offline verification, and the masked Aadhaar number. Biometric data (fingerprints, iris scans) is not included in the PDF.
- Availability: Free to download via UIDAI’s official platforms; no additional cost compared to regular e-Aadhaar.
Download Masked Aadhaar Card
The myAadhaar portal is UIDAI’s primary online platform for Aadhaar services, offering a secure and user-friendly interface to download the Masked Aadhaar.
To download a masked Aadhaar from the My Aadhaar portal, follow these steps:
- Visit My Aadhaar Portal: Open a browser and go to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/.
- Select Download Aadhaar: On the homepage, click on "Download Aadhaar" under the "My Aadhaar" services.
- Enter Details: Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID. Enter the captcha code shown.
- Choose Masked Aadhaar: Select the option "Do you want a masked Aadhaar" to ensure only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number are visible.
- Request OTP: Click "Send OTP" to receive a one-time password on your registered mobile number.
- Verify OTP: Enter the OTP received via SMS.
- Download File: Click " Verify & Download" to get the password-protected e-Aadhaar PDF.
- Open PDF: Use the password format: first four letters of your name (in uppercase) + birth year (e.g., RAHU1990 for Rahul born in 1990).
Note: Your mobile number must be registered with UIDAI. If not, visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre to update it.
For queries, contact UIDAI at 1947 or visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. Supported languages include Hindi, English, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and others.
e-Aadhaar Download – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Downloading your Aadhaar card online is quick and secure through UIDAI or the mAadhaar app. Whether you need e-Aadhaar, masked Aadhaar, or PVC card details, these FAQs cover the most searched questions:
How can I download my Aadhaar card online?
You can download your Aadhaar card online by visiting the official UIDAI website and using the “Download Aadhaar” option. Enter your Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID (EID), or Virtual ID (VID), verify using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number, and download the e-Aadhaar PDF file.
Is downloaded e-Aadhaar valid as an original Aadhaar card?
Yes, the downloaded e-Aadhaar is a legally valid document. It is digitally signed by UIDAI and is accepted as a valid identity proof everywhere just like the physical Aadhaar card.
What is the password to open the Aadhaar PDF after download?
The Aadhaar PDF password is a combination of the first four letters of your name (in CAPITAL letters) and your year of birth. Example: If your name is Ramesh and year of birth is 1995, the password will be RAME1995.
Can I download Aadhaar without a registered mobile number?
Yes, you can download Aadhaar without a registered mobile number by visiting the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrollment center. They can help you update your mobile number and then allow you to download your Aadhaar.
How many times can I download my Aadhaar card?
There is no limit. You can download your Aadhaar card as many times as you want from the UIDAI portal without any charges.
How to download Aadhaar from mAadhaar app?
You can download Aadhaar from the mAadhaar app by installing it from Play Store, logging in with your registered mobile number, verifying via OTP, and selecting the “Download Aadhaar” option.
Can I download Aadhaar while I am outside India?
Aadhaar can be downloaded from outside India as long as you have access to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar. When you try to download e-Aadhaar, UIDAI sends an OTP to your registered Indian mobile number for verification. If you can receive this OTP, you can complete the download from anywhere in the world using your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID, or Virtual ID.
How can I download Masked Aadhaar?
You can download Masked Aadhaar from the UIDAI website, mAadhaar app, or DigiLocker by selecting the masked Aadhaar option.
How can I download Aadhar card with mobile number?
You can download your Aadhaar card online using your registered mobile number through the official UIDAI system. The mobile number is required because UIDAI sends an OTP for identity verification before allowing the download.