The Aadhaar card is a significant identification document issued by the Government of India (UIDAI), featuring a unique 12-digit number.
This number is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and serves as proof of identity and address for any Indian citizen.
What is e-Aadhaar
The e-Aadhaar is a digital version of your Aadhaar card that is legally valid and can be used in place of the physical card. It contains all the necessary details such as your name, Aadhaar number, photograph, address, and QR code for authentication. The e-Aadhaar is signed digitally by UIDAI, ensuring its authenticity and integrity.
Download e-Aadhaar
Any resident of India who has been issued an Aadhaar number can download the e-Aadhaar. You can do so using:
- Aadhaar Number (UID)
- Enrolment ID (EID)
- Virtual ID (VID)
- Your registered mobile number (for OTP verification)
Step-by-Step Process to Download Aadhaar Card Online
Downloading your Aadhaar card online is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Visit the Official UIDAI Website
Go to the UIDAI official portal:
👉 https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
Step 2: Click on “Download Aadhaar”
Under the “My Aadhaar” section, click on “Download Aadhaar”. You’ll be redirected to a page where you can choose the mode of retrieval.
Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Option
You can select any of the following options:
- Aadhaar Number (UID) – if you already know your Aadhaar
- Enrolment ID (EID) – provided during enrolment
- Virtual ID (VID) – a temporary, secure 16-digit code generated from UIDAI
Enter the selected number along with the CAPTCHA shown on the screen.
Step 4: Request OTP
Click “Send OTP”. An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number. If you’ve enabled TOTP (Time-based OTP) through the mAadhaar app, you can use that too.
Step 5: Verify OTP
Enter the OTP and click “Verify and Download”.
Step 6: Download Your e-Aadhaar
Once verified, your Aadhaar will be downloaded as a PDF file.
How to Open e-Aadhaar PDF?
The downloaded e-Aadhaar PDF is password-protected. The password is a combination of:
- First four letters of your name in CAPITAL letters
- Followed by your year of birth
Example:
If your name is Rahul Kumar and your year of birth is 1992, your password will be:RAHU1992
How to Download Aadhaar Without Mobile Number?
Unfortunately, you cannot download Aadhaar online without access to your registered mobile number, as OTP authentication is mandatory. If you no longer have access to the registered mobile:
- Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra
- Update your mobile number
- Wait for confirmation
- Then proceed with online download
Alternative Ways to Get Aadhaar
If you’re unable to download your Aadhaar card online, you can also:
- Use the mAadhaar App – Available on Android and iOS
- Order a PVC Aadhaar Card via UIDAI by paying ₹50 (optional)
- Visit Aadhaar Enrolment Center for a reprint
Important Tips While Downloading Aadhaar
- Always use the official UIDAI website
- Never share your Aadhaar number or OTP with unknown sources
- Use a secure device and browser
- Keep your PDF in a safe, encrypted folder if possible
- Do not use third-party apps or websites to download Aadhaar
What If Your Aadhaar is Not Yet Generated?
If your Aadhaar is still under process, you won’t be able to download it. In this case:
- Visit the Check Aadhaar Status page on UIDAI
- Enter your EID
- Track the status
- Once generated, follow the download steps above
Use Cases for e-Aadhaar
Your downloaded Aadhaar can be used in several situations:
- Government subsidy schemes
- SIM card verification
- Bank KYC
- Passport application
- PAN linking
- University or school admissions
Since e-Aadhaar is digitally signed by UIDAI, it holds the same validity as the physical card and is accepted widely.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
OTP Not Received?
- Ensure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar
- Wait a few minutes before retrying
- Contact UIDAI helpline at 1947
Invalid PDF Password?
- Double-check the spelling and format (4 letters + birth year)
- Ensure CAPS LOCK is on
Aadhaar Not Found?
- Your Aadhaar may still be under process
- Verify your EID or UID details
- Try again after 24 hours
Conclusion
Downloading your Aadhaar card online is a fast, secure, and convenient way to keep your identification details handy. Whether you’ve misplaced your physical card or need a soft copy for digital KYC, the e-Aadhaar provides a reliable alternative that is accepted everywhere.
With UIDAI constantly upgrading its services, accessing your identity documents has never been easier. Make sure your mobile number is always up to date, and you’ll be able to manage your Aadhaar anytime, anywhere.
