New Aadhaar Enrollment: Documents Process and Timeline

Documents Required

You need to bring original documents for identity and address verification. The operator scans them and returns them to you on the spot. UIDAI accepts 18 documents as Proof of Identity and 33 as Proof of Address so most residents will already have something that qualifies.

• Proof of Identity: Passport, PAN card, voter ID, or driver’s license.
• Proof of Address: Passport, bank passbook, ration card or a recent utility bill.
• Proof of date of birth and proof of relationship are required where applicable.

If you do not have any of these documents, enrollment is still possible through the Head of Family or Introducer route. A verified family member or a UIDAI-approved introducer can vouch for your identity in place of documents.

A mobile number is not compulsory but is strongly recommended, as most OTP-based Aadhaar services depend on it later.

Who Can Enroll for Aadhaar

Any resident of India can enroll regardless of age. Newborns and adults follow the same process. Under the Aadhaar Act you qualify as a resident if you have been in India for 182 days or more during the twelve months before applying.

NRIs with a valid Indian passport are exempt from the 182-day requirement. Foreign nationals must meet it before enrolling.

Enrollment is a one-time process. Attempting to enroll more than once results in rejection since the system cross-checks biometrics against existing records. Children under five are enrolled under the Bal Aadhaar process which is covered below.

How to Find Your Nearest Enrollment Centre

Enrollment can be done at two types of centres: an Aadhaar Seva Kendra operated by UIDAI or a Permanent Enrollment Centre located within banks post offices and government offices.

To find the nearest centre visit the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal on the UIDAI website and search by location. The portal lists centre addresses and the specific services each one offers which is useful since some centres handle only child enrollment.

Walk-ins are accepted but booking a free appointment in advance at bookappointment.uidai.gov.in reduces waiting time. No registered mobile number is needed to book. Each user can book up to two appointments per month.

Step-by-Step: The Enrollment Process (2026)

A centre visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Carry original documents.

1. Find a centre on the Bhuvan portal and book a free appointment if possible
2. Arrive at the centre and fill in the Aadhaar Enrollment Form available at the centre or on uidai.gov.in
3. Submit your original Proof of Identity and Proof of Address for scanning
4. Provide your biometrics: a photograph ten fingerprints and both iris scans
5. Review the details shown on screen including spelling and address before confirming
6. Collect your acknowledgement slip with the 28-digit Enrollment ID (EID) printed on it

First-time Aadhaar enrollment is free at all authorised centres. For children under five only a photograph is captured. Fingerprints and iris scans are not taken and the Aadhaar is linked to a parent’s record.

Your Enrollment ID (EID) and How to Use It

The EID is the 28-digit number on your acknowledgement slip made up of a 14-digit enrollment number and a 14-digit date and time stamp. Until your Aadhaar number is generated the EID is your reference for tracking the application.

You can use it to check your application status on UIDAI’s Check Enrollment and Update Status page and to download your eAadhaar once it is generated before the physical letter arrives by post.

Keep your acknowledgement slip in a safe place. Without the EID tracking your application is not possible. If the slip is misplaced the enrollment centre can help retrieve the EID.

How Long Does Aadhaar Generation Take?

After enrollment your data goes through central quality checks and biometric de-duplication before a number is issued. UIDAI’s official timeline allows up to 60 to 90 days though many applications are processed within a couple of weeks.

You will receive an SMS once your Aadhaar is generated. From that point the eAadhaar is available to download using your EID. If 90 days pass without any update check your status online or at a centre. In some cases enrollment is rejected due to a quality issue or duplicate match in which case re-enrollment is required.

Enrollment at a Glance

Detail	What to Know
Cost	Free for first-time enrollment
Where	Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Permanent Enrollment Centre
Online?	Appointment only; biometrics require an in-person visit
Age limit	None; children under five receive Bal Aadhaar (photo only)
Time to generate	Up to 60 to 90 days often faster

Source: UIDAI uidai.gov.in