Aadhaar Card

The Aadhaar Card was issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The Aadhaar Number is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Government of India to all Indian residents and is mandatory for applying for many government services, benefits, and subsidies. It has replaced the National Identity Card (NIC) and Ration Cards for biometric attendance systems in many factories across India.

The 12 digits are in the form of an encrypted barcode which can’t be duplicated. The UIDAI issues Aadhaar based on the demographic and biometric information (10 fingerprints, iris, and photograph) of residents electronically captured and stored in its central database. It’s used as an identification document in India while applying to open a bank account, buying or selling property, filing income tax returns and acquiring other documents such as passports or driving licences.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look into what the Aadhaar card, types of Aadhaar card, documents required, and how to apply for one if you haven’t already.

Aadhaar Card Eligibility

In accordance with Aadhaar Act 2016, any Indian resident is eligible to obtain an Aadhaar Card. UIDAI has introduced the Baal Aadhaar Card for children below the age of five years. Additionally, foreigners and NRIs residing in India for more than twelve months are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar Card. It has been proposed to issue an Aadhaar Card to NRIs with an Indian passport upon arriving in India instead of waiting 180 days.

Documents Required For Aadhaar Card

When applying for an Aadhaar Card, keep the following documents handy for verification purposes.

Identity Proof	Voter ID PAN Card Rational Card Passport Driving Licence
Aadhaar Proof	Ration Card Bank Passbook Utility Bills Insurance Documents Arms Licence
Date of Birth Proof	Birth Certificate PAN Card Passport Marksheet issued by college and university 10th Marksheet

Variants of Aadhaar Card UIDAI

In order to facilitate the distribution and complete compliance with the Aadhaar procedures, the Unique Identification Authority of India has introduced various different kinds of Aadhaar. Given below are the different variants of Aadhaar card available in the country:

Baal Aadhaar Card

The UIDAI has launched a new Aadhaar variant for children under the age of five called ‘Baal Aadhaar Card’. A biometric registration is not required for Baal Aadhaar. Instead, one of the parents’ demographic details will be collected. In order to differentiate Baal Aadhaar from Aadhar Card, UIDAI prints Baal Aadhaar in blue. After the child reaches the age of five, UIDAI mandates the biometric update process. 

Udyog Aadhaar Card

An Udyog Aadhaar card is a customised Aadhaar card for business owners. The Ministry of MSME issues it to register small and medium enterprises as MSMEs. It was launched in 2015 to recognize sole proprietorships without government recognition. By obtaining a unique identity and registering their business with the Government of India, a sole proprietor can legally prove  the business’ legitimacy.

NRI/OCI/PIOs Aadhaar Card

An overseas Indian citizen (OCI) or person of Indian origin (PIO) with an Indian address proof and who has lived in India for 182 days within twelve months of the date of application is eligible to apply for an Aadhaar Card.

Non-Indian Residents aged three and over are also eligible to apply for an Aadhaar Card. Similarly, a proposal in the Union Budget 2019 proposes issuing Aadhaar Cards to NRIs within 150 days of their arrival in India rather than 180 days.

Type of Aadhaar Card

UIDAI has periodically introduced an array of Aadhaar Cards for the convenience of the Indian citizens. Aadhaar Cards in all variants are equally valid. Here are the types of valid Aadhaar Cards available in the country:

Aadhaar letter

The Aadhaar letter is a laminated paper letter with a secure QR code. The letter also contains the issue date and print date on it. The UIDAI authority does not charge a fee for postal charges. UIDAI’s official website allows you to reprint your Aadhaar letter in case it is destroyed or lost over time. 

Note: Reprint charges amount to INR 50

E-Aadhaar

An e-Aadhaar is a digital version of your Aadhaar card. Like physical Aadhaars, an e-Aadhaar is accepted everywhere under the Aadhaar Act. The document is digitally signed by UIDAI and comes with a QR code for offline verification. To ensure the security of the biometric information, it is password protected. Simply enter the registered mobile number on UIDAI’s official website to download the e-Aadhaar.

mAadhaar

As part of its rollout of mAadhaar, UIDAI has developed an official mobile application. This application is available in your respective app store. Users can access Aadhaar data, such as Aadhaar numbers, demographics, and photographs, using the application. An Aadhaar secure QR code is included for offline verification. When you enrol or update your Aadhaar, a mAadhaar is automatically generated and is available for download.

How to Apply For an Aadhaar Card?

UIDAI allows the Indian residents to apply for an Aadhaar Card via the official website of UIDAI. One can apply for an Aadhaar card using the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Visit the official website of UIDAI

Step 2: Click on ‘My Aadhaar’ tab

Step 3: Click on ‘Book Appointment’

Step 4: Visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre/  Aadhaar Sewa Kendra along with the aforementioned documents

Step 5: Request for the application form from the executive

Step 6: Duly fill the form with all the information specified

Step 7: On successful completion of the form, submit it along with the supporting documents

Step 8: Provide your biometric information 

Step 9: A live photo will be taken by the executive at the enrolment centre 

Step 10: On completion of the formalites, you will receive an acknowledgement slip against your enrollment. You can track the status of your application by using the Aadhaar enrollment number provided in the acknowledgement slip.

Step 11: On successful verification, the Aadhaar Card will be sent by mailto your primary address. Generally it takes up to 90 days to receive your Card.

How to Apply for Aadhaar without Any Documents?

Residents who cannot provide proof of identity or address can be enrolled by a pre-designated ‘introducer’ identified and notified by the registrar and regional offices. The registrar authorises an introducer to introduce a resident who is unable to produce verification documents. 

You can apply for an Aadhaar Card without any documents by following the steps below:

Step 1: Please visit your local Aadhaar Enrolment Centre/  Aadhaar Sewa Kendra 

Step 2: Furnish all your details in the Aadhaar Enrolment Form

Step 3: Get your form authenticated by an introducer authorised by UIDAI 

Step 4: Submit the form to the concerned executive

Step 5: Provide your biometric data and get your live photo clicked by the executive

Step 6: On successful completion of the application process, you will receive an acknowledgment slip along with Aadhaar enrolment number. The enrollment number can be used to track the delivery status of your Aadhaar Card.

How to Download and Print Your e-Aadhaar Card

According to the guidelines of Aadhaar Act, the e-Aadhaar is as valid as the physical Aadhaar Card. Your e-Aadhaar is a password protected document. UIDAI allows Aadhaar holders to download e-Aadhaar in multiple ways. 

Download e-Aadhaar by Using Aadhaar Number

Step 1: Visit the official website of ‘My Aadhaar’ 

Step 2: Under the ‘Download Aadhaar’ tab select ‘Aadhaar Number’ option

Step 3: Provide your Aadhaar number and security code. Click on ‘Send OTP’ 

Step 4: You will receive an OTPon your registered mobile number

Step 5: You can opt for ‘masked Aadhaar’ option

Step 6: Enter the OTPand click on ‘verify and download’

Step 7: Enter your Aadhaar Card password to access the downloaded file. The password for the PDF file is the first four letters of your name (in capitals) and the year of your birth.

Download e-Aadhaar by using Virtual ID

Step 1: Visit UIDAI’s official website

Step 2: Under “My Aadhaar” tab click“Download Aadhaar”  

Step 3: Select the ‘Virtual ID (VID)’ option 

Step 4: Authenticate your virtual ID and your security code.

Step 5: Click on ‘Send OTP’

Step 6: Your e-Aadhaar will be automatically downloaded. 

Step 7: Enter your Aadhaar Card password to access the downloaded file. The password for the PDF file is the first four letters of your name (in capitals) and the year of your birth.

Download e-Aadhaar by using Enrollment Number

Step 1: Visit the official website of UIDAI

Step 2: Click “Download Aadhaar” under the “My Aadhaar” tab.

Step 3: Identify yourself by entering your 28-digit enrollment number and security code

Step 4: Click on “Send OTP”

Step 5: Enter the OTP

Step 6: Click on “Verify and download” 

Step 7: Enter your Aadhaar Card password to access the downloaded file. The password for the PDF file is the first four letters of your name (in capitals) and the year of your birth.

Download e-Aadhaar by using Digi Locker

Step 1: Visit the official DigiLocker website

Step 2: Log in using your credentials

Step 3: Next,  enter your Aadhaar number

Step 4: Request for an ‘OTP’ by clicking on verify

Step 5: By clicking on ‘verify OTP’ you will be redirected to the ‘issued document’ page

Step 6: Save your e-Aadhaar by clicking the save icon.

Download e-Aadhaar with Registered Mobile Number

Step 1: Locate the nearest Aadhaar centre

Step 2: Submit biometrics and other important documents (PAN and ID Card)

Step 3: The executive at the centre will provide a printout of the Aadhaar Card. 

Note: The PVC version will cost Rs 50 (including GST), while a normal colour print-out on A4 will cost Rs 30 (including GST).

Steps to Download e-Aadhaar Card through Umang App

Step 1: Download the Unamg App from your preferred app store.

Step 2:  Under ‘all services’ tab, click on ‘Aadhaar Card’

Step 3: Select the “View Aadhaar Card From DigiLocker” option

Step 4: The app allows you to opt between DigiLocker or Aadhaar number to download your Aadhaar Card

Step 5: You will receive an OTP,  enter it in the space allocated

Step 6: Click  on “Verify OTP”

Step 7:  Obtain a digital copy of your Aadhaar Card by clicking the download icon.

How to Print the Aadhaar Card?

Access your digital Aadhaar using the alphanumeric password. Once the e-Aadhaar is downloaded in a PDF format, choose the print option. CSC Aadhaar Print has now been authorised as a cost-effective option for printing Aadhaar Cards.

Aadhaar Services Online

UIDAI permits the Aadhaar Card holders to benefit from Aadhaar services from the comfort of their home. The following Aadhaar services are made accessible by the UIDAI:

Verification of the Aadhaar Number

UIDAI allows the Aadhaar Verification to all card holders and the service providers to verify and affirm the validity of the Aadhaar number.

Verification of Registered Email ID/ Mobile Number

The registered email address and mobile number of the Aadhaar holder actas the primary credentials to access the online Aadhaar services and additional benefits. 

Locking/Unlocking Biometric Information

UIDAI gives the account holders the authority to lock their biometric information, hence permitting them to secure their identity. 

Linking Bank Account with Aadhaar 

UIDAI gives the account holder an option to check whether their bank account is linked with their Aadhaar or not. If not, then you can link it by visiting the UIDAI’s official website.

Aadhaar Authentication History

By providing this service, UIDAI allows the Aadhaar holders to review  details of any authentication they may have made previously. You can check upto 50 authentication transactions using this service.

Offline Verification of Aadhaar Data

Aadhaar Paperless e-KYC is a protected shareable record which can be utilised by any Aadhaar number holder for offline verification.

SMS Services

You can benefit Aadhaar Services by sending a SMS from Registered Mobile to 1947 in the format given below:

TO generate virtual ID	GVID<SPACE>Aadhaar-Number-last-4-digits
TO retrieve virtual ID	RVID<SPACE>Aadhaar-Number-last-4-digits
To retrieve OTP	Using Aadhaar Card: GETOTP<SPACE>Aadhaar-NUMBER-last-4-digits Using Virtual ID: GETOTP<SPACE>Virtual ID-NUMBER-last-6-digits
To lock Aadhaar	Step 1: GETOTP<SPACE>Aadhaar NUMBER-last-4-digits   Step 2: LOCKUID<SPACE>Aadhaar NUMBER-last 4-digits<SPACE>OTP-6-digits
To unlock Aadhaar	Step 1: GETOTP<SPACE>Virtual-ID-last-6-digits   Step 2: UNLOCKUID<SPACE>Virtual-ID-last-6-digits<SPACE>OTP-6-digits
To temporarily unblock biometric information	Step 1: GETOTP<SPACE>Aadhaar-Number-last-4-digits   Step 2: UNLOCKBIO<SPACE>Aadhaar-Number-last-4-digits<SPACE>OTP-6-digits
To disable biometric information	Step 1: GETOTP<SPACE>Aadhaar-Number-last-4-digits   Step 2: DISABLEBIOLOCK<SPACE>Aadhaar-Number-last-4-digits<SPACE>OTP-6-digits
To enable biometric information	Step 1: GETOTP<SPACE>Aadhaar-Number-last-4-digits   Step 2: ENABLEBIOLOCK<SPACE>Aadhaar-Number-last-4-digits<SPACE>OTP-6-digits

A Quick Guide to Link Aadhaar Card to PAN Card

In accordance with section 139AA of the Income Tax Act 1961, linking the Aadhaar Card with PAN Card is mandated by 31st March 2023. This is because the Income Tax Department uses the PAN number as a unique identification number for taxpayers in the country.

Furthermore, Aadhar is a more recent phenomenon where the UIDAI has attempted to issue an identity card to every Indian, which is biometric and hence more secure. It is imperative for you to link your Aadhaar Card to your PAN Card online to enable you to file your Income Tax returns in future years.

The process to link your Aadhaar with PAN can be done completely online. Read the steps stated below to gain a better understanding:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Income Tax e-filing portal

Step 2: Register yourself; if not already done

Step 3: Login by entering the user ID (PAN number), password, and date of birth

Step 4: A pop-up window on the screen prompts you to link your Aadhaar with your PAN. 

Step 5: If the pop-up window doesn’t appear, under the ‘profile settings’ tab, click on ‘link Aadhaar’

Step 6: Now, you will be redirected to a new page where you can see your credentials displayed on the screen

Step 7: Verify the PAN details on the screen with those mentioned on your Aadhaar. 

Step 8: In the event of any mismatch, you need to get the correction done  in the documents

Step 9: If the details match, enter your Aadhaar number and click on the ‘link now’ option

Step 10: You will receive a pop-up notification stating that your Aadhaar has been successfully linked to your PAN Card

Alternatively, you can link your PAN Card with your Aadhaar Card at the official website UTIITSL or NSDL e-Gov portal.

Aadhaar PVC Card

UIDAI has now launched the PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Card that facilitates the Aadhaar Card holder to reprint their Aadhaar Card and use it just like an ATM/debit card. The pocket-friendly card comes with a digitally-signed QR code, a photograph, and multiple security features. Some of the features that help in maintaining the integrity of Aadhaar data include the issue date, ghost image, micro text, hologram, and the print date of the Card. The PVC Aadhaar card is issued to the holder against a payment of INR 50 as registration fees.

You can order your PVC Card via the UIDAI website just by providing your Aadhaar credentials. Check out the steps to apply for an Aadhaar PVC Card:

Step 1: Visit the official website of UIDAI

Step 2: Under ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, click on ‘Order Aadhaar PVC Card’

Step 3: Login to ‘My Aadhaar; using the credentials (Aadhaar Card number and registered mobile number)

Step 4: If your mobile number is not registered with your Aadhaar Card, UIDAI allows you to request a PVC Card using the non-registered number.

Step 5: Verify your demographic information displayed on the screen and click on ‘submit’

Step 6: On confirmation of your request, pay the Card charges (INR 50)

Step 7: Post payment, you will receive an acknowledgement notification along with the SRN number.

Note: It usually takes 4-5 business days to deliver your PVC Aadhaar Card. You can use the SRN number to track your order.