How to Download Aadhaar Card? An Updated Step-by-Step Guide

The Aadhaar card has now become one of the most important documents for Indian citizens. It is required to access a wide range of services, including banking & financial facilities, government schemes, buying a new SIM card, or address verification. Due to the country’s evolving digital landscape, you do not need to carry a physical copy every time. You can download Aadhaar online, any time, and can carry a digital copy on your smartphone or computer.

In this article, we will explain how to download an Aadhaar card via different methods. The good news is that the process is simple and straightforward.

What is e-Aadhaar?

Issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the e-Aadhaar card is the digital version of your physical Aadhaar card. e-Aadhaar is digitally signed and is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card. The e-Aadhaar is generated in the PDF file format, and an individual can download their Aadhaar card online after successful verification.

The most prominent feature of e-Aadhaar is its convenience. Instead of always keeping a physical copy, you can simply store the PDF version on your mobile phone, laptop, or even in the online storage facilities such as One drive or cloud. If you have a question about how to download an e-Aadhaar card, the process is simple and can be done within a few minutes.

How to Download Aadhaar Card Online from UIDAI?

The individuals can download Aadhaar card from the UIDAI website using their Aadhaar number.

Step 1: Navigate to the official “UIDAI” website.

Step 2: Click on the “Download Aadhaar” option and select “Aadhaar Number.”

Step 3: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.

Step 4: Complete the CAPTCHA verification and click on “Send OTP.”

Step 5: Now, enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.

Step 6: Click on “Verify & Download,” and your Aadhaar card will be downloaded instantly.

How to Download Aadhaar Card Online from New Aadhaar App?

Step 1: Install and open the new Aadhaar app on your mobile phone.

Step 2: Log in to the app through face authentication or any other security verification process.

Step 3: Either select your desired Aadhaar profile from the list or create a new one.

Step 4: Go to the Aadhaar details/documents within the app.

Step 5: Click on the “View/Download Aadhaar digitally” option.

Step 6: Save your Aadhaar PDF or view it from the app itself.

How to Download Aadhaar Card Online Using Enrolment ID (EID)?

Individuals can follow the following steps to download Aadhaar card using EID.

Step 1: Visit the official “UIDAI” website and click on the “Download Aadhaar” page.

Step 2: Click on "Enrolment ID (EID)".

Step 3: Provide your 14-digit Enrolment ID along with time/date from acknowledgment slip.

Step 4: Perform CAPTCHA Verification.

Step 5: Get One Time Password (OTP).

Step 6: Insert OTP and download your Aadhaar PDF.

How to Download Aadhaar Card Online Using Virtual ID (EID)?

Individuals can download Aadhaar card using a virtual ID.

Step 1: Navigate to the Aadhaar download page.

Step 2: Click on “Virtual ID (VID).”

Step 3: Enter the 16-digit VID.

Step 4: Verify the process through security verification.

Step 5: Generate and enter OTP.

Step 6: Download the Aadhaar card.

How to Download Aadhaar Card Online Using Name and Date of Birth?

Sometimes you may have forgotten your Aadhaar number as well as enrolment ID. In such cases, too, there is no need to worry because you can still download your Aadhaar card using your date of birth and the name registered with UIDAI.

Step 1: Open the UIDAI website.

Step 2: Navigate to My Aadhaar’ and select ‘Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID’ in the ‘Aadhaar Services’ tab.

Step 3: Select either your Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID number and type in your name, mobile number/email ID and CAPTCHA code and click ‘Send OTP’.

Step 4: Enter your OTP and then press the ‘Submit’ button.

Step 5: You will see a message saying your Aadhaar number/Enrolment ID has been sent to your mobile number/email ID. Now that you have received your Aadhaar number/enrolment ID, follow the steps mentioned above to download the Aadhaar card.

Also Read: How to Update Mobile Number in Aadhar Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Download Aadhaar Card via DigiLocker App?

Your e-Aadhaar card can be downloaded using the DigiLocker app using the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Download the DigiLocker app on your phone and login into it.

Step 2: Tap on “ Aadhaar” under the Issued Document. Alternatively, you can tap on ‘Search Documents’ option and enter ‘UIDAI’ and then select ‘Aadhaar’.

Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number and OTP received on your registered mobile number.

Step 4: After the authentication process is done successfully, your Aadhaar card can be found under the section 'Issued Document' within the app.

Step 5: Click on the three-dot icon against the document and choose the option ‘Download'.

Note: For downloading your Aadhaar using DigiLocker, your mobile number needs to be linked to your Aadhaar.

How to Download Aadhaar Card Using UMANG App?

Here is how you can download your Aadhaar card using the UMANG app:

Step 1: Sign Up and login to the UMANG app.

Step 2: Go to 'Documents' and select 'Aadhaar Card.'

Step 3: Click on 'Login' to the DigiLocker account.

Step 4: You will be redirected to the DigiLocker homepage. Register yourself in DigiLocker or login to the account.

Step 5: While registering for the first time on DigiLocker, make sure that your mobile number is already registered in Aadhaar.

Step 6: You will now be able to view and download your Aadhaar card through the UMANG app using DigiLocker.

Is it Possible to Download Aadhaar Card Without OTP?

Many users look for methods to download Aadhar Card without an OTP. But according to UIDAI, OTP verification is necessary due to security purposes.

Now, the direct downloading of Aadhaar from UIDAI portal without the OTP is usually not possible since the OTP verifies the identity of the holder of the card.

In case your registered mobile number becomes inactive, you will have to change the mobile number at any Aadhaar enrolment or update center.

Aadhaar PDF Password: Opening Aadhar PDF File Password

Upon downloading your Aadhaar card, you may be confused because it contains a PDF that is password protected.

What is Aadhaar PDF Password?

Aadhaar PDF password is made up of the following:

First four characters of the name in CAPITALS. Your birth year.

Example:

Your Name: Rahul Kumar

Date of Birth: 1995

Password: RAHU1995

Common Mistakes While Downloading Aadhaar Card and Their Solutions

FAQs

How can I download my Aadhaar card online?

You can download your Aadhaar card online from the UIDAI portal using your Aadhaar Number, Enrolment ID (EID), or Virtual ID (VID). After entering the required details and verifying your identity through OTP, you can download the e-Aadhaar PDF.

How do I download an e-Aadhaar card?

To download an e-Aadhaar card, visit the UIDAI website, select the "Download Aadhaar" option, enter your Aadhaar details, complete OTP verification, and download the PDF file.

Can I download my Aadhaar card without OTP?

No. UIDAI requires OTP verification sent to your registered mobile number for security reasons. Without OTP authentication, you cannot download your Aadhaar card through the official online process.

What is the password for opening the Aadhaar PDF?

The Aadhaar PDF password consists of the first four letters of your name in CAPITAL letters followed by your birth year (YYYY). For example, if your name is Rahul and your birth year is 1995, the password will be RAHU1995.

Is e-Aadhaar valid as a physical Aadhaar card?

Yes. e-Aadhaar is digitally signed by UIDAI and is legally valid for all purposes where a physical Aadhaar card is accepted, including identity verification and address proof.

Can I download my Aadhaar card using my Enrolment ID (EID)?

Yes. If you have not received your Aadhaar number yet, you can use the Enrolment ID (EID) mentioned on your enrolment acknowledgment slip to download your e-Aadhaar.

What should I do if I do not receive the Aadhaar OTP?

First, check your mobile network and ensure that the mobile number linked to Aadhaar is active. If the OTP does not arrive, wait a few minutes and request a new OTP. You can also try again later if there is a temporary network issue.

Which app can I use to download my Aadhaar card?

You can use the official mAadhaar app developed by UIDAI to download and access your Aadhaar digitally. Alternatively, you can also retrieve your Aadhaar through DigiLocker.