What is e-Aadhaar?

e-Aadhaar is the digital version of your Aadhaar card available for download from the official UIDAI website. It contains:

• Aadhaar number
• Name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Address
• QR code for verification
• Digital signature of UIDAI

The downloaded PDF is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card.

Methods to Download Aadhaar Card Online

You can download Aadhaar using the following official methods:

1. UIDAI website (primary method)
2. mAadhaar mobile app
3. DigiLocker portal/app
4. Using Enrolment ID (EID)
5. Using Virtual ID (VID)

Let’s go step-by-step.

Method 1: Download Aadhaar from UIDAI Website

How to Download Aadhaar Card from UIDAI Portal

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Visit the official UIDAI website.
2. Click on “Download Aadhaar”.
3. Choose one of the following:
   • Aadhaar Number (UID)
   • Enrolment ID (EID)
   • Virtual ID (VID)
4. Enter the selected number.
5. Enter the captcha code.
6. Click “Send OTP”.
7. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
8. Click “Verify & Download”.

Your Aadhaar PDF file will download instantly.

Aadhaar PDF Password Format

The downloaded Aadhaar PDF is password protected.

Password format:

• First 4 letters of your name in CAPITAL letters
• Followed by your birth year (YYYY)

Example:
Name: Ramesh Kumar
Year of Birth: 1990
Password: RAME1990

If your name has fewer than 4 letters, use the full name.

Method 2: Download Aadhaar via mAadhaar App

You can also download Aadhaar using the official mAadhaar mobile application.

Steps:

1. Install the mAadhaar app from Google Play Store or App Store.
2. Open the app and register your Aadhaar.
3. Authenticate using OTP.
4. Navigate to “Download Aadhaar”.
5. Complete verification and download.

This method is useful for quick mobile access.

Method 3: Download Aadhaar from DigiLocker

DigiLocker allows Aadhaar access after identity verification.

Steps:

1. Visit DigiLocker website or open the app.
2. Sign in using mobile number.
3. Link your Aadhaar.
4. Authenticate using OTP.
5. Access Aadhaar under issued documents.
6. Download or save digitally.

Download Aadhaar Using Enrolment ID (EID)

If you have not received your Aadhaar number yet, you can use your Enrolment ID.

Your EID is mentioned on the enrolment slip provided at the Aadhaar centre.

Steps:

• Select “Enrolment ID” on download page.
• Enter 28-digit EID number.
• Complete OTP verification.
• Download PDF.

Download Aadhaar Using Virtual ID (VID)

VID is a temporary 16-digit number generated from your Aadhaar number.

To download using VID:

• Select “Virtual ID”.
• Enter 16-digit VID.
• Complete OTP verification.
• Download securely.

Can I Download Aadhaar Without Registered Mobile Number?

No.

OTP verification is mandatory for online Aadhaar download.

If your mobile number is not registered:

• Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
• Update your mobile number.
• Complete biometric verification.
• Then download online.

There is no official bypass for OTP authentication.

Common Aadhaar Download Errors & Solutions

OTP Not Received

• Ensure mobile number is registered.
• Check network signal.
• Wait and retry after a few minutes.

Invalid Aadhaar Number Error

• Check for typing mistakes.
• Ensure 12-digit number is correct.

Captcha Error

• Refresh captcha.
• Enter characters exactly as shown.

PDF Not Opening

• Use correct password format.
• Check name spelling on Aadhaar.
• Confirm birth year is accurate.

“Request Already Processed” Message

This means download was previously attempted. Wait and retry.

Download Aadhaar for Child (Baal Aadhaar)

For children below 5 years:

• Aadhaar can be downloaded normally.
• No biometrics required initially.
• Mandatory biometric update after age 5 and 15.

Parents can download using child’s Aadhaar number and registered mobile.

Masked Aadhaar Download

UIDAI allows downloading a masked Aadhaar.

Masked Aadhaar hides first 8 digits of Aadhaar number.

To download:

• Select “Do you want a masked Aadhaar?”
• Complete OTP verification.
• Download PDF.

Masked Aadhaar is valid for identity verification.

Is e-Aadhaar Legally Valid?

Yes.

e-Aadhaar is digitally signed by UIDAI and legally valid under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.

It can be used for:

• KYC verification
• Bank account opening
• Government services
• SIM verification
• PAN linking

Security Tips While Downloading Aadhaar

• Download only from official UIDAI website.
• Never share OTP with anyone.
• Avoid public computers.
• Do not share full Aadhaar on unknown platforms.
• Use masked Aadhaar when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Aadhaar download free?

Yes. Downloading e-Aadhaar from UIDAI is completely free.

How many times can I download Aadhaar?

There is no limit. You can download multiple times.

Can I use downloaded Aadhaar instead of PVC card?

Yes. e-Aadhaar is legally valid.

What if I forgot Aadhaar number?

You can retrieve Aadhaar using registered mobile number via UIDAI portal.

Can I download Aadhaar without OTP?

No. OTP verification is mandatory.

Conclusion

Downloading Aadhaar card online is simple when done through official UIDAI methods. Whether using Aadhaar number, VID, or EID, the process requires OTP authentication linked to your registered mobile number.

Always download from the official UIDAI portal and avoid third-party websites. Keep your Aadhaar details secure and use masked Aadhaar whenever possible.

For updates, corrections, or PVC card orders, refer to the respective UIDAI services.