If you have an Aadhaar number and need a digital copy of your Aadhaar card, you can download e-Aadhaar online through the official UIDAI website. You do not have to wait for a physical Aadhaar letter to use the digital version.
e-Aadhaar is a password-protected electronic copy of Aadhaar that is digitally signed by UIDAI. UIDAI confirms that e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar copy.
Advertisements
How to Download Aadhaar Online
The easiest way to download your Aadhaar is through the official MyAadhaar portal.
Step 1: Visit the UIDAI Website
Go to the official UIDAI website and open the MyAadhaar services.
Select Download Aadhaar from the available services. UIDAI currently lists Aadhaar download as a free online service requiring mobile OTP authentication.
Step 2: Enter Your Aadhaar Details
You can follow the download process using the information requested by the UIDAI portal.
Depending on the available option, you may use your Aadhaar Number, Enrolment ID (EID), or Virtual ID (VID).
Enter the details carefully and complete the captcha if requested.
Step 3: Request an OTP
An OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
Enter the OTP on the UIDAI website to verify your identity.
If your mobile number is not registered with Aadhaar, you may need to visit an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre to update your mobile number before using OTP-based online services.
Advertisements
Step 4: Download Your e-Aadhaar
After successful verification, select the option to download your Aadhaar.
Your e-Aadhaar will generally be downloaded as a PDF file. You can save it on your phone, computer or other secure device.
What Is the Password for e-Aadhaar PDF?
The downloaded Aadhaar PDF is password protected.
According to UIDAI’s Aadhaar handbook, the password consists of the first four letters of your name in CAPITAL letters followed by your year of birth in YYYY format.
For example, if the name on your Aadhaar is RAHUL KUMAR and the year of birth is 1995, the password would be:
RAHU1995
If your name has fewer than four letters, follow the password format specified by UIDAI.
How to Download Aadhaar Using the Aadhaar App
UIDAI’s new Aadhaar app also provides an e-Aadhaar download facility.
The current Aadhaar app supports services including Aadhaar download, mobile number update, address update, biometric lock/unlock, authentication history and other Aadhaar-related services.
You can install the official app on a compatible Android or iOS device and complete the required authentication.
How to Download Masked Aadhaar
UIDAI also provides a Masked Aadhaar option.
A Masked Aadhaar hides the first eight digits of your 12-digit Aadhaar number and displays only the last four digits. UIDAI currently lists Masked Aadhaar as a free online service requiring mobile OTP authentication.
This can be useful when you need to share an Aadhaar copy but do not need to display your complete Aadhaar number.
Can I Download Aadhaar Without a Mobile Number?
Online e-Aadhaar download requires the applicable authentication method, including OTP-based verification.
If you do not have access to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar, you may need to update your mobile number through an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre.
Do not share your Aadhaar OTP with another person.
Is Aadhaar Download Free?
Yes. UIDAI currently lists Download Aadhaar as a free online service.
Be careful with websites or individuals asking for money simply to download your e-Aadhaar. Use the official UIDAI website or official Aadhaar app instead.
Is e-Aadhaar Valid?
Yes. UIDAI states that e-Aadhaar is a password-protected, digitally signed electronic copy of Aadhaar and is equally valid as the physical copy of Aadhaar.
The downloaded document also contains a QR code that can be used for verification.
What If I Cannot Download My Aadhaar?
If you cannot download your e-Aadhaar, check whether the mobile number registered with Aadhaar is active and capable of receiving OTPs.
Also make sure that the Aadhaar details you enter are correct.
If you continue to have problems, you can contact UIDAI support at 1947 or visit an authorised Aadhaar service centre. UIDAI lists 1947 as its toll-free support number.
Final Words
Downloading Aadhaar online is a simple way to get a digital copy when you need it. Visit the official UIDAI MyAadhaar portal, select Download Aadhaar, enter the required details, complete OTP verification and download your e-Aadhaar PDF.
You can also use the official Aadhaar app, which currently includes e-Aadhaar download along with several other Aadhaar services.
For your security, always use official UIDAI services and never share your Aadhaar OTP, password or other sensitive information with unknown websites or individuals.
