How to Download Aadhaar Card: Download UIDAI eAadhaar Online

Download your Aadhaar Card from the official website on UIDAI myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, mAadhaar App, DigiLocker, UMANG, etc platforms. Check further details below.

Prerequisites to Download Your Aadhaar Card Online

Before beginning the download process of Aadhaar Card, make sure you have the following:

• Identification Information: You’ll need any one of these:
  • 12-digit Aadhaar Number
  • 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) Number
  • 28-digit Enrollment ID (EID) Number
• Registered Mobile Number: The phone number linked to your Aadhaar for OTP verification.
• PDF Reader: “Adobe Reader” software to open and view PDF files. To install Adobe Reader in the System visit https://get.adobe.com/reader/

How to Download Your Aadhaar Card Online?

eAadhaar can be downloaded online via several methods. All those methods are:

• Method 1: Using the Official UIDAI Website
• Method 2: Through DigiLocker Platform
• Method 3: Using the mAadhaar App
• Method 4: Through UMANG App

You can also download the masked Aadhaar Card online to secure the privacy of your Aadhaar, and reduce the misuse of it. To download masked Aadhaar, click here.

Method 1: Download Aadhaar Card Through the Official UIDAI Website

To download your UIDAI-issued Aadhaar Card from the official website of UIDAI, follow the steps provided below:

• Navigate to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
• Look for and click on the ‘Download Aadhaar‘ option on the homepage

• Choose Your Identification Method: You have three options:
  • Aadhaar Number
  • Enrollment ID Number
  • Virtual ID Number

Tip: If privacy is a concern, consider using the Virtual ID option.

Option 1: Using Aadhaar Number

• On the eAadhaar Download page, select the radio button near the Aadhaar Number.
• After that, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number.
• Then, enter the captcha code and click on the “Send OTP” option.

• An OTP will be sent to the number registered with the Aadhaar Card.
• Enter this OTP on the website to verify your identity.
• After OTP verification, click on ‘Download Aadhaar.’ The downloaded file will be in a PDF format and protected with a password.

Option 2: Using Enrollment ID Number

• On the Download Aadhaar page, select the radio button near the Enrollment ID Number.
• After that, enter your 14-digit Enrollment ID (EID) Number.
• Then select the Enrollment ID (EID) Date and Enrollment ID (EID) Time.
• Finally, Enter the Captcha code and hit the Send OTP button.

• An OTP will be received on your Mobile Number registered with your Aadhaar Card.
• Enter the OTP in the designated area.
• Once your identity is verified, click on Download Aadhaar.
• The PDF format of your Aadhaar Card will then be downloaded.

Option 3: Using Virtual ID Number

• On the Download Aadhaar page, click on the radio button of Virtual ID Number.
• After that, enter your 16-digit Virtual ID (EID) Number.
• Finally, Enter the Captcha code and hit the Send OTP button.

• An OTP be sent to your Aadhaar registered Mobile Number.
• Enter the OTP in the designated area.
• Once your identity is verified, click on Download Aadhaar.
• The PDF format of your Aadhaar Card will then be downloaded on your device.

Generate Virtual ID Number (VID) Online

If you don’t have Virtual ID Number to process the above provided option, you can generate one online. To Generate VID, follow the steps provided below:

How to Generate UIDAI Virtual ID (VID) Online?

To generate a Virtual ID online through the official portal of UIDAI, follow the steps provided below:

• Visit the UIDAI Official Website https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
• Locate and click on the “VID Generator” option, available on the mainpage.
• Now, you will be presented with two options. One is Generate VID and the other is Retrieve VID.
• To generate a new Virtual ID (VID), click on the radio button in front of the Generate VID option.

• Now, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
• Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
• Then, click on the ‘Send OTP‘ button.

• An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Enter the received OTP.
• Then, click on the “Generate” button.

• Your newly generated Virtual ID will be sent directly to your registered mobile number.

• You can now use this VID instead of your Aadhaar number to download your Aadhaar Card.

Method 2: Download Aadhaar Card From DigiLocker Platform

DigiLocker is a secure, government-backed digital locker system for storing important documents:

• Install the DigiLocker app from your device’s app store or visit the website (digilocker.gov.in)
• Sign up for a new account or login to your existing DigiLocker account.
• In the app or website, navigate to the “Issued Documents” section.

• If you haven’t verified yourself yet, a page will open. Here enter your Aadhaar Number, tick the declaration box, then click on the “Update” button.

• Now, choose “Aadhaar” from the available document types.
• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
• Verify your identity with an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
• Once verified, your e-Aadhaar will be available in your DigiLocker account.

Benefits of DigiLocker:

• Secure cloud storage for important documents
• Easy access across devices
• Government-verified digital documents

Method 3: Download Aadhaar Card Using mAadhaar App

The official UIDAI mobile app offers another convenient way to access your Aadhaar:

• Download and install the mAadhaar app from your device’s app store.
• Open the app and tap on “Login“.
• Enter your Aadhaar number and the registered mobile number.
• Verify with an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
• Set up a password for the app.
• Your digital Aadhaar will now be available within the app.

Key Features of mAadhaar:

• Offline KYC verification
• Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) generation
• Option to lock/unlock biometrics

Method 4: Download Aadhaar Card Through UMANG App

UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) provides access to various e-governance services:

• Install the UMANG app from your device’s app store.
• Register for a new account or login with existing credentials.
• Navigate to ‘All Services‘ and search for ‘Aadhaar Card‘.
• Select ‘View Aadhaar Card from DigiLocker‘.
• You’ll be redirected to log in to your DigiLocker account (or create one if you don’t have it).
• Once logged in, you can access and download your digital Aadhaar.

Advantages of UMANG:

• Single platform for multiple government services
• Available in multiple Indian languages
• Integrated with DigiLocker for seamless document access

How to Unlock Password Protected e-Aadhaar?

After successfully downloading your e-Aadhaar, follow these steps to access and print it:

• Locate the Downloaded File: Find the PDF file in your device’s download folder or the location you chose to save it.
• Open the PDF File: Use any PDF reader software (Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Edge, etc.)
• Enter the Password: To open the Aadhaar Card PDF, you need a password. The password is a combination of:
  • First 4 letters of your name (in CAPITAL letters)
  • Your birth year (in YYYY format)

Example: For “Rajesh Kumar” born in 1985, the password would be “RAJE1985” Note: If your name has less than 4 letters, use your full name in caps.

Understanding Aadhaar: The Backbone of Digital Identity in India

Let’s understand about Aadhaar and its significance in detail here:

What is Aadhaar?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It’s more than just a number; it’s a robust system designed to provide universal identity proof for Indian residents.

Significance of Aadhaar

• Universal Identifier: Aadhaar serves as a single, universal ID that can be used across India.
• Proof of Identity and Residence: It’s accepted as valid ID and address proof for various purposes.
• Access to Government Services: Many welfare schemes and subsidies are linked to Aadhaar.
• Financial Inclusion: It’s crucial for opening bank accounts, filing taxes, and accessing financial services.
• Digital India Initiative: Aadhaar is a key component in India’s move towards digital governance and services.

The Evolution of Aadhaar

• 2009: UIDAI established
• 2010: First Aadhaar number issued
• 2016: Aadhaar Act passed, providing legislative backing
• 2017: Introduction of Virtual ID for enhanced privacy
• 2018: Supreme Court upholds the constitutional validity of Aadhaar
• 2021: Launch of Aadhaar 2.0 initiatives for improved services

Important Considerations and Best Practices

Security First:

• Treat your Aadhaar details with the same caution as you would financial information.
• Never share your Aadhaar number or document publicly or on social media.
• Be wary of phishing attempts asking for your Aadhaar details.

Regular Updates:

• Keep your Aadhaar information up-to-date for smooth authentication.
• Use the UIDAI self-service portal to update your details when necessary.

Multiple Format Storage:

• Keep both digital and printed copies of your Aadhaar for different situations.
• Store digital copies securely, preferably in encrypted form.

Validity Awareness:

• The downloaded e-Aadhaar is as valid as the physical card for most purposes.
• Some entities might require the physical copy, so check requirements beforehand.

Mobile Number Importance:

• Keeping your registered mobile number current is crucial for OTP verifications.
• If you change your number, update it in your Aadhaar profile immediately.

Privacy Protection:

• Use the Virtual ID (VID) instead of your Aadhaar number when possible for enhanced privacy.
• Enable biometric locking when not actively using Aadhaar-based services.

Regular Verification:

• Periodically check your Aadhaar usage history to ensure there’s no unauthorized use.
• Report any suspicious activity to UIDAI immediately.

Conclusion

Downloading and effectively using your Aadhaar card is more than just a procedural task; it’s a step towards embracing India’s digital future. By following this comprehensive guide, you’re not only ensuring access to your crucial identification document but also participating in the larger digital transformation of governance and services in India.

Remember, with great convenience comes the responsibility of safeguarding your digital identity. Always prioritize the security of your Aadhaar details, stay informed about the latest updates in the Aadhaar ecosystem, and leverage this powerful tool responsibly to access the myriad services and benefits it unlocks.