Download Aadhaar Card: Step-by-Step Guide

Aadhaar Card is one of the most important identity documents in India, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It contains a 12-digit unique number linked to an individual’s biometric and demographic details. If you have lost your Aadhaar card or need a digital copy, you can easily download it online.

In this guide, we will explain how you can download Aadhaar card in a few simple steps.


Ways to Download Aadhaar Card

You can download your Aadhaar Card online using:

  1. Aadhaar Number
  2. Enrolment ID (EID)
  3. Virtual ID (VID)
  4. Name and Date of Birth

Let’s go through each method step by step.


Method 1: Download Aadhaar Card Using Aadhaar Number

If you have your Aadhaar number, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the UIDAI Website

Go to the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in

Step 2: Click on ‘Download Aadhaar’

Find and click on the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option under the ‘My Aadhaar’ section.

Step 3: Enter Your Aadhaar Number

  • Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
  • Complete the CAPTCHA verification.
  • Click on ‘Send OTP’.

Step 4: Verify OTP

  • You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number.
  • Enter the OTP and click ‘Verify & Download’.

Step 5: Download and Open the PDF

  • Your Aadhaar card will be downloaded in PDF format.
  • The password to open the PDF is the first four letters of your name (in capital) followed by your birth year (e.g., RAJU1995).

Method 2: Download Aadhaar Card Using Enrolment ID (EID)

If you don’t have your Aadhaar number, you can use your Enrolment ID (EID) mentioned on the enrolment slip.

Steps to Follow:

  1. Visit UIDAI website and click on ‘Download Aadhaar’.
  2. Select ‘Enrolment ID (EID)’ instead of Aadhaar Number.
  3. Enter your 14-digit EID along with the date and time from your enrolment slip.
  4. Complete the CAPTCHA and click ‘Send OTP’.
  5. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and verify.
  6. Download your Aadhaar PDF.

Method 3: Download Aadhaar Using Virtual ID (VID)

A Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary 16-digit number linked to your Aadhaar.

How to Download Aadhaar Using VID:

  1. Visit the UIDAI Aadhaar Download Page.
  2. Select ‘VID’ and enter your 16-digit Virtual ID.
  3. Complete CAPTCHA and request an OTP.
  4. Enter the OTP received on your mobile and verify.
  5. Download your Aadhaar card in PDF format.

Method 4: Download Aadhaar Without Aadhaar Number (Using Name & DOB)

If you don’t remember your Aadhaar number or EID, you can still download it.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Go to the UIDAI website and click ‘Retrieve Lost/Forgotten UID/EID’.
  2. Select whether you want to retrieve Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID.
  3. Enter your full name and registered mobile number or email ID.
  4. Complete CAPTCHA and click ‘Send OTP’.
  5. Enter the OTP and retrieve your Aadhaar number or EID.
  6. Use the retrieved details to download your Aadhaar card using any of the methods above.

Important Notes

  • Your mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar to receive OTP.
  • If your mobile number is not linked, visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra for updates.
  • The downloaded Aadhaar is legally valid as per UIDAI guidelines.

Conclusion

Downloading your Aadhaar card is a simple and quick process. Whether you have your Aadhaar number, EID, or VID, you can retrieve your Aadhaar within minutes. If your mobile number is not linked, update it at an Aadhaar center to access online services easily.