Downloading a digital copy of your Aadhaar card (known as an e-Aadhaar) is a fast and simple process. The e-Aadhaar is a password-protected electronic copy that is digitally signed by the competent authority of UIDAI. Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, an e-Aadhaar is equally valid for all legal and official purposes as a physical Aadhaar card.
Here is the complete, step-by-step guide on how to download your Aadhaar card online through the official UIDAI portal.
📋 Prerequisites
Before you begin the download process, ensure you have the following ready:
- Your Aadhaar Number (12 digits) OR your Enrollment ID (EID – 28 digits) OR your Virtual ID (VID – 16 digits).
- Your Registered Mobile Number: This is crucial. You must have access to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card to receive the One-Time Password (OTP) required for verification.
🌐 Step-by-Step Download Process
- Visit the Official UIDAI Portal:
- Open your web browser and navigate to the official UIDAI website:
myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in(This is the direct portal for Aadhaar services).
- Open your web browser and navigate to the official UIDAI website:
- Access the Download Tool:
- On the homepage dashboard, locate the section titled “Download Aadhaar” and click on it.
- Select Your Credential Type:
- You will be presented with three radio button options at the top of the screen. Choose the one you have:
- Aadhaar Number: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Enrollment ID (EID): Enter the 28-digit Enrollment ID provided on your update/enrollment slip.
- Virtual ID (VID): Enter your 16-digit Virtual ID.
- You will be presented with three radio button options at the top of the screen. Choose the one you have:
- Complete the CAPTCHA:
- Carefully type the alphanumeric CAPTCHA code shown in the image into the designated box.
- Generate OTP:
- Click the “Send OTP” button. A 6-digit OTP will be sent immediately to your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP & Download:
- Enter the 6-digit OTP into the provided field.
- Optional Note regarding Masked Aadhaar: Before downloading, you may see an option that says “Do you want a masked Aadhaar?” If you check this box, the downloaded PDF will hide the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number (showing only the last 4 digits) for enhanced privacy. If you need the full number visible, leave this unchecked.
- Click “Verify & Download”.
- Save the File:
- Once verification is successful, a confirmation message will appear, and the e-Aadhaar PDF file will automatically download to your device (usually in your “Downloads” folder).
🔒 How to Open the Password-Protected e-Aadhaar PDF
The downloaded e-Aadhaar PDF is highly secure and requires a specific password to open.
The password formula is:
- The first 4 letters of your name (as printed on your Aadhaar card) in CAPITAL LETTERS.
- Followed immediately by your Year of Birth (in YYYY format).
Examples:
- Name: SURESH KUMAR | Year of Birth: 1990
- Password:
SURE1990
- Password:
- Name: SAI KUMAR | Year of Birth: 1990
- Password:
SAIK1990
- Password:
- Name: P. KUMAR | Year of Birth: 1990
- Password:
P.KU1990
- Password:
- Name: RIA | Year of Birth: 1990
- Password:
RIA1990(If the name has fewer than 4 letters, use the entire name).
- Password: