Aadhaar card
What is the Aadhaar card?
The Aadhaar card is a unique 12-digit identification number that is assigned to you (and anyone who applies). The number is linked to your demographic (name, date of birth, age, address, mobile number, email ID etc) and biometric data (iris scan, fingerprint scan and photograph). All the data is held in a centralized database. The entire Aadhaar program is managed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) which was set up in 2009.
You can use the Aadhaar card as an identity and address proof. An Aadhaar card can help you complete KYC and e-KYC when you apply for a bank account, mobile connection or other financial transactions or utility services.
In its short existence, the Aadhaar card has emerged as one of the most important proofs of identity and address, along with Voter ID, Driving License and Pan Card. And one of the most controversial.
The idea behind setting up Aadhaar as a unique identifier for all citizens was to enable the government of India to improve delivery of subsidies, welfare schemes and programmes to those who are eligible, and eliminate the fake and duplicate economy rampant in the welfare ecosystem.
However, privacy advocates have raised several concerns about Aadhaar and the security of the data. The Supreme Court is also hearing a case on the constitutional validity of making Aadhaar mandatory.
What are the benefits of an Aadhaar card?
Who is eligible for an Aadhaar card? And what are the eligibility criteria?
How to apply for Aadhaar card?
How to apply for Aadhaar card for minors?
What are the documents required for applying for Aadhaar card?
What is the Aadhaar enrolment form?
How to track Aadhaar card status?
What to do if do not receive your Aadhaar card?
How to update or correct Aadhaar card details?
How to get a duplicate copy of lost Aadhaar?
1. What are the benefits of an Aadhaar card?
a) ID and address proof: The Aadhaar card is an identity, address and date of birth proof all rolled into one. It is a universally acceptable card and comes handy while opening a bank account, getting mobile/gas/electricity connections, accessing government services, etc.
b) Direct transfer benefit: To claim government subsidies and benefits of welfare schemes, you need to produce your Aadhaar card. If you link your Aadhaar with your LPG connection and a bank account, you can get the government subsidy on it directly into your account.
c) Easy availability: The Aadhaar card is available anywhere and everywhere. Besides, the physical card, you also have the option of carrying e-Aadhaar copy through the mAadhaar application on your mobile phone.
d) Acquisition of passport: If you have an Aadhaar card, you can get your passport within 10 days. You can now apply for your passport by merely attaching the Aadhaar card as your identity, residence and age proof.
e) e-KYC: You can use Aadhaar to complete your KYC online, thereby saving you visits to the service provider’s office.
2. Who is eligible for an Aadhaar card? And what are the eligibility criteria?
Any Indian citizen, minor, student, adult, senior citizen, regardless of caste, creed, religion or gender, can apply for an Aadhaar card. The eligibility criteria for Aadhaar card is simple. You can apply for Aadhaar if:
1) You are a citizen residing in India
2) You are a non-resident Indian or foreign nationalwho has lived in India for 182 days
3) You are a minor
3. How to apply for Aadhaar card?
You can apply for an Aadhaar card by visiting an enrolment centre near you. There is no way you can complete an Aadhaar application online as you must submit your biometric data at the Aadhaar centre. You can save time by downloading the application form from the UIDAI site and filling it up before you visit the centre.
Carry all the documents necessary listed in point number 6.
Once there, the enrolment officer will take your biometrics and photograph. He/she will provide you with a 14-digit acknowledgement slip for you to check the status of your Aadhaar card on UIDAI website. You will receive the physical copy of your Aadhaar card within 90 days. No fee is charged for fresh applicants.
Read detailed instructions on how to apply for an Aadhaar card
4. How to apply for Aadhaar card for minors?
Yes, even minors can apply for an Aadhaar card. The application process for minors is slightly different from that of an adult. Kids below 5 years do not require biometrics. Once your kid turns 5, you will have to take your child to an enrolment centre to update the biometrics. Either the mother or father’s Aadhaar details have to be provided while filling the form. The physical copy of Aadhaar card will take 90 days to arrive at your residence.
Read detailed instructions on how to apply for an Aadhaar card for minors
5. What are the documents required for applying for Aadhaar card?
You must submit identity, address and date of birth proofs to apply for Aadhaar card. These must be self-attested them. Some of the documents include:
1) Passport
2) PAN card
3) Ratio card
4) Voter ID
5) Driving License
6) NREGA job card
7) ATM card
For minors (below and above 5 years):
1) Birth certificate
2) Parents’ marriage certificate
3) Domicile certificate
4) School ID card
5) A certified letter from the school
6) One of the parent’s Aadhaar card
Full list of documents required for Aadhaar application
6. Where to apply for Aadhaar?
You can apply for Aadhaar at enrolment centres set up by UIDAI across the country
You can search for enrolment and update centres near you by clicking here: https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/centersearch.aspx. You will find three search criterions:
1) Search by state
2) Search by pin code
3) Search using the search box
7. What is the Aadhaar enrolment form?
The Aadhaar card enrolment form is available online via the UIDAI website (https://uidai.gov.in/images/aadhaar_enrolment_correction_form_version_2.1.pdf). It is the form you must use to apply, correct or update your Aadhaar.
Some points to remember before filling the Aadhaar enrolment form:
1) Fill the form in capital letters
2) Do make too many edits. Make sure that your details are legible
3) Before filling the form, read instructions on page 2
4) The details in the documents of proof you submit should match the details you enter
Components of the Aadhaar enrolment form:
1) Full Name
2) Gender
3) Date of birth
4) Address: Your Aadhaar card gets deliveredto the address mentioned here. In case you are living with a relative, provide their address. The address bar also offers the options to add your mobile number and email id
5) Family members’ details
6) National Population Register (NPR)/ Tax Identification Number (TIN): Provide these if you have them
7) Consent: Tick mark this option if you want UIDAI to share your demographic details with the government agencies. If not, select the cross mark
8) Bank Account: You can link your existing bank account with Aadhaar card here or can open a new Aadhaar bank account. It is an optional field
9) Documents: Keep the relevant documents of proof ready like address and identity (PAN card, Voter ID, passport)
10) Introducer: If you do not have identity and address proof, you can use the introducer’s or family member’s details to enrol for Aadhaar card
11) Signature: Sign the form or affix your thumbprint
Read more about the Aadhaar enrolment form
8. How to track Aadhaar card status?
When you apply for Aadhaar, you will be given a 14-digit acknowledgement slip by the enrolment officer to track the status of your Aadhaar card. Sometimes, your Aadhaar gets generated on UIDAI website before the physical copy arrives. Until you do not receive the physical copy, a printed copy would suffice. You can check the status using your enrolment number on the UIDAI website
. If your Aadhaar has been generated, it will automatically get downloaded.
9. What to do if do not receive your Aadhaar card?
If you have not received your Aadhaar card after 90 days of making the application, you should first check the status of your Aadhaar as outlined in point number 9. If it has still not been generated online, you can call the UIDAI on its toll-free number 1800 180 1947 or send an email with your enrolment number and date of application to help@uidai.gov.in
10. How to update or correct Aadhaar card details?
If there is an error in your Aadhaar details, you should get it corrected instantly. You can update or correct your Aadhaar one of three ways:
a. Online: Fill up the correction form and submit the documents online on the UIDAI Self-service Update Portal (SSUP) - https://ssup.uidai.gov.in/web/guest/ssup-home#/popup
b. Offline: Download the form (https://uidai.gov.in/images/UpdateRequestFormV5.pdf ) fill it up, carry relevant documents and submit it at the nearest enrolment centre.
c. By post: Fill up the form, attach the documents and send it to any of the following addresses:
1) UIDAI,
Post Box No. 10,
Chhindwara,
Madhya Pradesh – 480001,
India
2) UIDAI,
Post Box No. 99,
Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad – 500034,
India
Your details will get updated in 90 days.
Read more about how to update or correct Aadhaar card details
11. How to get a duplicate copy of lost Aadhaar?
You can apply for a duplicate copy of Aadhaar card online through UIDAI website or by calling the customer care on 1800-180-1947 or by visiting an enrolment centre.
Note: Ensure your mobile number is registered with UIDAI while applying for duplicate Aadhaar copy online
How to lock/unlock your Aadhaar biometrics?
To prevent your Aadhaar from being misused, you can lock and unlock your biometrics safely on the UIDAI site. You can only do this procedure online.
Remember, if you lock your Aadhaar you may not be able to use it for e-KYC and other transactions till you unlock or disable the lock. Unlock is a temporary solution and enables you to use the biometric data for 10 minutes before it is automatically locked again. Disable unlocks your biometric data till you lock it again.
Read more about how to lock and unlock your Aadhaar
How to get your Aadhaar card verified and why you should do it
If you have got an Aadhaar number, you should verify it to make sure that it is still active and reflects your correct details, especially phone number. To verify your Aadhaar, visit the following page: https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaarverification , enter your Aadhaar number and the captcha. If you Aadhaar exists, the site will confirm it and display
1) Your state
2) Your gender
3) Your age group
4) And the last two digits of your phone number
How to link Aadhaar with PAN, bank account, ration card, EPF account and mobile number?
Before 31 March 2018, the Indian Government had directed Indian citizens to get their Aadhaar card linked to mobile and bank accounts. The date was, however, pushed by the Supreme Court. As of now, it is mandatory to link Aadhaar with a PAN card and to claim benefits of welfare schemes:
1) PAN card: You can do so by visiting the income tax website (https://portal.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/Services/LinkAadhaarHome.html) or by sending an SMS to 567678 or 56161, typing your Aadhaar number and PAN number.
2) Bank accounts: There are various methods to link your Aadhaar with your accounts.You can either do it via the bank’s app or net banking or visiting the branch or calling the bank’s toll-free number.
3) Mobile number: Connect your Aadhaar with the mobile number by visiting the store, by SMSing your service provider or by calling your service providers customer service.
4) EPF account: You will have to login to your EPF account on (https://epfindia.gov.in/site_en/index.php) for linking your Aadhaar with UAN number.
5) Ration card: Here you will have to visit your nearest ration centre and provide details such as your and family members’ Aadhaar, attested copy of ration card, your bank information. They will also conduct your biometrics at the centre.
Read more about how to link Aadhaar to PAN card
Read more about how to link Aadhaar to Bank Accounts
Read on how to link Aadhaar with mobile number
Read on how to link Aadhaar with UAN number for EPF
Read more about how to link Aadhaar with Ration card
How to download the mAadhaar app?
The mAadhaar app was rolled out in 2017. The mAadhaar app allows you to carry the Aadhaar card virtually on your smartphone and you can use it as address and identity proof just like a physical copy. For now, mAadhaar is available on all smartphones having Android 5.0 and above.
You can download the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store.
Read more about how to download mAadhaar app
What are the Aadhaar customer-care numbers?
For any assistance regarding your Aadhaar card, you can contact UIDAI’s toll-free number 1800-300-1947 or just 1947. You can also send your grievances by post to the UIDAI’s headquarters:
Unique Identification Authority of India
Government of India
3rd Floor, Tower II, Jeevan Bharti Building,
Connaught Circus, New Delhi – 110001
Phone: 011-23466899
UIDAI’s regional offices located in Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ranchi to address your grievances. For instant action, mail UIDAI on help@uidai.gov.in.
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