How to Download Aadhar Card Online

How to Download Aadhar Card Online – Step by Step Guide
Government Services

How to Download Aadhar Card Online – Step by Step Guide

📅 March 2024 ⏱ 4 min read

In Short: You can download your Aadhar Card for free from the official UIDAI website. All you need is your Aadhar number and your registered mobile number to receive an OTP.

Aadhar Card is the most important identity document in India. It is required for opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, applying for government schemes, and much more. If you have lost your physical card or need a digital copy, you can easily download it online anytime.

In this guide, we will walk you through the complete process of downloading your Aadhar Card online — step by step.

What You Need Before You Start

  • Your 12-digit Aadhar Number or Enrollment ID
  • Mobile number registered with your Aadhar
  • A stable internet connection
  • A PDF reader to open the downloaded file
⚠️ Note: Your mobile number must be linked to your Aadhar account to receive the OTP. If it is not linked, visit your nearest Aadhar Seva Kendra to update it first.

Steps to Download Aadhar Card Online

1

Open the Official UIDAI Website

Open your browser and go to uidai.gov.in — this is the only official website for Aadhar services. Never use any third-party website.

2

Click on "Download Aadhar"

On the homepage, go to the My Aadhar section and click on Download Aadhar.

3

Enter Your Aadhar Number

Type your 12-digit Aadhar number in the box. You can also use your Enrollment ID or Virtual ID.

4

Fill in the Captcha

Enter the captcha code shown on the screen. This is a simple security check.

5

Click "Send OTP"

Click the Send OTP button. A One Time Password will be sent to your registered mobile number instantly.

6

Enter the OTP

Check your mobile for the OTP and enter it on the website. The OTP is valid for 10 minutes only.

7

Download the Aadhar PDF

After successful OTP verification, your Aadhar Card will be downloaded as a password-protected PDF file on your device.

8

Open the PDF with Password

The PDF password is your first 4 digits of PIN code + birth year. Example: PIN 1100 + Year 1995 = Password 11001995.

PDF Password Format

Your PIN Code (First 4 Digits) Birth Year Password
1100199511001995
4000198840001988
5600200156002001

Types of Aadhar Card You Can Download

TypeDescriptionValid?
e-AadharPDF downloaded from UIDAI website✅ Yes
Masked AadharPDF with first 8 digits hidden✅ Yes
m-AadharDigital Aadhar on mAadhar app✅ Yes
Aadhar PVC CardPlastic card ordered from UIDAI for ₹50✅ Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is e-Aadhar valid as the original Aadhar Card? +
Yes. e-Aadhar downloaded from the official UIDAI website is completely valid and legally accepted everywhere in India as a proof of identity.
What if my mobile number is not linked to Aadhar? +
If your mobile number is not registered with Aadhar, you cannot download it online. You will need to visit your nearest Aadhar Seva Kendra or Common Service Centre to link your mobile number first.
Is downloading Aadhar Card free of cost? +
Yes, downloading e-Aadhar from the UIDAI website is completely free. There are no charges. You can download it as many times as you need.
I forgot my Aadhar number. Can I still download it? +
Yes. You can use your Enrollment ID printed on your original Aadhar enrollment slip. You can also retrieve your Aadhar number from the UIDAI website using your name and registered mobile number.
Can I download Aadhar Card on my mobile phone? +
Yes. The UIDAI website works perfectly on mobile browsers. You can also use the official mAadhar app available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store to store and access your digital Aadhar.

📋 Quick Summary

  • Visit uidai.gov.in to download your Aadhar Card for free
  • Enter your 12-digit Aadhar number and complete the captcha
  • Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
  • Download the PDF and open it using your PIN code + birth year as password
  • e-Aadhar is fully valid and accepted everywhere in India

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