An Aadhaar card is a 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It proves who you are for many government and private services, and it does not prove citizenship.
Below: who can enrol, the documents to carry, how enrolment works, how to check status, download e-Aadhaar and order a PVC card, and how to keep it secure.
What an Aadhaar Card Is
An Aadhaar is a unique 12-digit number tied to your demographic and biometric details. UIDAI, the authority that issues it, says the number is a proof of identity and does not confer citizenship or domicile.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What it is | 12-digit unique identification number |
| Issued by | Unique Identification Authority of India |
| Who can hold it | Residents, eligible NRIs and foreign nationals |
| Validity | No expiry for resident Indians |
| Digital copy | e-Aadhaar, equally valid |
| Customer care | Toll-free 1947 |
The same number is used for identity checks, for e-KYC, and to e-verify an income tax return with an OTP. Estimate your tax first with the Income Tax Calculator, then e-verify after filing.
Who Can Enrol for an Aadhaar
A resident of India of any age or gender can enrol, if they meet the residency rule. A person who has lived in India for 182 days or more in the 12 months before applying counts as a resident.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it | A 12-digit ID from UIDAI |
| Does it expire | Not for resident Indians |
| Is it proof of citizenship | No |
| New enrolment fee | Free |
| e-Aadhaar download | Free |
| PVC card fee | Rs 75 |
| Helpline | 1947 |
Baal Aadhaar for Children Below Five
Baal Aadhaar is the Aadhaar issued to a child below five years of age. It is enrolled at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, and it is free.
Documents Required for Aadhaar Enrolment
You need originals that prove identity, address and date of birth, and proof of relationship where it applies. UIDAI returns the originals once the operator has scanned them.
| Document | Identity | Address | Birth date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid Indian passport | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voter ID (online record) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ration or PDS card | Yes | Yes | No |
| Driving licence | Yes | No | No |
| Marksheet from a recognised board | Yes | No | Yes |
| Birth certificate | No | No | Yes |
| Electricity bill, under 3 months | No | Yes | No |
| Rent or lease agreement | No | Yes | No |
The full list is longer and covers government photo ID cards, pension cards, insurance policies and certificates issued by authorised officers. Check the current list on UIDAI before you go.
How to Book an Aadhaar Appointment Online
You book a free slot at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra on the UIDAI appointment portal, for yourself or a family member. The booking needs a mobile number and an OTP, and not your Aadhaar-registered number.
Open the portal
Go to the UIDAI Book Appointment page and pick the Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Choose the service
Select new enrolment or Aadhaar update.
Verify your mobile
Enter a mobile number and captcha, then confirm the OTP.
Pick a slot
Fill in the details and choose a date and time.
Save the confirmation
Confirm, and keep the appointment details to show at the centre.
Booking is free, and any service charge is paid separately at the centre. You can reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours before the slot, using the same mobile number or email.
How to Enrol for Aadhaar Step by Step
Enrolment is done in person at an authorised centre, because your biometrics must be captured. It is free of charge.
Visit a centre
Go to an authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with your original documents.
Submit the form
Hand over the enrolment form with proof of identity, address, date of birth and relationship where needed.
Check your details
Read your name, date of birth, gender and address in English and the regional language before signing.
Give your biometrics
The operator captures your photograph, fingerprints and both iris scans.
Collect the slip
Take back your documents and the acknowledgement slip with your Enrolment ID.
Errors are cheaper to fix at the counter than later, so read each field on the screen. A mistake found afterwards means an update, and some updates carry a fee.
How to Check Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Status
You check status on UIDAI's online services, using the Enrolment ID from your slip for a new enrolment or the Service Request Number for an update. A registered mobile number is not needed for every status service.
UIDAI also lists a status check for address updates and a status check for PVC card orders. If the status stays pending for long, call 1947 with your Enrolment ID.
How to Download e-Aadhaar
You download e-Aadhaar from the myAadhaar portal or the mAadhaar app, using your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID or Virtual ID. UIDAI lists the download as free, and the e-Aadhaar is as valid as the printed letter.
Open myAadhaar
Go to the UIDAI myAadhaar page, or open the mAadhaar app.
Choose Download Aadhaar
Enter your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID or Virtual ID.
Verify with OTP
Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Save the file
Download the PDF and open it with the password UIDAI describes on the page.
The file carries a UIDAI digital signature. If it shows as unverified in your PDF reader, open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader and run the signature validation.
Aadhaar PVC Card: Fee, Ordering and Tracking
The Aadhaar PVC card is a durable, wallet-size version of your Aadhaar, and UIDAI lists the fee at Rs 75. It carries a photograph, your details and a digitally signed QR code.
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee | Rs 75 |
| Where to order | myAadhaar portal, Order PVC Card |
| After payment | SMS with a Service Request Number |
| Delivery address | The address in your Aadhaar |
| Tracking | Check Status, then India Post after dispatch |
If your mobile number is not registered, you can still order, because UIDAI lets the OTP go to another number. Update your address first if you have moved, since the card goes to the address on record.
How to Verify an Aadhaar and Keep It Secure
UIDAI provides tools to check an Aadhaar number, hide it behind a Virtual ID and lock your biometrics. Use them whenever a service asks for your number.
Never share an OTP from UIDAI with a caller. The number alone does not move money, but the OTP lets someone authenticate as you.
Updating Aadhaar and Linking It to Other Documents
You can update address and documents online, while changes to name, date of birth, gender or biometrics usually need a centre visit. The guide on Aadhaar card update covers fees, documents and rejection reasons.
Aadhaar is also linked to PAN, to your UAN for PF, to a ration card and to other records. The update guide covers the PAN link, and the ration card e-KYC guide covers rations.
If you expect a refund after filing, the Tax Refund Estimator Calculator gives a quick figure.
Aadhaar Helpline 1947 and Contact Hours
The toll-free number 1947 is UIDAI's main phone channel for Aadhaar queries and complaints. UIDAI's own page also lists help@uidai.gov.in for email.
| Channel | Hours |
|---|---|
| Self-service IVRS | 24 hours, every day |
| Executive, Monday to Saturday | 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Executive, Sunday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Closed for executives | 26 Jan, 15 Aug, 2 Oct |
| Languages | 12, including Hindi and English |
Frequently Asked Questions: Aadhaar Card
Disclaimer: Services and the Rs 75 PVC fee are taken from UIDAI's myAadhaar page. Eligibility, documents and helpline hours come from a published guide that follows UIDAI material, so confirm them on uidai.gov.in before you visit a centre. This page is general information and not legal advice.