How to aadhaar download
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Last updated: April 4, 2026
Key Facts
- e-Aadhaar is a digitally signed electronic version of your Aadhaar card.
- You can download e-Aadhaar for free from the UIDAI website.
- The mAadhaar app also allows for downloading and accessing your e-Aadhaar.
- You need to verify your identity using an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- e-Aadhaar is as valid as the physical Aadhaar card for identification purposes.
Overview
The Aadhaar card is a unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all residents of India. While the physical card is convenient, the digital version, known as e-Aadhaar, offers a readily accessible and equally valid alternative. Downloading your e-Aadhaar is a straightforward process that can be done online, ensuring you always have a copy of your identification handy.
What is e-Aadhaar?
e-Aadhaar is an electronic version of your Aadhaar card, issued by UIDAI. It is a password-protected PDF file that contains your demographic information (name, address, date of birth, gender) and your Aadhaar number, along with a photograph. This digital copy is legally equivalent to the physical Aadhaar card and can be used for all verification purposes where Aadhaar is accepted.
Who can download e-Aadhaar?
Any resident of India who has been issued an Aadhaar number can download their e-Aadhaar. This includes individuals who have enrolled for Aadhaar recently and those who have had their Aadhaar for a long time. You do not need to have a physical Aadhaar card to download the e-Aadhaar; the enrolment number received during the enrolment process is sufficient.
Methods to Download e-Aadhaar
There are two primary methods to download your e-Aadhaar:
1. Downloading from the UIDAI Website (myAadhaar Portal)
This is the most common and recommended method. Follow these steps:
- Visit the UIDAI Website: Go to the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) or directly to the myAadhaar portal (https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/).
- Select 'Download Aadhaar': On the portal, find and click on the 'Download Aadhaar' option.
- Enter Aadhaar Number or Enrolment ID: You will be prompted to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or your 28-digit Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID). The EID is usually found on the acknowledgement slip you receive after enrolling for Aadhaar.
- Enter Captcha: Complete the security captcha by entering the characters shown in the image.
- Request OTP: Click on the 'Send OTP' button. An One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
- Enter OTP: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number in the designated field.
- Download e-Aadhaar: After successful OTP verification, you will be able to download your e-Aadhaar PDF.
2. Using the mAadhaar Mobile Application
The mAadhaar app, developed by UIDAI, offers a convenient way to access and download your Aadhaar details on your smartphone.
- Download and Install: Download the official mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple App Store (for iOS).
- Register: Open the app and register using your Aadhaar number. You will need to verify your mobile number via OTP to complete the registration.
- Access e-Aadhaar: Once registered, you can access your Aadhaar details, including the option to download your e-Aadhaar. The downloaded e-Aadhaar will be stored within the app or your device's storage.
e-Aadhaar Password
Your downloaded e-Aadhaar PDF is password-protected for security. The password is an 8-digit combination derived from your name and year of birth. It consists of the first four letters of your name (in CAPITAL LETTERS) followed by your four-digit year of birth (YYYY).
Example: If your name is SURESH KUMAR and you were born in 1990, your e-Aadhaar password will be SURE1990.
Important Considerations
- Registered Mobile Number: Ensure your mobile number is updated and registered with UIDAI to receive the OTP required for downloading e-Aadhaar. If your number has changed, you need to update it at an Aadhaar enrolment centre.
- Enrolment ID (EID): If you don't have your Aadhaar number handy, you can use your Enrolment ID (EID) which you receive on the acknowledgement slip at the time of Aadhaar enrolment.
- Validity: The e-Aadhaar downloaded from the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app is digitally signed by UIDAI and is legally valid for all purposes.
- Privacy: Always download e-Aadhaar from official UIDAI sources to ensure the authenticity and security of your data.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
OTP Not Received: Ensure your mobile number is correctly registered with UIDAI. Check your network connectivity. If the issue persists, try requesting the OTP again after a short while.
Incorrect Password: Double-check the format of the password – first four letters of your name in capitals, followed by your YYYY year of birth. Ensure there are no spaces or special characters.
Enrolment ID Issues: If using EID, ensure you have entered all 28 digits correctly, including hyphens if applicable.
Downloading your e-Aadhaar is a crucial step in managing your digital identity. By following these steps, you can easily obtain a secure and valid digital copy of your Aadhaar card for your convenience.
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Sources
- Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) - Official Websitefair-use
- myAadhaar Portal - UIDAIfair-use
- Aadhaar - WikipediaCC-BY-SA-4.0
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