The Aadhaar card was first introduced in 2016 when the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was established. This organization issues all Aadhaar cards after collecting the cardholder’s biometric and demographic data to ensure a transparent and streamlined process of allocating and passing on the subsidies and benefits to the citizens. In this article, we understand what is Aadhaar card, how to download an Aadhaar card, its benefits, and the process for linking with PAN.
Latest Update:
- Aadhaar OTP is now mandatory to update your email ID or mobile number on the e-filing portal.
- PAN-Aadhaar must be linked by December 31, 2025 — or your PAN will become inoperative.
Contents
- What is Aadhaar Card?
- What is Baal Aadhaar?
- Features of the Aadhaar Card
- Benefits of having an Aadhaar Card
- How to Apply for Aadhaar Card?
- Who can apply for Aadhaar Card?
- Checking Aadhaar Card status online
- What is e-Aadhaar, m-Aadhaar, and virtual ID?
- How to update Aadhaar card details?
- How many times the Aadhaar can be updated?
- Aadhaar Card Linking Process
- How to Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID?
- Aadhaar Reprint
- Virtual ID
- e-KYC
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aadhaar Card?
The Aadhaar Card is a unique identification number issued by the Indian government to residents of India. It is a 12-digit number that serves as proof of identity and address. Aadhaar is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a statutory authority established in January 2009 under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is the main agency that operates under the Government of India and is tasked with issuing Aadhaar Cards to individuals. UIDAI collects the biometric and demographic data of the applicants and stores it in a centralized database. After the data is collected and verified, a unique Aadhaar number is issued and printed on the Aadhaar Card. The Aadhaar card contains the following information:
- Full name of the individual
- Unique 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Address
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Photograph
- Biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan)
Moreover, there is a QR code on the card which can be scanned to access the details of the cardholder easily.
What is Baal Aadhaar?
“Aadhaar for kids” or “Aadhaar for children.” This is a blue-colored Aadhaar card and is known as the “Baal Aadhaar”.
- Baal Aadhaar does not contain the biometric information of the child.
- When a child attains the age of five, it is mandatory to get Baal Aadhaar updated with biometric information
- For authentication, one of the parent’s Aadhaar is mandatory.
- A picture of the child is also required for enrollment in the Aadhaar.
- The Baal Aadhaar card is useful as it serves as a valid proof of identity and address for children. It can be used for availing government schemes and services, such as immunization and education, and can also be used as proof of identity for travel purposes.
- If the child is over five years of age, biometric authentication is mandatory for the new updation of the child’s Aadhaar card. Also, when the child attains the age of 15 years, another biometric updation is required for the Aadhaar Card. Fingerprints of your child, a digital photograph, and an iris scan will be taken during the enrollment process.
- Later on, biometric data and fingerprints have to match. In case it does not match, the child will have to get this data updated. At the age of 15, this biometric process should be updated for the Aadhaar card.
What is a masked Aadhaar Card?
A masked Aadhaar Card conceals the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number, making only the last 4 digits visible to others. Despite this concealment, when you download the Aadhaar Card online, essential details such as the picture, name, date of birth, and UIDAI signature remain unchanged. Therefore, both the masked and the printed versions of the Aadhaar Card are equally legitimate for serving as identity proof.
Regardless of the variant of the Aadhaar Card you hold, understanding the eligibility criteria for obtaining an Aadhaar Card is of utmost importance.
Features of the Aadhaar Card
Here are some of the salient features of the Aadhaar Card –
- The card contains the biometric details of the cardholder, like fingerprints, iris scans, photographs, etc. These details help identify the cardholder
- Applying for an Aadhaar Card is voluntary. However, in some cases, having an Aadhaar Card becomes compulsory
- Aadhaar number is a 12-digit number contained in Aadhaar Card.
- The Aadhaar Card can be linked to all your financial accounts and investments like PAN cards, Ration cards, bank accounts, mutual fund investments, life insurance policies, etc.
- The card serves as proof of identity, address, date of birth, etc.
The details on the card can be changed if there are any changes for the cardholder, for instance, in case of a name change or address change.