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What is Aadhaar Card?

The Aadhaar Card is a unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India. It serves as proof of identity and address. UIDAI collects biometric and demographic data, verifies it, and issues the Aadhaar number which is linked to the cardholder's details and a QR code for easy verification.

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 may become inoperative.

What is Baal Aadhaar?

Baal Aadhaar refers to Aadhaar issued for children. It is typically blue-colored and issued without biometric data for children below 5 years. Biometric information is required when the child turns 5 and again at 15 for updates.

Baal Aadhaar does not include biometrics for children under 5.
Biometric update is mandatory at age 5 and again at 15.
Parent's Aadhaar is required during enrolment of a child.

Features of the Aadhaar Card

The Aadhaar card contains biometric details (fingerprints, iris, photograph) and demographic data. It is voluntary to apply, but widely used for KYC and government benefits. The card includes a QR code for quick verification and can be linked with multiple services.

Benefits of having an Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar enables streamlined access to government subsidies, simplifies KYC for bank accounts (including Jan Dhan), helps passport issuance, DigiLocker access, and curbs duplicate or fraudulent benefits. It's increasingly required for services like mobile connections and linking with PAN for tax compliance.

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card?

Steps to apply:

Locate the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre (search on UIDAI website).
Book an appointment online if required.
Carry identity, address and date-of-birth documents.
Fill and submit the enrolment form and provide biometrics (fingerprints, iris scan, photograph).
Receive an acknowledgment with a 14-digit Enrolment ID (EID) to track status.

Who can apply for Aadhaar Card?

Residents of India — including Indian citizens, NRIs present in India during enrolment, and foreign nationals residing in India for 182 days in a financial year — can apply. Children can be enrolled using parental Aadhaar details with photo; biometrics are added later as they grow.

Checking Aadhaar Card status online

To check enrolment status, visit the UIDAI website (resident.uidai.gov.in) > My Aadhaar > Check Aadhaar Status. Provide your 14-digit EID and enrollment date/time to view status.

What is e-Aadhaar, m-Aadhaar, and Virtual ID?

e-Aadhaar

e-Aadhaar is a digitally signed PDF copy of your Aadhaar that can be downloaded from UIDAI. The PDF is password-protected (first four letters of name in CAPITALS + year of birth).

m-Aadhaar

m-Aadhaar is a mobile application that lets you store and access Aadhaar details on your smartphone securely.

Virtual ID (VID)

VID is a temporary 16-digit code that you can generate from UIDAI and use instead of your Aadhaar number for authentication. It enhances privacy and is valid for 24 hours (or as per UIDAI rules).

How to update Aadhaar card details?

You can update demographic details online or via an enrolment centre. The typical online steps include logging into the Aadhaar portal, choosing the field to update (name, DOB, gender, address), uploading supporting documents, paying a nominal fee (₹50) and tracking the Update Request Number (URN).

How many times can Aadhaar be updated?

Name: can be changed twice online with supporting documents.
Date of birth: change is generally restricted unless the original entry was an error.
Address: can be updated multiple times.
Gender: generally can be changed once (contact UIDAI for more options).

Aadhaar Card Linking Process

Linking Aadhaar is required in many contexts (bank accounts, PAN, investments, ration cards). Most linking flows use OTP verification to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar and can be completed online via the respective service portal or bank app.

Linking with PAN: You can link Aadhaar and PAN via the Income Tax website (with or without login) or by sending an SMS to UIDAI as per current instructions.

How to Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID?

UIDAI provides online and mAadhaar app options to retrieve lost EID/UID using registered mobile/email and OTP verification. Offline retrieval is also available at Aadhaar Seva Kendras by providing demographic details and biometrics.

Aadhaar Reprint & e-KYC

You can order an Aadhaar reprint from the UIDAI portal (Order Aadhaar Reprint). e-KYC is a digitally signed document generated from UIDAI containing essential Aadhaar-linked details for service verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreign citizen apply for Aadhaar?

Yes — if they have lived in India for 182 days in a financial year. Aadhaar for foreigners is not proof of citizenship.

What is the cost of enrolment?

Enrolment is free. Updates typically carry a nominal fee of ₹50.

Is Aadhaar linking mandatory?

Linking is mandatory in specific scenarios as notified by government authorities (for example PAN-Aadhaar linking deadlines). Keep an eye on official UIDAI and government communications for the latest mandates.

What documents are accepted as address proof?

UIDAI accepts a wide range of documents such as passport, bank/passbook statements, ration card, voter ID, driving license, utility bills (last 3 months), and more. Always check the UIDAI list for the most current set of acceptable documents.

Conclusion

Aadhaar is a foundational ID that simplifies identity verification and access to services. Whether you're enrolling, updating details, or linking Aadhaar with PAN and services, follow the UIDAI process and keep your registered mobile number active for OTP-based verification.

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