Aadhaar Card: How to Apply and Register

Aadhar Card - An Overview

Aadhaar Card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by UIDAI to Indian residents based on their biometric and demographic data. It is a universal identity card that serves as a proof of identity and address and is used for various purposes such as availing government services and subsidies. To obtain it, individuals need to provide documents and biometric data, which are verified before issuance. While there have been concerns about privacy and security, the government defends Aadhaar Card as a necessary tool for social welfare programs and to ensure efficient delivery of government services.

Aadhaar Card Eligibility

The idea of issuing Aadhaar for the residents of India by UIDAI was to produce them with a report that can be used as a unique identification proof for several purposes. It is more than just a description number. However, it is also not only Indians that can apply for Aadhaar. The qualification or eligibility rules for Aadhaar registration are as follows:

• The appellant is an Indian resident living in India, or
• The candidate is a non-resident Indian living in India, or
• An Aadhaar applicant is a foreigner living in India.

Aadhaar Card for Indians

Indians residing in India are eligible to apply for Aadhaar. However, the Government of India has made it mandatory to link your Aadhaar with your PAN in order to file your income tax returns.

Aadhaar Card for Minors

Minors or Indian citizens under the age of 18 can also apply for an Aadhaar. However, the child's parents' information, including their identity and address proof, must be provided. Newborn babies can also apply for Aadhaar; however, their biometrics must be updated between the ages of 5 and 15 years.

Aadhaar for Foreigners

Foreigners who have been in India for more than 182 days are eligible to apply for Aadhaar.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card

There is a list of documents that you must bring with you during the Aadhaar card enrollment process. In general, you will be required to provide proof of identity, proof of address, proof of age, and proof of relationship during the application process. A list of documents for each of these cases that you can provide for the enrollment process is provided below:

The following documents can be used as a proof of identity:

• Passport
• NREGA job card
• Kissan photo passbook
• Pensioners' photo ID card
• Ration card
• ECHS/CGHS photo card
• Voter ID Card
• Photo ID cards issued by the Government
• Address card containing name and picture issued by the Department of Posts
• PAN card

The following documents can be used as a proof of address:

• Bank statement
• Signed letter that has photo from the bank on a letterhead
• Government photo ID cards or PSU issued service photo identity card
• Address card with a photo that issued by the Department of Posts
• Signed letter with photo and issued by a recognized educational institution on a letterhead
• Property tax receipt (must not be older than a year)
• Gas connection bill (must not be older than 3 months)
• Passbook
• Vehicle registration certificate
• Ration card
• Passport
• Credit score

The following documents can be used as a proof of age:

• Passport
• PAN card
• Mark sheet issued by government university or board
• SSC certificate
• State/central pension payment order
• Birth certificate
• Certificate of date of birth and issued by a gazetted officer on a letterhead

The following documents can be used as a proof of relationship with the head of the family:

• PDS card
• Family entitlement document that is issued by central/state government
• Job card of MNREGA
• Birth certificate issued by Registrar of Birth or municipal corporation or local government
• Passport

How to Enrol for Aadhaar?

Aadhaar applications can be submitted at any authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centre/Permanent Enrolment Centre. The UIDAI website has an up-to-date list of existing Aadhaar Enrolment Centres.

The UIDAI has also authorised over 10,000 post offices and bank branches to operate as Permanent Enrolment Centres in an effort to simplify the enrolment process. Applicants can complete the enrollment process by following the three simple steps outlined below.

• Step 1: Find the closest Aadhaar enrolment centre
• Step 2: Complete the application form and submit all required documentation
• Step 3: Finish biometrics and obtain acknowledgement

How to Apply for Aadhaar Without Any Documents?

According to the UIDAI's Aadhaar enrolment form, there are two ways to apply for an Aadhaar card if you don't have the supporting documents:

• Application Based on the Head of Family (HoF): During this enrolment process, the Head of Family (with a valid Aadhaar) can submit documents proving his/her relationship to the applicant. After successful verification of these details, the applicant's enrollment will be processed.
• Introducer-Based Application: If the applicant does not have valid proof of identity or address documents, an Introducer appointed by a Registrar can help with the enrolment process. The Aadhaar Enrolment Centre can put you in touch with the Introducer.

Check Status of Aadhaar Application Online

Applicants who want to check the status of their Aadhaar application can do so by visiting the UIDAI website. You must include your enrolment ID, which can be found on the acknowledgement slip you receive after submitting your application.

Baal Aadhaar/Aadhaar for Minors

The following procedure applies to minor applicants under the age of five:

• At the time of enrollment, the parents' biometric information will be collected. When the child reaches the age of 15, he or she must go to a centre to have his or her biometric data updated
• When submitting the application form and documents at the Enrolment Centre, parents must provide their Aadhaar card.

How to Download/Print Aadhaar Card

The UIDAI has set up electronic storage and retrieval of Aadhaar details in an endeavour to increase Aadhaar accessibility. This card, referred to as the "e-Aadhaar", can be obtained in PDF form from the UIDAI website.

Any of the following methods can be used to access the e-Aadhaar through the official UIDAI website:

• With Aadhaar number
• With Virtual ID (VID)
• With Enrolment ID (EID).

Aadhaar Card Verification

For Aadhaar card verification, adhere to the instructions listed below:

• Step 1: Go to the UIDAI website's official page
• Step 2: Select "Aadhaar Services" from the menu
• Step 3: Select the "Aadhaar Verification" option
• Step 4: Enter the Aadhaar card's 12-digit number
• Step 5: Enter the one-time password that was sent to your registered mobile number
• Step 6: Submit the application.

If there is a discrepancy in the details, you can contact UIDAI at the toll-free number 1947.

Aadhaar Services

The UIDAI has made a number of services pertaining to Aadhaar processes and features available to make the Aadhaar process more transparent and efficient. Following is a quick overview of each:

Following are few ways applicants can check if their Aadhaar card is operational or has been deactivated:

• Find a thorough guide on Aadhaar Number Verification
• Click the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab while you are on the UIDAI website
• Enter your Aadhaar number and the security CAPTCHA by clicking the ‘Verify Aadhaar Number’ option
• Your Aadhaar card's current status will be displayed on screen

Giving an email address and a mobile number while requesting an Aadhaar card is advised because it makes it simpler to get service updates. As a candidate, you can also sign up for remote notifications of new Aadhaar features or information. To confirm the mobile number or email address associated with your Aadhaar, follow the instructions outlined here.

If you've lost or misplaced your Aadhaar card, UIDAI has made it easier for you to retrieve your Aadhaar number. By following the instructions given below, you can electronically recover your Aadhaar card, VID, or EID. It is significant to remember that having a registered cellphone number is a must in order to retrieve Aadhaar information.

In order to be eligible for the majority of government subsidies and programmes, applicants must link their Aadhaar cards to their bank accounts in order for the subsidy to be paid out. You can check the linking process's progress using the information below:

• Select the ‘Aadhaar Services’ tab under the ‘My Aadhaar’ heading on the official UIDAI website.
• Then choose ‘Aadhaar Linking Status’
• Type in your VID or Aadhaar number along with the security code
• Your registered cellphone number will receive an OTP that will be produced and transmitted to it, and a screen will show the linking status as it is right now.

The UIDAI launched the VID to provide data safety and safeguard the information provided with an Aadhaar. This gives suppliers and merchants looking for Aadhaar information for a variety of services restricted access to the KYC (Know Your Customer) system.

The UIDAI introduced Biometrics Locking/Unlocking, where people can lock their biometrics or momentarily unlock them, to strengthen privacy. The Virtual ID is required to finish this process. To lock or unlock the biometric information, go to the "My Aadhaar" area of the UIDAI's official website.

The Aadhaar system keeps track of the Authorised User Agencies (AUA) that have accessed your information each time you present your card for whatever reason. You may look up the AUA and the data they accessed in your authentication history. You may confirm who has accessed your Aadhaar data using this procedure. When it comes to managing the security of your information, this feature is extremely useful.

Quick Guide to Link Aadhaar with PAN

How to link Aadhaar with PAN in 5 simple steps

• Register on the income tax e-filing website by opening it. Your user ID will be your PAN.
• Use your User ID, Password, and Date of Birth to log in.
• A window will appear when you log in requesting you to link your PAN with Aadhaar.
• Go to your profile settings and click on "Link Aadhaar" if the window doesn't appear.
• You must type in the captcha code and your Aadhaar number before clicking "Link Now"

Aadhaar Information

Being a government-issued document, it can be used to open a bank account, apply for loans, and get government benefits as proof of identification and address.

Aadhaar cards contain the following data:

• Name
• Date of birth/age
• Address
• EID- the enrolment number
• Barcode

• Photograph
• Iris scan (both eyes)
• Fingerprints (all ten)

Applicants can find information on Aadhaar Enrolment Centres as well as Permanent Enrolment Centres on the UIDAI website, which lists current enrolment centres by state and city. A detailed guide on how to find existing Aadhaar Enrolment Centres can be found here.

If your Aadhaar details have errors or you wish to change information after you have submitted your application, you can update or correct this information online by visiting the UIDAI website. Both demographic data as well as biometric information can be updated.Find a step-by-step guide on the process to update Aadhaar details online.

Adding your mobile number to your Aadhaar card is important as availing Aadhaar services and making changes/updating details in your Aadhaar card requires two-factor authorisation, with an OTP being sent to your registered mobile number.In order to add your mobile number, you will have to visit a Permanent Aadhaar Centre and submit an application to add the same to your card.Find a guide on how to update mobile number in Aadhaar.

The eAadhaar is an electronic copy of your Aadhaar card and can be used in lieu of a physical copy of the card. It is accepted universally and can be downloaded from the UIDAI website. The eAadhaar is saved in a PDF format and is password protected. You can also choose to download a masked copy of your Aadhaar, which will hide your Aadhaar number.

With a view to making the Aadhaar card and its allied services more universally available, the UIDAI has released mAadhaar which is a mobile application for Android devices. The app contains the user's Aadhaar information in a digitised form and enables accessibility on the go.Users can add up to 3 profiles on their app and perform a wide variety of services such as locking their biometrics and accessing their e-KYC for Aadhaar. Find a more comprehensive guide to the mAadhaar app, including linking your mobile number.

Aadhaar PVC Card

The Aadhaar PVC Card, a new version of Aadhaar, was introduced by UIDAI. The new PVC card has a number of security measures in addition to being sturdy and convenient. Using your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID, or Virtual ID, you can place an online order for an Aadhaar PVC card. The cost to apply for an Aadhaar PVC Card is ₹50. The new card will be delivered to the registered address via speed post.

The main security features of the Aadhaar PVC Card are mentioned below:

• Embossed Aadhaar logo
• Embossed Aadhaar logo
• The print date and issue date will be mentioned
• Ghost image
• Micro text
• Hologram
• Secure QR code

Benefits of Having an Aadhar Card

Aadhaar Card has become an important tool for the Indian government to implement various welfare schemes and programs and to ensure efficient delivery of government services.Some of the benefits of Aadhaar Card include:

• Proof of Identity and Address: Aadhaar Card serves as a valid proof of identity and address for Indian residents
• Access to Government Services and Subsidies: Aadhaar Card is mandatory to avail various government services and subsidies such as LPG subsidy, pension schemes, and scholarships
• Easy to Obtain: Aadhaar Card can be obtained by providing basic documents such as proof of identity and address, and biometric data
• Easy Verification: Aadhaar Card can be easily verified using biometric data, making it difficult for fraudulent activities such as identity theft
• Direct Benefit Transfer: Aadhaar Card is linked to bank accounts, making it easier for the government to transfer subsidies and benefits directly to the beneficiary's account
• Financial Inclusion: Aadhaar Card facilitates financial inclusion by providing a unique identification number to individuals, allowing them to open bank accounts and access financial services
• Mobile SIM Card Verification: Aadhaar Card is used for verification of mobile SIM cards, making it easier to prevent misuse of SIM cards
• Digital Signatures: Aadhaar Card can be used to create digital signatures, making it easier to sign documents electronically.

Aadhaar Virtual ID

The substitute for an Aadhaar number is an Aadhaar Virtual ID. This temporary code for a virtual ID is made up of a 16-digit number that is generated in relation to an Aadhaar number. Remember that you cannot ever obtain your real Aadhaar card using the virtual ID. For each Aadhaar number, a single virtual ID can be created as many times as the user desires.

What Is a Plastic/PVC Aadhaar Card?

In a formal announcement, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) advised all Aadhaar cardholders to refrain from creating plastic or PVC Aadhaar cards. These cards are not recognised because printing mistakes frequently cause the QR code to malfunction.

The so-called "Aadhaar smart card" should not be used, according to UIDAI, which reiterates that only the original Aadhaar card that was issued, downloaded copies of Aadhaar, or mAadhaar printed on regular paper, are valid.

FAQs on Aadhaar Card: How to Apply and Register