Your Aadhaar card is one of the most important identity documents in India. It is required for banking, government schemes, SIM cards, PAN linking, and many other services. If you have lost your physical Aadhaar card or need a digital copy, you can easily download it online from the official UIDAI website.
This guide explains how to download Aadhaar card online in simple English, with clear steps, required details, different methods, and common issues.
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What Is an e-Aadhaar?
An e-Aadhaar is a digitally signed electronic copy of your Aadhaar card issued by UIDAI. It is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card and is accepted everywhere.
The downloaded Aadhaar is password-protected and can be stored on your phone or computer.
Who Can Download Aadhaar Card Online?
You can download Aadhaar online if:
You have an Aadhaar number or Enrollment ID (EID) Your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar You can receive OTP on your registered mobile number
If your mobile number is not linked, you will need to visit an Aadhaar enrollment center.
Details Required to Download Aadhaar
Before starting, keep the following details ready:
Aadhaar number (12 digits) or Enrollment ID (EID) or Virtual ID (VID) Registered mobile number (for OTP)
7. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number
8. Click on Verify & Download
Your e-Aadhaar will be downloaded as a PDF file.
How to Download Aadhaar Using Enrollment ID (EID)
If you do not have your Aadhaar number, you can use your Enrollment ID.
Steps to Follow
Go to the UIDAI website
Click on Download Aadhaar
Select Enrollment ID (EID)
Enter your 14-digit enrollment number and date/time
Enter captcha code
Click on Send OTP
Enter OTP and verify
Download the Aadhaar PDF
How to Download Aadhaar Using Virtual ID (VID)
Virtual ID is a temporary 16-digit number linked to your Aadhaar.
Steps
Visit UIDAI official website
Click on Download Aadhaar
Select Virtual ID (VID)
Enter your VID number
Enter captcha code
Click Send OTP
Verify OTP
Download e-Aadhaar
How to Open Downloaded Aadhaar PDF
The downloaded Aadhaar file is password-protected.
Aadhaar PDF Password Format
The password is a combination of:
First 4 letters of your name in CAPITAL letters Year of birth (YYYY)
Example: Name: Ramesh Kumar Year of Birth: 1995 Password: RAME1995
How to Download Masked Aadhaar
Masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number and shows only the last 4 digits.
Steps to Download Masked Aadhaar
Go to UIDAI website
Choose Download Aadhaar
Enter Aadhaar / VID / EID
Select the Masked Aadhaar option
Verify OTP
Download the masked Aadhaar PDF
Masked Aadhaar is safe and accepted by many institutions.
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How to Download Aadhaar from mAadhaar App
You can also download Aadhaar using the official mAadhaar app.
Steps
Download the mAadhaar app from Google Play Store
Open the app and register using your mobile number
Add your Aadhaar profile
Verify OTP
Download Aadhaar directly in the app
Common Problems While Downloading Aadhaar
Some users face issues during the download process.
Common Reasons
Mobile number not linked with Aadhaar Incorrect Aadhaar or EID details OTP not received Website traffic or server issues
Solutions
Ensure your mobile number is active and linked Double-check entered details Try again after some time Use a different browser or device
Is Downloaded Aadhaar Valid?
Yes, the downloaded e-Aadhaar is completely valid. It is digitally signed by UIDAI and accepted by:
Banks Government offices Telecom companies Financial institutions
There is no need to carry a physical Aadhaar everywhere.
Final Words
Downloading Aadhaar card online is simple, fast, and free. Whether you use Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID, Virtual ID, or the mAadhaar app, the process takes only a few minutes if your mobile number is linked.
Always keep a digital copy of your Aadhaar safely stored and avoid sharing it unnecessarily. If you face any issues, visiting the nearest Aadhaar enrollment center is the best option.
