How To Download Your Aadhaar Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Neha Gupta

Author

Updated: 28-01-2025 at 8:31 AM

How To Download Your Aadhaar Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the current world, it is very essential to acquire some papers in the shortest time possible. The most important card in the identification of an Indian citizen is the Aadhaar card and this card can be easily downloaded from the internet. This article is going to explain the procedure on how one can download an Aadhaar card as well as the most effective procedures to get the Aadhaar card in soft copy.

Overview

Aspect	Details
Issuing Authority	Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
Purpose	Unique Identification Document
Download Methods	Aadhaar Number, Enrollment ID (EID), Virtual ID (VID)
Document Type	PDF (Password-Protected)
Where to Download	Official UIDAI website
Time Taken	2-3 minutes depending on method and network
Documents Required	Aadhaar number/EID/VID and registered mobile number for OTP verification
Mobile Number Requirement	Must be registered with Aadhaar for OTP generation

What Is An Aadhaar Card?

The Aadhaar Card is a smart card, which is issued by the Government of India under the UIDAI. It has your demographic and biometric details which makes it a document that you will use to prove your identity. Often people need an Aadhaar card to get a new service, to identify themselves for banking or even for updating information.

However, in most cases, you do not need to have a physical copy of the card at all: you can download an Aadhaar card online by following several steps.

Read more: eShram Card

Need For An Online Aadhaar Card

There are several reasons why downloading a digital copy of your Aadhaar card can be helpful. Let’s learn about how an e-aadhaar could be better than carrying a physical aadhaar card.

Quick Access: It is always possible to download your Aadhaar card when you require it.
Safety: It might be a problem if one loses a piece of paper that has Aadhaar printed on it while it is not even a problem if one loses a digital copy of Aadhaar.
Convenience: You can get a printout of your Aadhaar card at any point of time you want and it does not mean that you have to wait for a new card to be prepared.

Read more: Death Certificate

An Aadhaar Card Download Process

There are multiple ways to download your Aadhaar card. It can be downloaded using an Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID (EID) or Virtual ID (VID). Here’s how to do it:

Method 1: Download Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number

Step 1: Visit the UIDAI official website.
Step 2: Click on the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab in the navigation menu.
Step 3: In the ‘Get Aadhaar’ tab, you will find the link that says ‘Download Aadhaar’.
Step 4: Please provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
Step 5: Complete the captcha verification to proceed.
Step 6: A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 7: Enter the OTP you received.
Step 8: Now, click on the ‘Download Aadhaar’ button to download the PDF.

Method 2: Download Aadhaar Card Using Enrollment ID (EID)

If you do not remember your Aadhaar number, you can use your Enrollment ID:

Step 1: Look at the acknowledgement slip given to you when you enrolled for your Aadhaar, the EID number is mentioned there.
Step 2: Get to the UIDAI website and click on ‘My Aadhaar.’
Step 3: Select the option to download Aadhaar using the EID.
Step 4: Please, enter your enrollment ID and captcha code.
Step 5: You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
Step 6: Type in the OTP and click ‘Submit.’
Step 7: Your Aadhaar card PDF will be available for download.

Method 3: Download Aadhaar Using Virtual ID (VID)

Step 1: Go to the UIDAI website.
Step 2: Now, from the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, choose the facility for downloading Aadhaar with the help of VID.
Step 3: Enter your 16-digit VID along with captcha verification.
Step 4: Your OTP will be sent to the mobile number you have registered with us.
Step 5: Type the OTP received in the space provided.
Step 6: Download the PDF file of your Aadhaar card.

Password Protection For Aadhaar PDF

The Aadhaar card PDF which you can download and get the Aadhaar card will be in password-protected format. It is a password, which is written in capital letters, the first four letters of your name, and your birth year.

For instance, if your name is Ankit and your date of birth is 1990, your password would be ANKI1990.

Key Points

Registered Mobile Number: Check that you have linked your Aadhaar with your mobile number. When downloading the OTP will be sent to this number only.
PDF Format: The Aadhaar card that will be downloaded will be in PDF format hence can be saved electronically and can always be printed when needed.
Password-Protected PDF: The Aadhaar card PDF is secured with a password to safeguard your important details.

Comparison Table Of Different Methods To Download Aadhaar

Method	Key Requirement	Process	Time Taken
Aadhaar Number	12-Digit Aadhaar Number	Enter Aadhaar number and OTP	2-3 minutes
Enrollment ID (EID)	EID from Acknowledgment Slip	Enter EID, captcha, and OTP	2-3 minutes
Virtual ID (VID)	16-Digit Virtual ID	Enter VID and OTP	2-3 minutes

Common Issues Faced During Aadhaar Card Download

Let us learn about some common mistakes made during downloading Aadhaar card online. Keep an eye on the below-mentioned points to avoid any possible mistakes.

OTP not received: If you do not receive OTP, you should check whether your mobile number is seeded with Aadhaar or you should try again after some time.
Invalid Password: Please ensure that you have the right combination of your name and birth year as the password.
Technical Errors: At other times, the UIDAI website may be unavailable due to the maintenance exercise. In such cases, endeavour to visit the service after some time.

Conclusion

Downloading your Aadhaar card online is very easy and convenient to have this important identification document whenever needed. If you are using your Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID or Virtual ID the process is quite simple and the Aadhaar card is downloadable in PDF format. The use of having a digital copy of the Aadhaar card not only makes our life easier but also makes it secure and easily available in case of any identification.

For more information and to engage with a community of informed citizens, visit the Jaagruk Bharat Community Page. Get updates, tips, and insights on how to better utilise the Aadhar Card and other government initiatives.