The Aadhaar Card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is one of the most important identity documents for Indian citizens. It serves as a proof of identity and address for various government as well as private services.
Many times, Aadhaar holders misplace their card or need a digital copy for online verification. In such cases, UIDAI allows you to easily download your Aadhaar card online from its official website or mobile app.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to download Aadhaar Card, the types available (e-Aadhaar, masked Aadhaar, mAadhaar), and important FAQs.
Why Download Aadhaar Online?
Downloading Aadhaar online is useful in multiple situations:
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Lost or misplaced Aadhaar card.
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Need a soft copy (PDF) for digital KYC.
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To keep a backup copy in phone or email.
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For official submissions in banks, exams, government services.
Methods to Download Aadhaar Card Online
There are different ways to download Aadhaar Card digitally.
1. Download Using Aadhaar Number (UID)
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Visit the official website – https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
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Click on “Download Aadhaar”.
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Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number (UID).
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Fill the captcha and click Send OTP.
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Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile.
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Click on Verify & Download.
Your Aadhaar will be downloaded in PDF format.
2. Download Using Enrolment ID (EID)
If you haven’t received your Aadhaar yet, you can use your Enrolment ID (provided during registration).
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Go to the UIDAI portal.
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Select Enrolment ID (EID) option.
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Enter the 14-digit EID along with date & time of enrolment.
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Fill captcha and click Send OTP.
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Enter OTP and click Download Aadhaar.
3. Download Using Virtual ID (VID)
UIDAI also provides Aadhaar download using 16-digit Virtual ID.
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Visit UIDAI website.
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Select VID option.
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Enter VID + captcha → Send OTP.
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Authenticate OTP → Download Aadhaar PDF.
4. Download Aadhaar via mAadhaar App
The mAadhaar mobile application (by UIDAI) also allows digital Aadhaar access.
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Download mAadhaar App from Play Store / App Store.
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Login using registered mobile number.
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Select Download Aadhaar.
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Verify OTP.
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Aadhaar will be available inside the app as a digital copy.
5. Download Masked Aadhaar
Masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number, showing only the last 4 digits for security.
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Visit UIDAI portal → Download Aadhaar.
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Choose Masked Aadhaar option.
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Proceed with OTP verification.
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Download secure Aadhaar copy with partial masking.
How to Open Aadhaar PDF?
Downloaded Aadhaar is a password-protected PDF.
👉 The password is a combination of the first 4 letters of your name (in CAPS) + Year of Birth.
Example:
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Name: Ravi Kumar
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DOB: 1995
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Password: RAVI1995
Important Points
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Aadhaar download is free of cost.
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Mobile number must be linked with Aadhaar for OTP.
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Printed Aadhaar and e-Aadhaar (PDF) are equally valid.
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If mobile is not linked, visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra for update.
Important Links
| Download Aadhaar Online – UIDAI Portal | Click Here |
| Retrieve Lost UID / EID | Click Here |
| mAadhaar App (Android) | Click Here |
| Update Aadhaar Details | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Conclusion
Downloading Aadhaar Card online is simple, free, and secure. Whether you need it for exams, government schemes, or financial services, the e-Aadhaar PDF is legally valid and easily accessible.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can download your Aadhaar card anytime, anywhere without visiting Aadhaar centres.
FAQs on Aadhaar Download
Q1. Is e-Aadhaar valid like a physical Aadhaar card?
👉 Yes, UIDAI confirms that downloaded e-Aadhaar is equally valid.
Q2. Can I download Aadhaar without mobile number?
👉 No, OTP is mandatory. Update your number at Aadhaar centre.
Q3. Is Aadhaar download free?
👉 Yes, downloading Aadhaar from UIDAI is 100% free.
Q4. How many times can I download Aadhaar?
👉 Unlimited times, anytime you need.