How to Download Aadhaar Card Online: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for
A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
Introduction
In today’s digital India, the Aadhaar card has become one of the most important identity documents for every resident. Issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Aadhaar serves as proof of identity and address and is required for banking, mobile connections, government schemes, income tax filing, and many other services.
With the government promoting Digital India, UIDAI has made it extremely easy to download your Aadhaar card online from the comfort of your home. Whether you have lost your physical card, want a digital copy, or need an updated version, downloading Aadhaar online is fast, secure, and free.
This blog explains how to download Aadhaar card online step by step, covering all available methods such as Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID (EID), Virtual ID (VID), mAadhaar app, and DigiLocker. The guide is written in simple language so that anyone can follow it easily.
What Is an e-Aadhaar?
An e-Aadhaar is the electronic version of your Aadhaar card issued by UIDAI. It is a password-protected PDF file that contains all your Aadhaar details, including:
- Name
- Photograph
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Address
- Aadhaar number
- QR code for verification
e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card and is accepted by government offices, banks, telecom companies, and other institutions.
Things You Need Before Downloading Aadhaar
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- Aadhaar number / Enrollment ID / Virtual ID
- Registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Access to the internet
- A device (mobile, laptop, or computer)
- PDF reader to open the downloaded file
Method 1: Download Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number
This is the most common and easiest method.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official UIDAI website
- Click on “Download Aadhaar” under the Aadhaar services section
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Choose whether you want a Masked Aadhaar (shows only last 4 digits)
- Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen
- Click on “Send OTP”
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number
- Click on “Verify & Download”
Your e-Aadhaar PDF will be downloaded to your device.
Method 2: Download Aadhaar Using Enrollment ID (EID)
If you do not know your Aadhaar number, you can use your Enrollment ID, which is provided on the acknowledgment slip received during Aadhaar enrollment.
Steps
- Go to the UIDAI website
- Select Download Aadhaar
- Choose Enrollment ID instead of Aadhaar number
- Enter the 14-digit enrollment number and date & time
- Enter captcha and request OTP
- Verify OTP
- Download your Aadhaar PDF
This method is especially useful for newly enrolled users.
Method 3: Download Aadhaar Using Virtual ID (VID)
Virtual ID is a temporary 16-digit number that can be used instead of your Aadhaar number for added security.
Steps
- Open UIDAI portal
- Select Virtual ID (VID) option
- Enter your 16-digit VID
- Enter captcha and request OTP
- Verify OTP
- Download e-Aadhaar
Using VID helps protect your Aadhaar number from misuse.
How to Open Aadhaar PDF File (Password)
The downloaded Aadhaar PDF is password-protected.
Password Format
- The password consists of:
- First 4 letters of your name (in CAPITAL letters)
- Year of birth
Example:
- Name: RAMESH KUMAR
- Year of Birth: 1994
- Password: RAME1994
Enter this password to open the file.
Method 4: Download Aadhaar Through mAadhaar App
UIDAI’s mAadhaar app allows you to download and store Aadhaar digitally on your smartphone.
Steps
- Download the mAadhaar app from Google Play Store
- Open the app and register using your mobile number
- Add your Aadhaar profile
- Verify using OTP
- Download your Aadhaar digitally
The app also allows QR code sharing and offline Aadhaar verification.
Method 5: Download Aadhaar from DigiLocker
DigiLocker is a government-approved digital document wallet.
Steps
- Open DigiLocker app or website
- Sign in using your mobile number or Aadhaar
- Go to Issued Documents
- Select UIDAI
- Download your Aadhaar card
Aadhaar stored in DigiLocker is legally valid and secure.
What Is Masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number and shows only the last 4 digits.
Benefits of Masked Aadhaar
- Enhanced privacy
- Reduced risk of identity theft
- Accepted by most institutions
It is recommended to use Masked Aadhaar wherever full Aadhaar number is not mandatory.
Is Downloaded Aadhaar Valid?
Yes. According to UIDAI:
- e-Aadhaar is legally valid
- Accepted by all government and private institutions
- QR code ensures instant verification
- Digitally signed by UIDAI
You do not need to carry a physical card if you have e-Aadhaar.
Common Problems and Solutions
1. OTP Not Received
- Ensure mobile number is linked with Aadhaar
- Check network connectivity
- Retry after some time
2. Wrong Password
- Use correct name spelling in Aadhaar
- Use birth year only (not full DOB)
3. Mobile Number Not Linked
- Visit nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra
- Update mobile number
Safety Tips While Downloading Aadhaar
- Use only official UIDAI website or apps
- Do not share OTP with anyone
- Avoid downloading on public computers
- Keep Aadhaar PDF password-protected
- Prefer Masked Aadhaar for sharing
Conclusion
Downloading your Aadhaar card online is a simple, fast, and secure process. UIDAI has provided multiple user-friendly methods to ensure that every resident can access their Aadhaar anytime and anywhere. Whether you use Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID, Virtual ID, mAadhaar app, or DigiLocker, the process takes only a few minutes.
In the era of digital governance, keeping a digital copy of your Aadhaar is not just convenient but essential. By following the steps mentioned in this guide, you can easily download your Aadhaar card without visiting any office.
Always remember to protect your Aadhaar information and use secure platforms for downloading and sharing it.
