In today’s digital age, it is important to have easy access to important documents. One such document for residents of India is the Aadhaar card, a unique identity card issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about downloading your Aadhaar card – from understanding the card itself to the various methods available to obtain a digital copy.
What is an Aadhaar card?
Before we start the downloading process, let us understand what an Aadhaar card is and why it is important.
The Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued to residents of India. Launched in 2009, the Aadhaar project aims to give every resident of India a single, verifiable identity. This will eliminate the need for multiple identification documents and simplify various processes, from accessing government services to opening bank accounts.
The Aadhaar card contains both demographic and biometric data:
- Demographic data includes your name, date of birth, gender and address.
- Biometric data includes your fingerprints, iris scans and a facial photo.
Methods to download your Aadhaar card
There are several ways to download your Aadhaar card. We will explain each method in detail:
- Official UIDAI website
- mAadhaar App
- DigiLocker App
- UMANG App
Method 1. Download Aadhaar card from UIDAI official website
This is the most direct method to download your Aadhaar card. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of UIDAI
- Click on “My Aadhaar” and then click on “Download Aadhaar Card”.
- You will see three options to download: Aadhaar Number, Enrollment ID (EID) and Virtual ID (VID).
- Choose the option that suits you best. Most people use the Aadhaar number option.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Enter the Captcha code
- Click on “Send OTP”.
- You will receive a one-time password (OTP) to your registered mobile phone number
- Enter the OTP and click on “Verify and Download”.
- Your Aadhaar card will be downloaded as a password-protected PDF file
Important NOTE: To open the downloaded PDF file, you will need a password. This password is a combination of the first four letters of your name (in CAPITAL LETTERS) and your year of birth. For example, if your name is Rishi Kumar and you were born in 1995, your password is RISH1995.
Click here to update Aadhaar card and check Aadhaar update status online.
Method 2. Using mAadhaar app
The mAadhaar app is the official mobile application of the UIDAI. Here is how to use it:
- Download and install the mAadhaar app from your device’s app store
- Open the app and select “Log in”
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Enter the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar registration
- You will receive an OTP to this number
- Enter the OTP in the app
- Your digital Aadhaar card is now available in the app
Method 3. Using DigiLocker app
DigiLocker is a government-developed app that lets you store and access official documents electronically. Here’s how to download your Aadhaar number using DigiLocker:
- Install the DigiLocker app and sign in (or log in if you already have an account)
- Navigate to the “Issued Documents” section
- Select “UIDAI” from the list of issuers
- Select “Aadhaar” from the document types
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar linked mobile number
- Enter the OTP
- Your Aadhaar card is now accessible in the Issued Documents section
Method 4. Using UMANG app
UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is another government app that provides access to various e-government services. Here’s how to download your Aadhaar number through UMANG:
- Install the UMANG app and register or log in
- Go to All Services and search for Aadhaar Card.
- Select “View Aadhaar card from DigiLocker”
- You will be redirected to DigiLocker. Sign in or create an account
- Make sure you use the same mobile number linked to your Aadhaar
- Once you are enrolled, you can access and download your digital Aadhaar card
Downloading a masked Aadhaar card
For additional security, you can download a masked version of your Aadhaar card. This version hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number and shows only the last 4 digits. Here’s how to get it:
- Follow the steps to download your Aadhaar address from the UIDAI website.
- Before entering the OTP, look for the option “Would you like to download masked Aadhaar?”
- Click this option to enable it
- Continue with the download process as usual.
Masked Aadhaar number provides an additional layer of security when you need to share your Aadhaar number for verification purposes but want to protect your full Aadhaar number.
Tips to protect your Aadhaar information
While downloading and using your digital Aadhaar card is convenient, it is important to keep your information safe. Here are some tips:
- Never share your Aadhaar number or VID on social media or to unknown people.
- Use the masked Aadhaar option if possible
- Regularly check your Aadhaar authentication history for suspicious activities
- Keep your registered mobile number up to date to ensure you receive OTPs
- Use a strong, unique password for your DigiLocker and UMANG accounts
Diploma
Downloading your Aadhaar card digitally is a simple process that offers numerous benefits. Whether you use the UIDAI website, mAadhaar app, DigiLocker or the UMANG app, you now have the knowledge to access your Aadhaar card anytime, anywhere.
Remember that your Aadhaar card contains sensitive information, so always handle it with care. Following the steps and tips outlined in this guide will help ensure that you use your Aadhaar card safely and effectively in our increasingly digital world.
Stay informed about any updates or changes in the Aadhaar system by regularly visiting the official UIDAI website. With your digital Aadhaar card, you are all set to avail various services and transactions that require identity verification in India.
(This article is part of the sponsored feature of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lt, a paid publishing program. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)