In today’s digital age, everything can be done online—whether it’s paying bills, updating details, or downloading official documents. One such essential document that every Indian citizen must have is the Aadhaar Card. Issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the Aadhaar card serves as a universal identity proof. But what if you need your Aadhaar urgently and don’t have a physical copy? Don’t worry — you can download your Aadhaar card online in just 2 minutes, directly on your mobile phone.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to download your Aadhaar card online, how to open the downloaded PDF file, and what password to use. The process is simple, safe, and free!
Step 1: Visit the Official UIDAI Website
To start the process, open any web browser on your mobile phone or computer and visit the official UIDAI website — https://uidai.gov.in.
Once the site opens, you will see the homepage of UIDAI. This is the only official government website for Aadhaar-related services, so make sure you’re not on any third-party or fake site.
On the homepage, you’ll find several options related to Aadhaar — such as “Get Aadhaar,” “Update Aadhaar,” “Check Status,” and more.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Language
At the top of the page, you’ll see the option to select your preferred language. UIDAI supports both English and Hindi.
- If you select English, the website content will appear in English.
- If you choose Hindi, all the instructions will be displayed in Hindi.
For this tutorial, let’s continue with English for simplicity.
Step 3: Go to “Download Aadhaar”
Now scroll down the homepage a bit until you find the “Get Aadhaar” section. Under this section, you’ll see several options like:
- Book Appointment
- Check Aadhaar Status
- Download Aadhaar
Click on “Download Aadhaar”. This will open a new page where you can choose different ways to download your Aadhaar card.
Step 4: Choose How You Want to Download Aadhaar
On the download page, you will see multiple options to get your Aadhaar card. You can choose any one of the following:
- Using Aadhaar Number (UID)
- If you already have your Aadhaar card and know your 12-digit Aadhaar number, you can use this option.
- Using Enrolment ID (EID)
- If you have recently enrolled for Aadhaar and haven’t received your card yet, you can use the Enrolment ID printed on the slip you received during registration.
- Using Virtual ID (VID)
- A Virtual ID is a temporary 16-digit number that you can generate through the UIDAI portal or the mAadhaar app. It’s useful if you don’t want to share your Aadhaar number.
Choose the option that’s convenient for you. Most users go with the Aadhaar Number option.
Step 5: Enter Your Details and Verify OTP
Once you’ve selected the Aadhaar number option:
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number carefully.
- Fill in the captcha code shown on the screen to verify you’re not a robot.
- Click on “Send OTP.”
An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card. You’ll see a message on the screen:
“OTP successfully sent to your registered mobile number.”
Now, check your phone for the 6-digit OTP and enter it in the box labeled “Enter OTP.”
Then click on “Verify & Download.”
Step 6: Download Your e-Aadhaar PDF File
After verifying the OTP, the website will start processing your request. Within a few seconds, you’ll see a message on your screen:
“Congratulations! Your Aadhaar Card has been successfully downloaded.”
Your Aadhaar card will be downloaded in PDF format — this is known as your #e-Aadhaar.
This digital version is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card and can be used anywhere you need identity verification.
Step 7: How to Open Your e-Aadhaar PDF File
Now that you’ve downloaded your Aadhaar card, the next step is to open the PDF file. However, the file is password-protected to ensure your data security.
This is where many people get confused — what is the password to open the Aadhaar PDF?
Don’t worry, here’s the simple rule to remember 👇
Step 8: Understanding the e-Aadhaar Password Format
The password to open your Aadhaar PDF is a combination of:
The first four letters of your name (in CAPITAL letters) + your birth year (YYYY)
Let’s take an example:
Name: Anish Kumar
Year of Birth: 1959
Then the password will be:
ANIS1959
👉 Note:
- Only use the first four letters of your name (in uppercase).
- Then directly write your birth year — no spaces or special characters.
Once you enter this password correctly, your Aadhaar card will open instantly.
Step 9: Verify Your Details
Once opened, you’ll see your digital Aadhaar card (e-Aadhaar), which contains:
- Your photograph
- Aadhaar number (partially masked)
- Name, Date of Birth, Gender
- Address details
- QR code for authentication
Make sure all your information is correct. If you find any mistakes or outdated information, you can click on “Update Aadhaar” on the UIDAI website to make corrections.
Step 10: Alternative Method – Using mAadhaar App
If you prefer using a mobile app, UIDAI also offers an official application called mAadhaar, available on both Android and iOS.
Here’s how to use it:
- Download the mAadhaar app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and register using your mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
- You can then view or download your Aadhaar card directly from the app.
The mAadhaar app also allows you to:
- Generate a Virtual ID (VID)
- Update address details
- Order a reprint of Aadhaar
- Lock/unlock your biometric data
It’s a convenient all-in-one Aadhaar management tool!
Step 11: Important Tips & Precautions
Before you download or share your Aadhaar card, keep these essential points in mind:
- Only use the official UIDAI website (https://uidai.gov.in).
Never use third-party or unofficial sites that ask for your Aadhaar details. - Ensure your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar.
You won’t be able to download the card without OTP verification. - Never share your OTP or password with anyone.
- Keep your e-Aadhaar safe.
You can save it in your phone’s secure folder or upload it to your DigiLocker account. - Regularly check your Aadhaar updates.
If you’ve changed your address, mobile number, or name, make sure it’s updated in the UIDAI records.
Final Thoughts
Downloading your Aadhaar card online is one of the easiest digital services provided by the Indian government. Whether you’ve lost your physical Aadhaar, need a soft copy for online verification, or just want to keep a backup, you can now get it within 2 minutes using your smartphone.
Let’s quickly recap the steps:
- Visit https://uidai.gov.in
- Click on Download Aadhaar under “Get Aadhaar.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID.
- Verify with OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Download the PDF file and open it using the password format (First 4 letters of your name + Birth year).
That’s it! You now have your official e-Aadhaar ready for use anywhere — all from the comfort of your home.
✅ Quick | Secure | 100% Free — Your Aadhaar in Minutes!
