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Aadhar Card 2025 Eligibility, Downloading and Updating

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The Complete Guide to Aadhaar: Eligibility, Downloading, and Updating

In today’s digital India, the Aadhaar card has become a cornerstone identification document that connects citizens to essential services and benefits. This comprehensive guide explores who is eligible for an Aadhaar card, how to obtain your digital Aadhaar, and the procedures for keeping your information current.

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Understanding Aadhaar

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Unlike traditional identity documents, Aadhaar uses both demographic information and biometric data (fingerprints, iris scans, and facial photographs) to create a secure, unique identity for Indian residents.

Eligibility for Aadhaar

Residents of India

The fundamental eligibility criterion for Aadhaar is residency, not citizenship. Any individual residing in India for at least 182 days in the 12 months preceding their application qualifies for Aadhaar registration. This includes:

  • All citizens of India, regardless of age
  • Newborns and infants (who receive a special Baal Aadhaar)
  • Senior citizens
  • Persons with disabilities

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

NRIs can also obtain an Aadhaar card if they meet the residency requirement of 182 days in India during the preceding year. They must present their valid Indian passport as proof of identity during enrollment.

Foreign Nationals

Certain categories of foreign nationals residing in India can apply for Aadhaar:

  • OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders with valid foreign passports
  • Individuals with Long Term Visa (LTV) documents
  • Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan
  • Other foreign residents who have lived in India for at least 182 days

Required Documents for Aadhaar Enrollment

To enroll for Aadhaar, applicants must provide:

  1. Proof of Identity (POI): Passport, Voter ID, PAN card, Driving License, etc.
  2. Proof of Address (POA): Utility bills, Bank statements, Rental agreements, etc.
  3. Proof of Date of Birth (DOB): Birth certificate, School certificate, Passport, etc.

For children below 5 years, a birth certificate and the Aadhaar cards of either parent are required. Biometric information for these children is not collected until they reach 5 years of age.

Downloading Your Aadhaar Card

The digital version of your Aadhaar card (e-Aadhaar) has the same legal validity as the physical card. Here are various methods to download your e-Aadhaar:

Method 1: Using Your Aadhaar Number

  1. Visit the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in)
  2. Navigate to “My Aadhaar” and select “Download Aadhaar”
  3. Choose the “Aadhaar Number” option
  4. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the security captcha
  5. Click “Send OTP” to receive a verification code on your registered mobile number
  6. Enter the OTP and select if you want a regular or masked Aadhaar (which shows only the last 4 digits)
  7. Click “Verify & Download“

Method 2: Using Enrollment ID (EID)

If you’ve recently applied for Aadhaar and haven’t received your number yet:

  1. Go to the UIDAI website
  2. Select “Download Aadhaar” and choose “Enrollment ID”
  3. Enter your 14-digit EID, enrollment date and time, and captcha code
  4. Complete OTP verification
  5. Download your e-Aadhaar

Method 3: Using mAadhaar Mobile App

The official UIDAI app provides a convenient way to access Aadhaar services:

  1. Download the mAadhaar app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
  2. Register with your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP
  3. Create a profile and PIN for security
  4. Access your digital Aadhaar directly from the app

Method 4: Through DigiLocker

The government’s digital document wallet offers secure access to e-Aadhaar:

  1. Download DigiLocker app or visit digilocker.gov.in
  2. Create an account using your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP
  3. Under “Issued Documents,” search for “Aadhaar Card”
  4. Download your e-Aadhaar from the results

Accessing Your Downloaded e-Aadhaar

The downloaded e-Aadhaar is a password-protected PDF file. To open it:

  1. Use any PDF reader (Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Edge, etc.)
  2. Enter the password, which consists of:
    • First 4 letters of your name (in CAPITAL letters)
    • Your year of birth (YYYY format)
    • Example: For “Rahul Kumar” born in 1992, the password would be “RAHU1992”

Updating Your Aadhaar Details

Life changes, and your Aadhaar information needs to keep pace. Here’s how to update your details:

Online Update Method

Currently, you can update your address and identity/address documents online:

  1. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
  2. Log in using your Aadhaar number and OTP verification
  3. Select “Update Aadhaar Online”
  4. Choose what you want to update:
    • For address changes: Select “Address Update”
    • For document updates: Select “Document Update”
  5. Enter new details or upload required documents
  6. Pay the update fee (₹50)
  7. Submit your request and note the Service Request Number (SRN) for tracking

Offline Update Method (At Aadhaar Centers)

For updates that cannot be done online (name, date of birth, gender, biometrics, mobile number):

  1. Locate your nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Center using the UIDAI website
  2. Fill the Aadhaar Correction Form (available at the center or downloadable from UIDAI website)
  3. Submit the form along with supporting documents
  4. Complete biometric verification
  5. Pay the applicable fee:
    • ₹50 for demographic updates
    • ₹100 for biometric updates
  6. Collect your acknowledgment slip with URN (Update Request Number)

Mobile Number Update

Your mobile number is crucial for Aadhaar services, as it’s used for OTP verification. To update it:

  1. Visit any Aadhaar Enrollment Center or Aadhaar Seva Kendra
  2. Fill the update form, marking mobile number as the field to update
  3. Provide your biometrics for verification
  4. Pay the update fee (₹50)
  5. You’ll receive confirmation on your new mobile number once processed

Checking Update Status

To track your update request:

  1. Visit uidai.gov.in
  2. Select “My Aadhaar” and then “Check Aadhaar Update Status”
  3. Enter your URN/SRN and registered mobile number
  4. Complete captcha verification
  5. The current status of your update request will be displayed

Important Points to Remember

  • Update Frequency: It’s recommended to review and update your Aadhaar details every 10 years
  • Free Document Update Period: Until June 14, 2025, document updates are free on the myAadhaar portal
  • Password Security: Never share your e-Aadhaar password or allow unauthorized access to your digital Aadhaar
  • Physical Card: For a physical PVC Aadhaar card, you can order one from the UIDAI website for a nominal fee
  • VID Alternative: Consider using your 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) instead of sharing your actual Aadhaar number for enhanced security

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