E-Aadhaar Download is a convenient way to get a digital copy of your Aadhaar Card without waiting for the physical Aadhaar letter. UIDAI provides an online facility through the myAadhaar portal, where Aadhaar holders can download their electronic Aadhaar using their Aadhaar Number, Enrollment ID, or Virtual ID. The downloaded e-Aadhaar is a password-protected PDF and is digitally signed by UIDAI.
What is E-Aadhaar?
E-Aadhaar is the electronic version of your Aadhaar Card issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It contains the same essential Aadhaar information as the physical Aadhaar document and includes a digitally signed secure QR code.
According to UIDAI, e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar copy for applicable purposes. It can be stored on a mobile phone, computer, or other secure digital storage and can also be printed when required.
E-Aadhaar Download Online
Aadhaar holders can download e-Aadhaar online through the official myAadhaar portal. UIDAI currently provides three options for downloading e-Aadhaar:
- Using Aadhaar Number
- Using Enrollment ID (EID)
- Using Virtual ID (VID)
An OTP required for the download is sent to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
To download your Aadhaar, always use the official myAadhaar portal rather than entering your Aadhaar details on unknown websites.
How to Download E-Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number
If you have your 12-digit Aadhaar Number and your registered mobile number is active, you can download e-Aadhaar by following these general steps:
- Visit the official myAadhaar portal.
- Select the option for Download Aadhaar.
- Choose Aadhaar Number as the identification method.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number.
- Enter the captcha/security code displayed on the screen.
- Request an OTP.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Complete the verification process.
- Download the e-Aadhaar PDF.
The downloaded file is password protected, so you will need the correct password to open it.
E-Aadhaar Download Using Enrollment ID
If you do not remember your Aadhaar Number but have your Enrollment ID (EID), UIDAI also provides an option to download e-Aadhaar using the enrollment details. The Enrollment ID is available on the Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement slip.
Select the Enrollment ID option on the download page and enter the required details. After completing OTP verification on your registered mobile number, you can download the electronic Aadhaar copy. UIDAI confirms that Enrollment ID is one of the available methods for e-Aadhaar download.
E-Aadhaar Download Using VID
A Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number associated with an Aadhaar number. UIDAI allows Aadhaar holders to use VID for certain authentication and Aadhaar-related services.
If you have a valid VID, you can select the VID option on the e-Aadhaar download service and complete the required verification. UIDAI states that e-Aadhaar can be downloaded using VID along with Aadhaar Number and Enrollment ID.
What is the E-Aadhaar PDF Password?
After downloading e-Aadhaar, you may find that the PDF asks for a password. UIDAI states that the password consists of the first four letters of the Aadhaar holder’s name in CAPITAL letters followed by the year of birth in YYYY format.
For example, if the name is SURESH KUMAR and the year of birth is 1990, the password will be:
SURE1990
If the name is shorter than four letters, the available letters are used according to UIDAI’s password format.
What is Masked Aadhaar?
While downloading e-Aadhaar, users may also have the option to obtain a Masked Aadhaar. In a Masked Aadhaar, the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number are replaced with “xxxx-xxxx”, while only the last four digits remain visible.
Masked Aadhaar can be useful when you need to share an Aadhaar document but do not need to disclose the complete Aadhaar number.
Is E-Aadhaar Valid?
Yes. UIDAI states that e-Aadhaar is a password-protected, digitally signed electronic copy of Aadhaar and is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar copy for applicable purposes.
The e-Aadhaar also contains security features such as a digitally signed QR code that can be used for verification. Therefore, downloading e-Aadhaar can be a practical alternative when you need Aadhaar information quickly.
Can I Download E-Aadhaar Without a Registered Mobile Number?
The online e-Aadhaar download process requires OTP authentication on the mobile number registered with Aadhaar. UIDAI’s information specifically states that the OTP for downloading e-Aadhaar is received on the registered mobile number.
If your mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar or you cannot receive the OTP, you may need to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre for appropriate assistance.
E-Aadhaar Download Through mAadhaar App
Apart from the myAadhaar website, UIDAI also provides Aadhaar-related services through the mAadhaar mobile application. UIDAI confirms that Aadhaar holders can use the mAadhaar app for accessing and downloading e-Aadhaar.
Users should download the official application from the appropriate app store and avoid unofficial applications requesting sensitive Aadhaar information.
Important Things to Remember
When using the E-Aadhaar Download service, keep the following points in mind:
- Use the official UIDAI/myAadhaar website.
- Keep your Aadhaar Number, EID, or VID available.
- Make sure your registered mobile number can receive OTPs.
- Do not share your Aadhaar OTP with anyone.
- Keep the downloaded PDF in a secure location.
- Use the correct e-Aadhaar password to open the PDF.
- Consider Masked Aadhaar when sharing the document where appropriate.
Conclusion
E-Aadhaar Download makes it simple to access your Aadhaar electronically whenever you need it. Through the myAadhaar portal, you can download your Aadhaar using your Aadhaar Number, Enrollment ID, or VID after OTP verification. The downloaded document is password protected and digitally signed by UIDAI, and UIDAI recognizes e-Aadhaar as equally valid as the physical Aadhaar copy for applicable purposes.
For safety, always use official UIDAI services when downloading Aadhaar and never share your OTP or other confidential Aadhaar information with unauthorized individuals or websites.