Your Aadhaar card is one of the most important identity documents in India. But what if you misplace it or need it instantly for online verification? The good news is—you can download a digital version called e-Aadhaar directly from the official UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) portal. It’s legal, valid, and accepted everywhere just like the physical Aadhaar card.
Let’s go step-by-step through the process to download your e-Aadhaar online safely and easily.
What Is e-Aadhaar?
e-Aadhaar is the electronic version of your Aadhaar card, available in PDF format. It carries the same details—name, address, photo, and Aadhaar number—and is digitally signed by UIDAI, making it legally valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
People often use e-Aadhaar when:
- They’ve lost or damaged their physical Aadhaar card.
- They need to attach Aadhaar instantly for KYC or online applications.
- They prefer digital documents over paper copies.
Steps to Download e-Aadhaar from UIDAI Portal
Here’s how you can download your e-Aadhaar in a few minutes:
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Visit the official UIDAI website:
Go to https://uidai.gov.in and click on “Download Aadhaar” under the My Aadhaar section. -
Choose your download option:
You can use any of these details:
- Aadhaar Number (UID)
- Enrollment ID (EID)
- Virtual ID (VID)
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Enter your details:
Fill in your Aadhaar number, captcha code, and click on “Send OTP”. -
Verify with OTP:
Enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number. -
Download your e-Aadhaar:
Once verified, click “Download Aadhaar” to get the PDF file. -
Open with password:
The PDF is password-protected. Use the first four letters of your name (in CAPS) followed by your birth year (e.g., RAVI1992).
Real-World Example
A friend of mine, Priya from Hyderabad, lost her Aadhaar while shifting homes. Instead of visiting a center, she downloaded her e-Aadhaar instantly from UIDAI’s site using her Aadhaar number. Within minutes, she used it for her new SIM verification—no waiting, no paperwork.
Common Issues & Solutions
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Didn’t receive OTP? Check if your mobile number is updated in Aadhaar. If not, visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update it.
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Forgot Aadhaar number? Use the “Retrieve Lost UID/EID” option on the same website.
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PDF not opening? Ensure you’re entering the correct password format (NAMEYYYY).
Conclusion
Downloading your e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI portal is one of the easiest digital services available to Indian citizens. It’s fast, safe, and officially recognized. Keep your e-Aadhaar handy—it can save you from unnecessary trips and delays.
If you haven’t downloaded your digital Aadhaar yet, visit https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/ today and get yours in minutes.
Internal Linking Suggestion:
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Link to a guide on How to Update Mobile Number in Aadhaar Online.
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