How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Online — Step-by-Step Guide

What is Aadhaar Card?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) to every resident of India. It serves as proof of identity and address anywhere in India.

Who is Eligible?

• Any resident of India (including children and infants)
• No age restriction
• No citizenship requirement — residency is sufficient
• NRIs with Indian passport can also apply

Documents Required

You need one document from each category:

Proof of Identity (any one)

• Passport
• PAN Card
• Voter ID
• Driving License
• Government Photo ID

Proof of Address (any one)

• Passport
• Bank Statement (last 3 months)
• Voter ID
• Utility Bill (electricity, water, gas — not older than 3 months)
• Ration Card

Proof of Date of Birth (any one)

• Birth Certificate
• Passport
• Class 10 Marksheet
• PAN Card

For children under 5: Only birth certificate is needed. Aadhaar of one parent is mandatory.

Step-by-Step Process (Online Appointment)

Step 1: Visit the UIDAI Appointment Portal

Go to appointments.uidai.gov.in

Step 2: Select "Book an Appointment"

Choose your city and preferred Aadhaar enrollment center.

Step 3: Fill in Your Details

Enter your name, mobile number, email, and preferred date/time.

Step 4: Choose Appointment Slot

Select an available slot. You'll receive a confirmation SMS.

Step 5: Visit the Enrollment Center

On the appointment date, carry:

• Appointment confirmation
• Original documents + photocopies
• Mobile phone (for OTP verification)

Step 6: Biometric Enrollment

At the center:

1. Submit your documents
2. Photograph will be taken
3. Fingerprints of all 10 fingers scanned
4. Iris scan of both eyes

Step 7: Collect Acknowledgment Slip

You'll receive an Enrollment ID (EID). Keep this safe — you'll need it to check status.

Step 8: Track Your Aadhaar Status

Visit uidai.gov.in → "Check Aadhaar Status" → Enter EID.

Fees

Processing Time

• Standard: 15-30 days after enrollment
• e-Aadhaar: Available for download within 3-5 days on uidai.gov.in

Important Tips

1. Keep your mobile number updated — it's linked to your Aadhaar for OTP
2. Download e-Aadhaar as a backup from the UIDAI website
3. Don't share your Aadhaar number publicly — use masked Aadhaar when possible
4. Update address whenever you move — you can do it online at ssup.uidai.gov.in

FAQs

Q: Can I apply for Aadhaar online without visiting a center? A: No, biometric enrollment (fingerprints, iris, photo) requires physical presence at an enrollment center.

Q: Is Aadhaar mandatory? A: Aadhaar is not legally mandatory for all services, but it's practically required for bank accounts, mobile SIM, tax filing, and most government schemes.

Q: What if I lose my Aadhaar card? A: Download e-Aadhaar from uidai.gov.in using your registered mobile number. You can also order a reprint via mAadhaar app.

Q: Can NRIs get Aadhaar? A: Yes, NRIs with a valid Indian passport can apply at any enrollment center during their visit to India.

Q: How to update details on Aadhaar? A: Visit ssup.uidai.gov.in for online updates (name, address, mobile, email) or visit an enrollment center for biometric updates.