How to Download e-Aadhaar Card Online

What is e-Aadhaar?

e-Aadhaar is the electronic (PDF) version of your Aadhaar card issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It contains the same details as the physical Aadhaar card — your name, photo, date of birth, address, and 12-digit Aadhaar number.

Important: e-Aadhaar is legally valid and equally accepted as the physical Aadhaar card. It is a digitally signed document by UIDAI and can be used for identity and address proof anywhere in India.

The downloaded PDF is password-protected. The password is the first four letters of your name (in CAPITAL letters) and your year of birth. For example, if your name is Rajesh Kumar and birth year is 1990, the password is RAJE1990.

Methods to Download e-Aadhaar

You can download your e-Aadhaar using any of these methods:

Method 1: Download from myAadhaar Portal (Recommended)

The myAadhaar portal is UIDAI's latest unified portal and the easiest way to download your e-Aadhaar.

1. Go to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Click on "Download Aadhaar" on the homepage
3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID)
4. Enter the captcha code shown on screen
5. Click "Send OTP" — an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number
6. Enter the OTP received on your mobile
7. Click "Verify & Download"
8. Your e-Aadhaar PDF will be downloaded automatically

Note: You can download e-Aadhaar only if your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar. If it is not registered, visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre to update your mobile number.

Method 2: Download from UIDAI e-Aadhaar Portal

1. Visit https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Choose your option:
   • Aadhaar Number — enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
   • Enrolment ID (EID) — enter your 14-digit enrolment number and the date-time stamp from your enrolment slip
   • Virtual ID (VID) — enter your 16-digit Virtual ID
3. Enter the captcha code
4. Click "Send OTP"
5. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile
6. Click "Download Aadhaar"

Tip: If you have lost your Aadhaar number, use the Enrolment ID from your acknowledgment slip to download.

Method 3: Download from DigiLocker

DigiLocker is a government platform for storing digital documents. You can fetch your Aadhaar directly into DigiLocker.

1. Go to https://www.digilocker.gov.in or open the DigiLocker app
2. Sign in with your mobile number and PIN/OTP
3. If you are a new user, sign up using your Aadhaar number and mobile OTP
4. Once logged in, go to the "Issued Documents" section
5. Your Aadhaar will appear automatically if your DigiLocker is linked to your Aadhaar
6. If not visible, go to "Search Documents" → select UIDAI as the issuer → select Aadhaar Card
7. Enter your Aadhaar number and fetch the document
8. Your e-Aadhaar will be available in your DigiLocker account

Advantage: DigiLocker Aadhaar does not need a password to open, and it is accepted as a valid original document under the IT Act.

How to Download Masked Aadhaar

A Masked Aadhaar shows only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number (e.g., XXXX XXXX 1234). This is useful when you want to share your Aadhaar for verification without revealing your full number.

1. Go to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Click on "Download Aadhaar"
3. Enter your Aadhaar number or VID
4. Check the box that says "I want a Masked Aadhaar"
5. Complete the OTP verification
6. Download the masked e-Aadhaar PDF

The masked version is equally valid and accepted as identity proof. It is recommended for safety when sharing Aadhaar copies with private entities.

How to Order Aadhaar PVC Card

If you want a physical, durable PVC card (similar to a debit card), you can order it online for ₹50.

1. Visit https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Login with your Aadhaar number and OTP
3. Click on "Order Aadhaar PVC Card"
4. Verify your details and confirm
5. Pay ₹50 (including GST) using credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI
6. The PVC card will be delivered to your Aadhaar-registered address within 15-20 working days via Speed Post

Note: The PVC card will have your latest details as per UIDAI records. Make sure your address and photo are updated before ordering.

Common Issues & Solutions

OTP not received on mobile

• Make sure your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar
• Wait for 2-3 minutes before requesting a new OTP
• Check if your phone has network signal
• You can request OTP up to 3 times in a session

Forgot Aadhaar number

• Use the "Retrieve Aadhaar/EID" option on the UIDAI website
• You will need your registered mobile number or email to retrieve it

Cannot open the downloaded PDF

• The password is the first 4 letters of your name (in CAPITALS) + birth year
• Example: Name "Priya Sharma", birth year 1985 → password is PRIY1985

Website showing error or not loading

• Try during non-peak hours (early morning or late evening)
• Clear your browser cache and try again
• Use Chrome or Firefox for best compatibility

e-Aadhaar showing old details

• If you recently updated your Aadhaar, wait 2-3 days for the changes to reflect
• Download again after the update is complete

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is e-Aadhaar valid as an identity proof?

Yes. e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the original Aadhaar card. It is a digitally signed document by UIDAI and accepted by all government and private agencies.

How many times can I download e-Aadhaar?

There is no limit. You can download your e-Aadhaar as many times as you want from the UIDAI portal.

Can I download e-Aadhaar without a registered mobile number?

No. OTP verification on your registered mobile is mandatory to download e-Aadhaar. If your mobile is not registered, visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre to update it.

What is VID and how do I generate it?

VID (Virtual ID) is a temporary 16-digit number mapped to your Aadhaar. It can be used instead of your Aadhaar number for extra privacy. Generate it from https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in under "VID Generator" using your Aadhaar number and OTP.

Is there any fee to download e-Aadhaar?

No. Downloading e-Aadhaar is completely free. You only need to pay ₹50 if you order a physical PVC card.

Can I download someone else's e-Aadhaar?

You can only download e-Aadhaar using the OTP sent to the registered mobile number of that Aadhaar holder. Without access to their registered mobile, it is not possible.

What is the difference between e-Aadhaar and masked Aadhaar?

Both are the same document. The only difference is that masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number, showing only the last 4 digits for privacy.