Aadhar Card: All you need to know about it

Aadhar is a unique identification of Indian citizenship that is based on biometric and demographic data that is sole at any individual. Aadhar is managed by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). This body was brought into being in the year 2009. It was mainly set up to provide virtuous, well-organized, and see-through authority to the India Citizens. With the issuance of unique identity to the citizens, the government can bid to offer appropriate benefits to all its citizens based on their demographics and privileges. The Aadhar is also linked with all the essential documents and bank accounts too. This linkage has been a critical driver in the reduction of corruption in India. The central government, as well as the state governments, have made Aadhar card a mandatory document to receive any government subsidy as well as benefits.

What is Aadhar Card?

Aadhar is a unique identification of Indian citizenship that is based on biometric and demographic data that is sole at any individual. Aadhar is managed by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). This body was brought into being in the year 2009. It was mainly set up to provide virtuous, well-organized, and see-through authority to the India Citizens. With the issuance of unique identity to the citizens, the government can bid to offer appropriate benefits to all its citizens based on their demographics and privileges. The Aadhar is also linked with all the essential documents and bank accounts too. This linkage has been a critical driver in the reduction of corruption in India. The central government, as well as the state governments, have made Aadhar card a mandatory document to receive any government subsidy as well as benefits.

Aadhar – An initiative under “Digital India’

The very first Aadhar was issued to one of the residents in the state of Maharashtra on the 29th of September in the year 2010. In the present time, there are more than 120 crore Aadhar card holders. The new age identity has brought loads of goodwill with it. It has not only ensured a unique identification but also reduced fake identities more effectively and robustly. Aadhar is even playing a significant role in imparting good governance to the Indian citizens. The collaborative approach of the Indian citizens and the government will value the integrity of the nation and will be experimental in building a sustainable and robust economy. 

Aadhar Card – Purpose and Uses

Aadhar card system in India also happens to be the most extensive identification system based on biometrics in India. The Aadhar card also serves to be a valid proof of address. On the other hand, it is still not termed as one of the proofs of an individual being Indian citizenship. An individual is given an Aadhar card if he or she resides in India for a period more than 182 days from the date the application for Aadhar has been filled. As per the rules, a foreign individual will also be given an Aadhar card if he or she has been staying in India for more than a year. To get enrolled, individuals need to provide their photography, biometrics, and other personal details like ‘Name,’ Address,’ and Date of Birth.’ The Aadhar number is allocated to all the individuals randomly. There is no discrimination of any based on caste, creed, sex, religion, and geography.

The validity of Aadhar card in India is for a lifetime of an individual. There is no need of renewing it after a considerable period. The process of getting enrolled for Aadhar is entirely free of cost, and it can be done over the internet in a straightforward and laid-back manner. The government has opened Aadhar centres across all the districts.

How to apply for an Aadhar Card?

To get Aadhar card you have to follow the registration process. The process of registration for the Aadhar is straightforward. However, you need to follow a basic flow to get enrolled for Aadhar. Below mentioned are some of the steps that you need to follow:

1. First, you need to visit the Aadhar enrolment center. You can easily find the Aadhar enrolment center near you from the official website by entering the respective details of your locality and then following the flow in the site of UIDAI.
2. Then in the enrolment center, you need to submit the enrolment form after filling it up with the correct details.
3. After that, you need to submit the demographic data of yours as well as the biometric data.
4. You also need to carry documents that support your proof of identity and proof of address.

Aadhar Card Enrolment

The process of Aadhar enrolment is entirely free for all, and the operation of the same is also the same for Indian citizens.

When you want to get enrolled for the Aadhar, you can locate the nearest enrolment center and then visit the center to carry out further steps. If you reside in Tier 1 cities, then you can identify the centers by visiting uidai.gov.in/images/Tier1_Cities_PECs.pdf. If you stay in any place other than the Tier 1 cities, then you need to visit appointments.uidai.gov.in/easearch.aspx. If you reside in states like Assam, Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Bangalore rural, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir, then the Aadhar enrolment is done by the Registrar General of India.

In the course of enrolment of Aadhar, you would need to enter the following personal details:

1. Name
2. Permanent Address
3. Father’s Name
4. Date of Birth

Documents required for Aadhar Card

You also need to carry some of the documents that support the information you have entered. You can take with you the following documents as proof of the information you have entered.

The documents that can be used as proof of identity are:

• Arms License
• Voter ID
• Driving License
• Ration Card
• Photo Bank ATM Card
• Kissan Photo Passbook
• Pensioner Photo Card
• Passport
• Certificate of identity issued by a Gazetted Officer on a letterhead
• Certificate of identity issued by a Tehsildar on a letterhead
• Pensioner Photo Card
• Freedom Fighter Photo
• Disability Identity Card
• Certificate of handicapped issued by the Union or the State Territory
• ECHS/CGHS Photo Card

The documents that can be used as a proof of address are:

• Bank passbook or bank statement
• Property Tax receipt
• Government Photo ID cards
• Post office statement or passbook
• Arms license
• Pensioner Card
• Freedom Fighter Card
• Disability Identity Card
• Certificate of handicapped issued by the Union or the State Territory
• ECHS/CGHS Photo Card
• Passport
• Passport of parents only in the case of minors
• Marriage certificate
• Gas Connection Bill
• Registered lease/sale/rent agreement
• Caste and domicile certificate
• Passport of Spouse
• Marriage certificate
• NREGS Job Card
• Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Allotment letter of accommodation
• Certificate of Address authorized by the head of Village Panchayat

The documents that can be used as proof of DOB are:

• State or Central Pension Payment Order
• Government photo ID cards
• Passport
• PAN card
• Birth Certificate
• Certificate of date of birth issued by the Gazetted Officer
• Government University Board issued mark sheets
• Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme Photo Card

The documents that can be used as a proof of Relationship are:

• Pension card
• Passport
• Army Canteen Card
• Marriage Certificate
• Certificate of Birth authorized by the Municipal Corporation
• MNREGA Job card
• PDS Card
• ESIC Medical card

How to download your Aadhar Card?

Once you have enrolled for an Aadhar card, you would receive the same in due course by post. However, you can also download the copy of the same from the official portal. The process of downloading Aadhar from the UIDAI website is a straightforward task. You need to follow the below-mentioned steps to get it done. 

1. The first step would be to visit the official UIDAI website i.e., www.uidai.gov.in.
2. Then you need to click on download Aadhar.
3. After step three, you would be redirected to another page. When you are on this page, you would be asked to enter the personal details. You would need to key in the enrolment number, full name, and postal code. Make sure you enter all the details correctly. The enrolment number is the number that is offered to all the individuals in the course of enrolment for the Aadhar. If at all you have misplaced any information, then you need to get in touch with the nodal officer to get the details back.
4. Once you are done with the above step, you need to click on OTP. You will then receive a one-time password over your registered mobile number. As soon as you enter the OPT, the system will initiate a link to Aadhar Card download.
5. Then you can click on download Aadhar to download the e-Aadhar. The-Aadhar card download will be in the PDF format.
6. The download e-Aadhar will be password protected. The password to open the downloaded PDF is the postal code that you have entered at the time of the enrolment of the Aadhar. You can save the copy or else you can take a print out of the same.

This process is a hassle-free service that is provided by the UIDAI. The downloaded e-Aadhar also contains all the essential information of the individual. The information that is available on the e-Aadhar are as follows:

• Aadhar card number
• Biometric details
• Name
• Gender
• Address
• Photograph
• Cardholder’s Date of Birth

The E-Aadhar serves all the purpose that an original Aadhar card can serve. If in the future you update any such information regarding yourself, the same would also be reflected in the E-Aadhar. The introduction of E-Aadhar has helped the government to reduce frauds to greater extents.

Benefits of Aadhar Card

It also serves as an identity proof and can be used at all places as it is accepted universally across all genres. This is very handy to use as it is in electronic and digital form. This makes it accessible all the time and at any place.

1. One Aadhar: Aadhar is a unique number, and no one can have a duplicate number since it is linked to their individual biometrics. Eliminating duplicates and fakes through Aadhar-based identification will further enable governments to expand government project benefits to other eligible residents.
2. Portability: Aadhar is a universal number, and agencies or services can contact the central Unique Identification database from anywhere in the country to authenticate a beneficiary’s identity by availing authentication services.
3. Consideration of those with no existing identity documents: A problem in reaching benefits to poor and minimised residents is that they often do not have the recognizable proof archives they need to get State benefits; the “Introducer” system which has been endorsed for information confirmation for the UIDAI will empower such inhabitants to establish an identity.
4. Electronic benefit transfers: The UID-empowered Bank-Account network will offer a safe and low cost platform to directly remit benefits to residents without the heavy costs connected today with benefit distribution; the leakages in the current system will likewise be stemmed subsequently.
5. Aadhar-based authentication to affirm privilege conveyed to the beneficiary: The UIDAI will offer online authentication services for agencies who wish to approve a resident’s identity; this service will enable confirmation of the entitlement actually reaching the intended beneficiary.
6. Improved administrations through increased transparency: Clear responsibility and straightforward checking would fundamentally improve access and nature of privileges to recipients and the organisation the same.
7. Self-service puts residents in charge: Utilising Aadhar as a confirmation system, residents should be able to access exceptional data about their qualifications. A person should be able to use self service using mobile, security is assured using two-factor authentication; registered mobile number and Aadhar PIN. These norms are agreeable with the Reserve Bank of India’s affirmed guidelines for Mobile Banking and Payments.

Eligibility Criteria for Aadhar Card

• As per the Aadhar act 2016, the Indian citizen who has been living in India for more than 182 days is eligible for getting enrolled in the Aadhar.
• UIDAI is also issuing Aadhar card for Minors. The Aadhar card for minors in called Baal Aadhar and it is blue. The child in the age group 0-5 can get enrolled for Baal Aadhar. As soon as the child is older than five years, he or she needs to get registered for Aadhar with proper demographic and biometric data. The data is then updated against the issued Aadhar number. This process is to be done in the nearest Permanent Enrolment Centre.
• Foreigners can also opt for getting enrolled in Aadhar. If they are residing in India, then they can apply for Aadhar enrolment if and only if they satisfy the minimum duration of stay in India.

Updating data and services on Aadhar card

You can update all your personal information in the Aadhar card after you have enrolled once for the same. The UIDAI has made straightforward and relaxed means to do so. To update the details, you can easily visit the Permanent Aadhar Centers nearby your place and then get in touch with the concerned person over there to get the personal information updated in the Aadhar card. This service was set up later by UIDAI when there were a lot of complaints regarding the details that came printed on the Aadhar card. Some of the details were misplaced, and many discrepancies occurred. To ensure all the details are correct, and the individuals also get a right to change their details accordingly, this initiative was taken.

 You can update demographic as well as biometric information in the Aadhar card. If you wish to update any of the demographic information, then you can quickly get it done online without visiting the Permanent Enrolment Center. If you have to update any biometric data, then you need to visit the enrolment center to get it done.

If in any circumstance, you miss your Aadhar card, you can also get a duplicate card. You can choose to opt for either an online medium or offline medium to get your card. You can download your e-Aadhar from the official UIDAI website or else you can pay a visit to the Permanent Enrolment Center to reissue Aadhar card.  

The documents that can be used as a proof of identity and proof of the address in the course of updating the Aadhar are:

• Ration card
• Voter ID
• Driving license
• Passport
• Bank statement/Passbook
• Post office account statement/Passbook
• Government photo ID cards
• Electricity bill (shouldn’t be older than three months)
• Water bill (shouldn’t be older than three months)
• Telephone landline bill (shouldn’t be older than three months)
• In case of rural areas – certificate of address issued by the head of the village panchayat
• Income tax assessment order
• Vehicle registration certificate
• Property tax receipt (shouldn’t be older than three months)
• Credit card statement (shouldn’t be older than three months)
• Insurance document
• Signed letter with a photo from the bank on letterhead
• NREGS job card
• Arms license
• Pensioner card
• Freedom fighter card
• Kissan passbook
• CGHS / ECHS card
• Certificate of address having photo issued by MP or MLA on letterhead
• Registered sale/lease/rent agreement
• Address card containing a photo, issued by Department of Posts
• Caste and domicile certificate containing a photo, issued by the state government
• Disability ID card/handicapped medical certificate issued by the respective state/UT governments/administrations
• Gas connection bill (not older than three months)
• Passport of spouse
• Passport of parents (for minors)

How can I get Permanent Aadhar Card Centre (PAC)

Locating a permanent enrolment center or PAC near you is very easy. To know which is the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center, you need to follow below given process.

• You need to visit the official portal, http://uidai.gov.in/. 
• Then you can click on the locate Aadhaar enrolment center. 
• Then you need to key in your state and postal pin code in the respective fields.
• After that, you also need to input the details of the city and village. 
• Finally, you would require to enter the security captcha. 
• Then you would be able to find the enrolment centers near you.

How to update address in Aadhar card online?

If you have moved to a new city or recently changed your address, you should update demographic data on your Aadhar. To update the address (demographic data), you need to click on “Update Demographics Data Online on UIDAI website.” After that, you need to follow the instruction that appears to carry on with the updating of the details. In the course of updating the Aadhar details, you will also need to keep some of the proof of address (POA) documents handy with you. You need to upload them for further verification of the new information that you have updated. You can also go to the physical centers to get these details updated.

However, if you require to update some of the biometrics details or other updates like Head of Family/Guardian details, then you must have to visit the enrolment center as you cannot do this online. The permanent enrolment centers are set up in every locality, and they function under the supervision of the registrars. You need to pay a nominal amount for further updating of the details and any other services opted.

How to register mobile number in Aadhar card?

In case your mobile number is not registered with your Aadhar, you have to visit the nearest Permanent Aadhar Centre (PAC). Mobile number can’t be registered online. 

One should register his/her mobile number on Aadhar, if you want to use online Aadhar services in future. Registered mobile number is mandatory for Online Aadhar Update Request. You will receive OTP for Aadhar Authentication in your registered mobile.

How to update mobile number in Aadhar card?

Even, if you want to change the mobiles number or update a new mobile number in Aadhar card, you have to visit the nearest Permanent Aadhar Centre. You can’t update the mobile number online.

How to check Aadhar card status?

Aadhar happens to be one of the most important pieces of the document that is being issued by the government of India. It not only consists of the information about any particular individual but also it serves several other purposes.

As soon as you apply for Aadhar, you can check for the status of the same over the portal of UIDAI. But for checking your Aadhar status online, you will need to submit some of the information that you have been provided at the time of enrolment. Some of the vital information that you need to keep in mind are:

1. Enrolment Number
2. Date of Enrolment
3. Security Captcha

To view the status of the Aadhar card online with the help of the enrolment number, then you need to follow the below-mentioned steps.

• The first step would be to login into the portal of UIDAI i.e., www.uidai.gov.in.
• Then you need to click on check Aadhar status link. The click on the link will take you to another page i.e., resident.uidai.gov.in/check-Aadhar-status.
• There you would find a form. In the same form, you have to key in your 14 digit enrolment ID number, date of enrolment in the format DD/MM/YYYY and also the time of the registration in the form HH:MM: SS.
• The last thing to key in is the security captcha, and then you can click on check status.

You would find the status of your Aadhar card enrolment on the next screen. This is one of the way of view your Aadhar card status by name. If at all you have your enrolment details missing, then several other methods can help you with getting your Aadhar card status details.

1. You can also check the status of your Aadhar card by the help of mobile number verification.
   • You need to visit the official UIDAI website for the same, and then you need to click on verify mobile number to know about the current status of the Aadhar. When you opt for mobile number verification, you need to have your Aadhar card link with a mobile number which you have declared for receiving OTP in the course of enrolment. If at all you have not declared your registered mobile number in the course of the enrolment process, then you need to visit the nearest Permanent Aadhar Centre.
   • You would then need to enter the 12 digit UID number, or you can also enter your email address. After that, you would receive an OTP on the registered mobile number or email address, whichever you have keyed in.
   • Then you can enter the high-security one-time Aadhar Card Password in the respective field.
2. If you want, you can also get to know the status of the Aadhar by the help of SMS service from your mobile number that you had registered at the time of enrolment. For the same, you would be to keep three things handy – Enrolment ID, Registered Mobile Number, and Enrolment Date. Once you have got all the above ready with you, then you can call on the toll-free number 1800 300 1947 and get the details of the Aadhar. However, you should be careful while entering the online Aadhar card details.
3. The status of Aadhar can also be checked by the help of visiting the official portal of India Post. The official portal of India Post is www.indiapost.gov.in/vas/Pages/IndiaPostHome.aspx# You need to key in the consignment details. After that, you would be able to check the delivery status of the Aadhar.

How to update DOB in Aadhar card?

A person can update the date of birth in his/her Aadhar with a valid Date of Birth (DoB) Proof having his/her name. Date of Birth (DoB) can be updated in Aadhar only once. In case a genuine need to update the DoB again, a person have to follow an exception process as mentioned below:

• Visit any Aadhar Kendra with a valid Date of Birth (DoB) Proof in your name as per this list provided at UIDAI website (Check Here)
• If the request gets rejected, you need to call 1947 or write to help@uidai.gov.in and request for ‘exception update’ by sharing your latest Update Request Number and contact details.

How to link Aadhar card with PAN card?

As per the mandate of the supreme court, all the PAN have to be linked with the Aadhar of the individual. The linkage of both the document is mandatory. The linkage can be done in two ways:

1. You can get your Aadhar linked with your PAN with the help of SMS service. You need to type UIDPAN<12 Digit Aadhar> <10 Digit PAN> in the message box. Then you need to send this message to 567678 or 56161 from the mobile number that has been registered with the Aadhar.
2. You can also get the linkage done over the internet. You can do this by visiting the e-filing portal. Then you need to enter the PAN card and Aadhar card details. Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process of linking. You should be very careful while entering the details in the portal.

Exemption from Linking of PAN and Aadhar

• Only those individuals who are eligible for obtaining Aadhar, need to link Aadhar and PAN. 
• Linking Aadhar with PAN is not mandatory for NRIs, OCIs, POIs, etc. 
• Who do not reside in India but conduct businesses here do not have to get their PAN linked with Aadhar 
• Foreign nationals residing in India also do not have to mandatorily get their Aadhar linked with PAN.
• Taxpayers of Assam, Meghalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir are also exempted from linking their PAN with Aadhar. 
• Those senior citizens who are above 80 years of age do not have to mandatorily link both their documents

How to link Aadhaar Card with Income Tax Returns?

Linking Aadhar card to Income tax returns means linking your PAN and Aadhar card. There are two ways to link Aadhar card with PAN card.

1. Link you Aadhar with you PAN with the help of SMS service. To do so, you need to send the SMS in the format mentioned below: UIDPAN<space><12 Digit Aadhar> <space><10 Digit PAN> and the message has to be sent either to 567678 or 56161. For example, if your Aadhar number is 888899991122 and the PAN number is ANBPK9876T, you have to type the message UIDPAN 888899991122 ANBPK9876T and send it to 567678 or 56161.
2. You can also link you Aadhar with PAN by visiting the e-filing portal; https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/home. Click on the ‘Link Aadhar’ option in the ‘Services’ section and enter your PAN number and Aadhar number. Then enter your name as mentioned in the Aadhar card and then select the square if only your birth year is mentioned in your Aadhar card as the date of birth. You have to verify the Captcha code. However, the visually challenged users can avail this facility by requesting got an OTP instead of image captcha. Finally, you need to enter the code and click on the Link Aadhar button/CTA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can you apply for Aadhar card?
Ans. To apply for an Aadhar, you would need to full the form of UIDAI for enrollment into the Aadhar. You can visit the nearest Permanent Enrollment Centre nearby to your place and get it done. The process of registration for Aadhar is straightforward.

Q2. What is the process of enrollment for Aadhar card?
Ans. The enrollment for Aadhar is carried out by apprehending the demographic and biometric details of an individual. Once the data of an individual is collected, he or she gets a random number. The department of UIDAI allocates this random number after successful verification of the data entered.

Q3. What are the documents needed for Aadhar enrollment?
Ans. To enrol for Aadhar, you would need the following documents:

• Identity proof
• Address proof
• Proof of DOB

You need to display the original documents at the time of the enrollment for physical verification of the information that you have entered.

Q4. How long does it take to receive Aadhar card after successful enrollment?
Ans. Once you have submitted the demographic and biometric data at the permanent enrollment centre, the central department then processes the data. They verify the data submitted, and after successful verification, you would be sent the Aadhar card on the registered mail address. This entire crusade can take up to 90 days from the date you have enrolled.

Q5. How can you check the status of Aadhar allotment?
Ans. You can quickly check the status of Aadhar allotment by visiting the official UIDAI website. To retrieve the details, you need to enter the enrollment details like the enrollment ID, date, and time of enrollment. The portal to be visited is “Check Aadhar Status”. After logging in to the database, you can check all the necessary details with regards to the status of your enrollment.

Q6. What can you update or change the details in the Aadhar card?
Ans. If you find some information printed in the Aadhar card are not correct as per your demographic details, then you can easily update the data in the nearest permanent enrollment centre. If only demographic information is to be updated, then you can do it over the internet. However, if the biometrics are to be updated, then you would need to visit the centre. 

Q7. What are the steps involved in Aadhar enrollment?
Ans. You need to follow the following procedures for Aadhar enrollment:

• Visit an Aadhar enrollment centre
• Fill the Aadhar enrollment form
• Submit the filled application form along with the supporting papers
• Submit your biometric information
• Collect the acknowledgement or enrollment slip.

Q8. Is it necessary to link Aadhar with the bank account?
Ans. As per the rules of RBI, all the bank account need to be linked with the respective Aadhar number allocated to the individuals. Once this is done, you can also transfer money from one account to another by the help of the Aadhar number. Once the mandate was released, all the banks asked their customers to submit the valid KYC at the earliest.

Q9. How much charge does one need to pay to update details in the Aadhar card?
Ans. If you wish to update the details on the Aadhar card, then you would need to pay 30 INR per application for updating the details. The first enrollment for Aadhar is done free of cost. The department of UIDAI has set up permanent enrollment centres in almost every locality for individuals to update their details in the Aadhar card in case of any discrepancies.

Q10. Is it mandatory to link Aadhar with PAN?
As per the guidelines put forward by the income tax department, all the individuals need to link their Aadhar number with their PAN and link both of them to their bank accounts. This facilitates advances KYC for banks and income tax departments. All these steps are taken to eradicate corruption in banking as well as tax sectors. When all the relevant financial documents are linked with each other, all the transactions are now visible to the authorities.

Q11. Who introduced Aadhar card?
Ans. Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys introduced Aadhar card launched the brand Aadhar and logo in April 2010. The UIDAI was established on 28th January 2009 and Nandan Nilekani was appointed as head of the Aadhar project by the then UPA government on 23 Jun 2009.

Q12. What is the full form of Aadhar?
Ans. Aadhar doesn’t have any full form. Aadhar is a Hindi word, meaning ‘Foundation’ or ‘Base’ in English. If you mean to ask full form of UIDAI, who deals with the implementation of Aadhar scheme, then it donates Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).