Aadhar Card

Aadhar or Unique Identification Number is an identification system which has been made applicable in India with the aim of enhancing the security of the country and its residents.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is responsible for developing and issuing Aadhar card. It also upholds the responsibility of collecting the biometrics and demographic details of the residents of the country. It has been set up by the central government and is now a key document required for various government schemes. Its main data centre is located at IMT Manesar, Haryana.

The Aadhar or Unique Identification Number (UID) is a 12 digit number which is issued by UIDAI. The Aadhaar online portal offers an array of services like:

  • Downloading of Aadhar card online.
  • Checking of Aadhar status.
  • Searching for Aadhaar enrolment centre.
  • Retrieving of lost enrolment number.
  • Updating of address etc.

Aadhaar Card Details

Aadhar card has some details mentioned on the card while the rest are stored in the Aadhaar database.

The following details are present on the card.

  • Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Aadhaar Number
  • Gender
  • Photograph
  • Residential Address
  • QR code representing the Aadhaar number

The below-given details are stored in the database:

  • Fingerprints
  • Iris Scan

How to Get the Aadhaar Card?

To apply for an Aadhar card:

  • Aadhaar Enrolment Centre– The first and foremost thing is to locate an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre which is authorised by the UIDAI. One is required to carry the identity and address proof along while visiting the centre.
  • Fill the form– The next step is to fill in the Aadhar Enrolment Form which is available at the centre without any charges. One can also download the form online and fill it. Submit the form after duly filling it.
  • Photograph and Biometric Data Collection– Enrolment begins when the form is submitted. The photograph, fingerprint scan and iris scan are collected of the individual. This is the time when you should double-check for the details mentioned in the form to avoid any discrepancy later.
  • Acknowledgement Slip– Once enrolment is done, the individual will be given an acknowledgement slip which contains an enrolment number which is used to check the Aadhar card status. The slip needs to be kept safely till the time one doesn’t receive the Aadhar card.
  • Issue of Aadhaar Card– The concerned agency UIDAI verifies all the data provided by the individual before issuing the Aadhar card.
  • Dispatch of Aadhaar to the Address of the applicant– After successful verification, the Aadhar is dispatched at the given address of the applicant by Post. The applicant is also informed via SMS and email. It usually takes 60-90 days to reach.

Eligibility Criteria for Aadhar Card

Eligibility criteria for Aadhar card are not too complex as it is perceived to be. To apply for Aadhar card, one must, however, pass the eligibility criteria which goes as follows.

The person can apply for Aadhaar card if:

  • The person is an Indian Citizen residing in India, or
  • The person is a non-resident Indian residing in India, or
  • The person is a foreigner residing in India.
  • Even newborns can be enrolled for Aadhaar.

Aadhar Card for Resident Indians

All the citizens of India can get their Aadhaar card made. It is now mandatory to link one’s PAN with Aadhar during filing of ITR.

Aadhaar Card for Minors

Minors too can get their Aadhar card made. The documents required include the birth certificate, identity proof and address proof of the parents. Even the newly born babies can be enrolled for an Aadhar card. They, however, need to get their biometrics updated once they turn 5 and 15 years old. For children below 5 years, Aadhar card is blue in colour.

Aadhar for Foreigners

As Aadhar is an identification proof and not the citizenship proof, it can be applied by foreigners who are residing in the country for more than 182 days in the past 12 months.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card

At the time of enrolment, the applicants are required to submit the Proof of Identity and Proof of Address.

You can submit any of the following document as identity proof:

The documents need to be submitted alongside the filled form at the time of enrolment at the enrolment centre. Only then will your enrolment process be completed and you be given the acknowledgement slip.

Benefits of Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar is a unique identification number for the people residing in India. There are several benefits which Aadhaar card has on offer. Some of these are:

Identity Card

Aadhaar is one reliable and all over acceptable identity card. It consists of the photograph and biometric details of the individual. It also consists of a QR code which can be scanned for verifying the authenticity of the details mentioned in the card.

Proof of Residence

Aadhar card also acts as a residence proof as it contains the address of the holder. It is acceptable as residence proof by government and non-government agencies.

Government Subsidy

For availing the benefits of subsidies under different schemes, the government has made it compulsory to link one’s bank account with Aadhaar card so that the subsidy directly comes into the bank account.

Bank Accounts

Aadhar is one document which has become the main requirement for the opening of a bank account. Usually, banks nowadays ask for only an Aadhar card and Pan card of the applicant to open the bank account.

Income Tax

For paying income tax and filing returns, the Income Tax Department has made it mandatory to link Aadhaar to PAN. Without it, the ITR application won’t be processed.

Phone Connection

Telecom companies are providing telephone connections solely on the basis of Aadhar as proof. It has become a mandate for the existing customers as well to link their mobile numbers with Aadhaar card for re-verification purpose.

Gas Connection  

To get a new gas connection, one needs to furnish their Aadhar. To avail the subsidy on the current gas connection, the user needs to fill in a KYC form and link their bank accounts with Aadhar to directly get the subsidy into their account (Pahal scheme).

Important Things to Know About Aadhaar Card

How to Fill an Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form?

  • Fill the Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form.
  • Submit the form to process your request.
  • For enrolment, fill in the complete form correctly and submit the address proof and identity proof along with it.
  • For correction, fill in only those details which need to be updated.

How to update Aadhaar Card details?

To update the information in your Aadhar card, one can make the changes online or by visiting the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. Changes in address can be made online but for all other changes, one needs to visit the enrolment centre. Hence, it is important to double-check all the details in the form to ensure they are correct.

How to update Address in your Aadhaar?

The address of the applicant can be updated through online by visiting the Aadhar portal or offline by visiting the enrolment centre. No fee is charged if the changes are made online, however, a fee of Rs.25 has to be paid if one is visiting the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

How to change mobile number in Aadhaar card?

Mobile number in the Aadhar card can be updated by visiting the Aadhar enrolment centre and filling in the Aadhar correction form with correct mobile number. There is no need for any document for updating the mobile number. One needs to pay a fee of Rs. 25 for the service.

What is URN number in Aadhar Card?

URN or Update Request Number is provided to the applicants when there is some correction needs to be done in the Aadhaar. Using the number, the applicants can track the update process.

How to check Aadhaar Card update or correction status?

Once you submit the Aadhar correction form with the correct details, you get a URN number. To check the status of your update request, visit the Aadhar portal and provide the URN to track the status.

How to get a duplicate Aadhaar Card?

If you have lost your Aadhaar card, you can apply for a duplicate one. To do so,

  1. Call the toll free number 1800-180-1947 and follow the IVR.
  2. From UIDAI website, download e-Aadhaar and print it.

What to do if Aadhaar Card is not received?

Aadhaar card is usually sent by Indian Post and takes around 60-90 days because of the large number of applications. In case you haven’t received the Aadhar card, you can download the e-Aadhar from Aadhar online portal by using the enrolment number given on the acknowledgement slip. The applicant can make the request for re-sending the Aadhar card.

Aadhar Card Verification Procedure

To check if the Aadhar is valid or not, verification is done.

Step 1: Visit the Aadhar website. Click on “Verify Aadhaar Number”.
Step 2: Enter the Aadhaar number which needs to be verified.
Step 3: Enter the security code.
Step 4: In case the Aadhar number is valid, then the details of the holder will appear on the screen.
Step 5: If the Aadhaar number is invalid, then a message ‘ Aadhaar number does not exist’ will appear on the screen.

What to do if you lost your Aadhaar Card?

  • Download e-Aadhar from the website. Print it and use it as Aadhar card.
  • Install the mAadhaar app on your phone and use it in place of the original Aadhar card.