Guide to e‑Aadhaar Card Download, Update & Online Services

Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by admin

In India, the UIDAI issues a 12‑digit unique identity number known as Aadhaar. Over 1.38 billion residents have been enrolled under this system.

With the rise of digital services, the electronic version of Aadhaar — e‑Aadhaar — has become a widely used, legally valid alternative to the physical card.

This guide explains how to get your e‑Aadhaar, update your Aadhaar details, and make the best use of Aadhaar services online. The goal is to be clear, accurate, and actionable — whether you’re reading for yourself or to help someone else.

What is e‑Aadhaar — and Why It Matters

e‑Aadhaar is a digitally signed, password‑protected PDF version of your Aadhaar card. It contains the same data as the plastic/printed Aadhaar — name, photograph, address, 12-digit Aadhaar number (or masked version), and other demographic details.

Because it’s issued by UIDAI and digitally signed, e‑Aadhaar is legally valid and accepted for identity and address verification, just like the physical Aadhaar letter.

Benefits of using e‑Aadhaar:

• Instant access: no waiting for a physical card to arrive by post.
• Always available: store on your device or cloud storage; print as needed.
• Secure: password‑protected PDF ensures unauthorized users can’t open it.
• Convenient for verification or forms that need Aadhaar proof.

If you are familiar with the “mAadhaar” app or use the “Download Aadhaar” feature on the official portal, you might also think of “aadhar card download,” “e aadhar card download,” “e aadhar card download online pdf,” or “aadhar card download app” — all referring to the same process of getting a digital Aadhaar.

How to Download e‑Aadhaar (Step by Step)

You can get your e‑Aadhaar via the official UIDAI portal or through the mAadhaar app.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the official website and open the “My Aadhaar → Download Aadhaar” page — this is often referred to as the “myAadhaar portal.”
2. Choose how you want to authenticate:
   • Aadhaar Number (12 digits), or
   • Enrolment ID (EID — 28 digits), or
   • Virtual ID (VID — 16 digits)
3. Enter required details (e.g., Aadhaar number / EID / VID), captcha, then click “Send OTP.”
4. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number. This ensures that only someone with access to that mobile can download e‑Aadhaar.
5. Click “Verify and Download.” The e‑Aadhaar will download as a password‑protected PDF.
6. To open the PDF, use the password. The password format is: first four letters of your name (in uppercase) + your birth year in YYYY format. E.g., if name is “RAHUL” and birth‑year is “1985”, password: RAHU1985.
7. You can print the e‑Aadhaar if you need a hard copy, or present the PDF itself wherever Aadhaar proof is accepted.

You can also use the mAadhaar app for the same process — install the app from Google Play or App Store, log in with your registered mobile number + OTP, and use the “Download Aadhaar” feature.

If you don’t remember your Aadhaar number or EID, UIDAI provides a “Retrieve Lost/ Forgotten UID/EID” option on the portal to get them using name and mobile number.

Can You Update Aadhaar Online — What Works & What Doesn’t

Yes — some updates are possible online. Through the myAadhaar portal you can update certain demographic details like address or document information.

If you need to update other details (for example biometric data, name, date of birth, photo etc.), you may need to visit a physical Aadhaar Centre.

Online update for address/document upload can be convenient. But if you need to “book Aadhaar appointment” at an “Aadhaar centre near me” for changes requiring verification, you may have to go in person.

Other Aadhaar Services Online — More Than Just Download

The portal provides a suite of Aadhaar services beyond just download or update:

• Generate or retrieve your Virtual ID (VID) — useful to protect privacy by not sharing full Aadhaar number.
• Lock or unlock biometric authentication — if you do not want to allow Aadhaar-based biometric or e‑KYC authentication temporarily.
• Check authenticity and validity of Aadhaar.
• View authentication history (last 50 records) to see when and where your Aadhaar was used.

These services help you manage your identity, privacy, and data security tied to Aadhaar.

When You Should Prefer e‑Aadhaar over Physical Card

Common Issues & How to Handle Them

• Mobile number not registered/changed: You cannot receive OTP — in that case, you must visit an Aadhaar centre to update mobile number first.
• Forgot Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID (EID): Use the “Retrieve Lost UID/EID” option on the portal using name and date of birth or registered mobile / email.
• Need to update biometric info or major demographic changes: You must visit a physical Aadhaar centre and “book Aadhaar appointment” if required.
• PDF password issue: Remember the format — first four letters of your name (in uppercase) + birth year, as described.
• Want privacy while sharing Aadhaar: Use “Masked Aadhaar” option during download to hide most of the digits.

Why It’s Important to Keep Aadhaar Updated

Your Aadhaar is widely used for access to banking, government benefits, telecom services, KYC verification etc. If your address or demographic details change, keeping your Aadhaar updated ensures you do not face issues in authentication.

Online services make updating some details easy — use them whenever possible. For changes that require verification, plan a visit to the nearest Aadhaar Centre.

A current, correct Aadhaar ensures you maintain access to all services tied to this identity proof.

Conclusion

Using e‑Aadhaar makes identity proof simple, fast, and accessible. Whether you need the card for official verification, KYC, government benefit claim or just as a safe digital backup of your Aadhaar, the online download facility is convenient and reliable.

Keep your details updated, safeguard your registered mobile number, and use the official portal or trusted apps like mAadhaar. If you ever lose your physical Aadhaar, the digital version is ready at your fingertips — secure, valid, and accepted everywhere Aadhaar is accepted.

This guide should help you and your readers handle Aadhaar with clarity and confidence.

FAQs — Most Asked Questions (and Straight Answers)

Q1. What is the difference between Aadhaar and e‑Aadhaar?

A1. Aadhaar refers to the physical card or letter issued by UIDAI containing your identity details. e‑Aadhaar is a digitally signed PDF version of the same — valid, legal, and equivalent to the physical card.

Q2. Can I download e‑Aadhaar using a mobile app?

A2. Yes. The mAadhaar app allows you to log in via your registered mobile number and download e‑Aadhaar. Many users call this “aadhar card download app.”

Q3. What if I lost my Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID (EID)?

A3. On the UIDAI myAadhaar portal you can use the “Retrieve Lost UID/EID” option. After providing your name and registered mobile number/email (and OTP), you can get your Aadhaar number or EID and then download e‑Aadhaar.

Q4. Is e‑Aadhaar accepted for verification and official use?

A4. Yes — e‑Aadhaar is legally valid and accepted as identity/address proof across government and private services.

Q5. Can I update my Aadhaar details online?

A5. Yes, you can update certain details like address or documents via the myAadhaar portal. For changes such as biometric updates, you may need to visit an Aadhaar centre.

Q6. What if my registered mobile number is not linked — can I still download e‑Aadhaar?

A6. No — OTP is mandatory for download. If your mobile number is not registered or changed, you must first update mobile number via a physical Aadhaar centre before you can download e‑Aadhaar.