Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by UIDAI to every Indian resident, representing the government. It is a biometric document that stores your personal details in a government database. All residents are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar number under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
To obtain Aadhaar, you must submit the required support documents at UIDAI-authorized centers for verification. The documents necessary for Aadhaar card enrollment are categorized into four types: proof of identity, proof of address, proof of date of birth, and proof of relationship.
This page covers the advantages of the Aadhaar card as well as the eligibility criteria for Aadhaar registration. It also lists all the required documents for Aadhaar enrollment.
Advantages of Aadhaar Card
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Pan Card & Tax Filing |
In September 2018, the Supreme Court approved linking Aadhaar with PAN. This connection between Aadhaar and PAN is essential when submitting tax returns using your PAN card. |
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Opening a Trading Account |
The Know Your Customer (KYC) process is vital for creating a trading account. Aadhaar facilitates a smooth and quick online KYC verification process. |
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Identity Verification |
Aadhaar serves as a biometric identity verification system and is widely used as a photo ID card in India. It is accepted as a valid identity proof for official or travel-related purposes. |
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Passport Issuance in 10 Days |
Applying for a passport has become easier, as Aadhaar is now a valid document for passport applications. Aadhaar also streamlines the process for passport renewals. |
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Driving License |
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways allows Aadhaar to serve as proof of address and age for driving licenses. Additionally, linking Aadhaar to your driving license helps prevent duplicate licenses. |
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Proof of Residence |
Aadhaar is recognized as an official government document and can be used as proof of residence for accessing various government and private services. |
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Government Subsidies |
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Bank Accounts |
Aadhaar and PAN are essential for opening a bank account. Though linking Aadhaar to your bank account is not mandatory according to a recent Supreme Court ruling, doing so allows for nationwide access to your linked accounts. |
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Gas Connections |
The unique 12-digit Aadhaar number is used to receive LPG subsidies directly into your bank account via the PAHAL scheme. |
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Mutual Funds |
SEBI mandates that all mutual fund accounts complete KYC. Aadhaar enables e-KYC for the registration process. |
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Monthly Pension |
Aadhar helps prevent fraud in the pension system by linking the Aadhaar number to the pension account of retirees. |
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Provident Funds |
Multiple EPF member IDs can complicate the consolidation process. You can easily withdraw or transfer your provident fund by linking your Aadhaar number to your Universal Account Number (UAN). Although Aadhaar linking is not mandatory for PF withdrawals, it is recommended to link your UAN with Aadhaar. |
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Jan Dhan Yojana |
Aadhaar is the only required document to open a bank account under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). Additional documents can also be used to open such accounts. |
Information Regarding the Aadhaar Card
The Aadhaar card provides personal details of the individual who has enrolled for it. Some details are printed directly on the card, while others are encoded and stored in a QR code for security, accessible only through authorized means.
The following details are present on the Aadhaar card-
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Aadhaar Number
- Gender
- Photograph
- Address
- QR code that holds the Aadhaar number
- Fingerprints
- Iris Scan
How to Enroll for an Aadhaar Card
The Aadhaar enrollment process consists of several steps, which include the following-
- Visiting an Aadhaar Enrollment center.
- Filling out the enrollment form accurately.
- Providing your demographic and biometric data.
- You will need to submit proof of identity and address.
- Afterward, you will receive an Aadhaar acknowledgment slip with your Enrollment number. The Aadhaar enrollment is free of charge, and the procedure is the same for all Indian citizens. You can also locate an Aadhaar Enrollment Centre in Tier I cities on the official website.
Documents Required for Aadhaar Card
There are various documents required to support your Aadhaar application, such as proof of address, identity, and date of birth. Below is a list of the necessary documents for updating your Aadhaar card.
Documents for Proof of Identity for Aadhaar
You can use any of the following documents as proof of identity when applying for or updating your Aadhaar card:
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Documents for Aadhaar Address Verification
The documents required for Aadhaar address verification ensure that the address you provide matches the one where you reside. It is important to provide the correct address, as your Aadhaar card will be sent to that location.
You may submit any of the following documents as proof of address:
- Bank statement
- Passbook
- Ration card
- Passport
- Bank letter with a photo, signed on a letterhead
- Insurance document
- Company-issued letter with a photo on a letterhead
- Arms license
- Post office statement or passbook
- Voter ID
- Government-issued photo ID cards
- Educational institution letter with photo on a letterhead
- Driving license
- Water bill
- Electricity bill
- Property tax receipt
- Postal department-issued address card with photo
- Gas connection bill
- Parents' passport for minors under 18
- Disability ID card
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Registered lease/rent/sale agreement
- Caste/domicile certificate with photo
- Telephone bill
- Credit card statement (not older than 3 months)
- NREGA job card
- Pensioner card
- Kissan passbook
- Freedom fighter card
- Income tax assessment order
- ECHS/CGHS card
- Rural address certificate from village panchayat head or equivalent
- Marriage certificate with address issued by the government
- State/central government-issued accommodation allotment letter
Documents for Aadhaar Date of Birth Verification
Documents that confirm your date of birth help ensure its accuracy. Any of the following can be used to verify your date of birth:
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Baal Aadhaar
A "Baal Aadhaar" refers to the Aadhaar card issued to a minor or newborn. It is blue and, unlike the adult version, lacks biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans.
- Find the nearest enrollment center using the UIDAI website and provide a copy of the child's birth certificate.
- A parent must authenticate by submitting their Aadhaar number, linking the child’s Baal Aadhaar to theirs.
- Complete the Baal Aadhaar application with required details and a contact number.
- The child's photo will be taken. No biometric data will be collected for children under five.
- After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement slip.
- Once the application is verified, the Baal Aadhaar card will be sent to the registered address, confirmed by a verification SMS.
Aadhar Mitra - UIDAI’s Chatbot
UIDAI introduced the 'Aadhar Mitra' chatbot to provide better access, user experience, and quick resolution of queries. It is available on UIDAI’s official website.
The chatbot offers features like checking Aadhaar card enrollment status, update status, locating enrollment centers, tracking Aadhaar card status, and reporting grievances.