Over 1.4 billion Aadhaar numbers have been issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as of 2026, making it the most widely held identity document in the country. Downloading a digital copy of your Aadhaar — called e-Aadhaar — takes under three minutes if your mobile number is registered with UIDAI. This guide covers three official methods to download your Aadhaar card online, along with the update process, biometric lock setup, and fixes for common errors.
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What Is e-Aadhaar?
e-Aadhaar is a password-protected PDF version of the Aadhaar card issued digitally by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It contains the same 12-digit Aadhaar number, photograph, demographic details, and QR code as the physical Aadhaar card. The e-Aadhaar PDF downloaded from myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in or the mAadhaar app is a legally valid identity and address proof accepted at banks, airports, government offices, and all entities that accept Aadhaar across India.
| Feature | e-Aadhaar PDF | Physical Aadhaar Card |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | UIDAI (digital download) | UIDAI (posted by India Post) |
| Legal validity | Equally valid under Aadhaar Act, 2016 | Equally valid |
| Format | Password-protected PDF | PVC or paper laminated card |
| Availability | Instant download | 60–90 days after enrolment |
| Accepted at | Banks, airports, government offices, exams | Same |
| QR code | Digitally signed, machine-readable | Printed QR code |
How to Download Aadhaar Card from UIDAI Website
The official UIDAI portal at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in is the most reliable method to download e-Aadhaar. A registered mobile number linked to your Aadhaar is required for OTP verification. The downloaded PDF is digitally signed by UIDAI and accepted as valid proof of identity nationwide.
Open the myAadhaar Portal
Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in in any browser and click the "Download Aadhaar" option on the homepage.
Enter Your Aadhaar Number
Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID (EID), or Virtual ID (VID) in the input field. Complete the Captcha verification displayed on screen.
Verify OTP on Registered Mobile
Click "Send OTP" to receive a 6-digit One-Time Password on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP and click "Verify & Download" to authenticate.
Download the e-Aadhaar PDF
The e-Aadhaar PDF file downloads automatically to your device. This file is password-protected for security.
Open the PDF with Your Password
The password format is: first 4 letters of your name in uppercase + birth year (4 digits). For example, if your name is Vikas Sahu and birth year is 1995, the password is VIKA1995.
How to Download Aadhaar Using mAadhaar App
The mAadhaar app is the official mobile application developed by UIDAI that stores a digital copy of Aadhaar directly on your smartphone. It allows offline sharing of Aadhaar credentials via QR code or XML file without requiring an active internet connection after the initial setup.
Install the Official mAadhaar App
Download the mAadhaar app (published by UIDAI) from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Verify the developer name is "UIDAI" before installing to avoid counterfeit apps.
Set a Security PIN
Open the app and create a 4-digit security PIN. This PIN protects access to your stored Aadhaar profile on the device.
Add Your Aadhaar Profile
Enter your Aadhaar number and complete OTP verification using your registered mobile number. Your digital Aadhaar profile is saved locally on the device after successful verification.
Share Aadhaar Offline
Navigate to "Share Aadhaar" within the app to generate a QR code or offline XML document. Both formats are accepted as valid Aadhaar proof and do not require internet connectivity to use.
How to Download Aadhaar from DigiLocker
DigiLocker is a government cloud storage platform operated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). An Aadhaar card fetched through DigiLocker carries the same legal validity as the original physical card under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Access the DigiLocker Platform
Visit digilocker.gov.in or open the DigiLocker mobile app. Sign up or log in using your mobile number and Aadhaar-linked OTP.
Search for Aadhaar Document
In the search bar under "Issued Documents", type "Aadhaar" and select "Aadhaar Card - UIDAI" from the results.
Fetch and Save the Document
Enter your Aadhaar number and verify. Your e-Aadhaar is permanently saved in your DigiLocker account and can be downloaded or shared at any time.
A DigiLocker-issued Aadhaar document is legally equivalent to the original physical card and is accepted at all government offices, banks, and airports across India.
Aadhaar Card Update Online (2026)
The UIDAI allows online updates to most demographic details through the myAadhaar Self-Service Update Portal (SSUP) at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Each online update request costs a flat fee of Rs. 50 (except email updates, which are free). Updates are processed within 7 to 30 working days depending on the type of change and verification requirements.
| Update Type | Online Availability | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Change | Available online with proof | Rs. 50 | 7–15 working days |
| Address Change | Available online with proof | Rs. 50 | 7–15 working days |
| Date of Birth | Available online (supporting document required) | Rs. 50 | 15–30 working days |
| Mobile Number | Offline only (visit Aadhaar Enrolment Centre) | Free | 7–10 working days |
| Photograph | Offline only (visit Aadhaar Enrolment Centre) | Rs. 50 | 7–10 working days |
| Email Address | Available online | Free | Instant |
After submitting an update request, you receive an Update Request Number (URN) to track the status at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. For government scheme verification like PM Kisan beneficiary status or EWS certificate application, an updated Aadhaar with the correct address is mandatory.
How to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics
Aadhaar biometric lock prevents unauthorized use of your fingerprint and iris data for authentication. When biometrics are locked, no entity can perform biometric-based Aadhaar verification until you temporarily unlock them. This is a critical security measure recommended by UIDAI for all Aadhaar holders.
Log In to the myAadhaar Portal
Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and sign in with your Aadhaar number and OTP.
Navigate to Biometric Lock Settings
Click "My Aadhaar" in the menu, then select "Lock/Unlock Biometrics" from the available options.
Enable Biometric Lock
Complete OTP verification and select "Enable Biometric Lock". The lock activates immediately and blocks all biometric-based authentication requests.
Unlock Temporarily When Needed
For services that require biometric verification (such as banking KYC, examination authentication, or vehicle RC verification), return to the same portal and temporarily unlock your biometrics.
Aadhaar Download Troubleshooting
| Problem | Root Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Registered mobile number not linked | Mobile was never updated or was changed | Visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre to register your current mobile number |
| OTP not received | Network delay or incorrect mobile number | Wait 2 minutes and click "Resend OTP". If still not received, call the UIDAI helpline at 1947 |
| PDF password not working | Incorrect name format or birth year used | Use exactly the first 4 uppercase letters of your name + 4-digit birth year with no spaces (e.g., VIKA1995) |
| "Invalid Aadhaar Number" error | Mistyped digits or spaces entered | Re-enter the 12-digit number without any spaces. Note that Virtual ID (VID) is different from Aadhaar number |
| e-Aadhaar not accepted as valid proof | Recipient unfamiliar with digital format | Show the UIDAI digital signature on the PDF. e-Aadhaar is legally valid across all institutions in India under the Aadhaar Act |