An Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Government of India. It is one of the most important identity documents used across the country for banking, government schemes, telecom services, travel, and many other essential activities. If you ever lose your Aadhaar card or simply need a digital version, you can easily download the official e-Aadhaar from multiple trusted platforms provided by UIDAI. This guide explains in detail how to download your Aadhaar online, what documents you need, how to open the downloaded file, the difference between regular and masked Aadhaar, and what to do if your mobile number is not registered.

What Is an e-Aadhaar?
The e-Aadhaar is a digital version of your Aadhaar card that is issued directly by UIDAI. It contains all the same details that appear on your physical Aadhaar card which include your name, photograph, gender, address, date of birth and your Aadhaar number. The digital copy is protected with a password and is digitally signed by UIDAI which makes it legally valid everywhere in India. You can choose to download a Regular Aadhaar which displays the full Aadhaar number or a Masked Aadhaar which hides the first eight digits for better privacy. After downloading, the file is saved as a PDF and it can be opened using a simple password which is the first four letters of your name in uppercase combined with your birth year.

What Does e-Aadhaar Contain?

• Name
• Full address
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Aadhaar number (full or masked)
• Photograph
• QR code for verification

To open the downloaded PDF, use this password format:
First four letters of your name in CAPITAL + your birth year (YYYY)
Example: Priya born in 1990 → PRIY1990

Requirements Before Downloading Aadhaar

You will need:

✔ Aadhaar Number (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID) or Virtual ID (VID)
✔ Mobile number registered with Aadhaar (Required for OTP)
✔ Internet connection
✔ PDF reader

If your mobile number is not registered, you must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Methods to Download Aadhaar Card

1. Download Aadhaar from the UIDAI myAadhaar Website

The easiest and most popular way to download Aadhaar is through the official UIDAI website.

Steps:

1. Go to: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Click “Download Aadhaar” under the My Aadhaar section.
3. Choose an option:
   • Aadhaar Number (UID)
   • Enrolment ID (EID)
   • Virtual ID (VID)
4. Enter the captcha code.
5. Click Send OTP (OTP will be sent to your registered mobile).
6. Choose:
   • Regular Aadhaar or
   • Masked Aadhaar
7. Enter the OTP and click Verify & Download.
8. The e-Aadhaar PDF will be saved to your device.
9. Open the file using the password format (e.g., RAVI1987).

Note: Recently updated details will appear in your latest downloaded e-Aadhaar.

2. Download Aadhaar Using the mAadhaar Mobile App

The mAadhaar app lets you carry Aadhaar on your phone and download it anytime.

How to Download from mAadhaar App:

1. Install the mAadhaar app (Android/iOS).
2. Select your preferred language.
3. Enter your registered mobile number → receive OTP.
4. Go to “Get Aadhaar” → “Download Aadhaar”.
5. Enter your UID/EID/VID + captcha.
6. Verify using OTP or TOTP (from the app).
7. Download and open your e-Aadhaar PDF using the same password format.

The app also supports:

• Biometrics lock/unlock
• Aadhaar verification
• Ordering PVC Aadhaar card

3. Download Aadhaar via DigiLocker

DigiLocker stores official documents issued directly by government departments.

Steps:

1. Visit https://digilocker.gov.in or open the DigiLocker app.
2. Log in using mobile number/Aadhaar/username.
3. Go to Search Documents → UIDAI.
4. Select Aadhaar.
5. Enter your Aadhaar number → Verify with OTP.
6. Aadhaar is added to “Issued Documents.”
7. Click Download to save the PDF.

Use the same password to open the file.

4. Forgot Aadhaar Number? Download Using Name & DOB

If you don’t remember your UID or EID:

1. Visit the UIDAI portal.
2. Click “Retrieve EID/Aadhaar Number.”
3. Enter name, mobile/email, and date of birth.
4. Enter captcha → Click Send OTP.
5. Verify OTP.
6. You will receive your Aadhaar number or EID via SMS/email.
7. Use it to download your Aadhaar using Method 1.

5. Downloading Aadhaar Without Registered Mobile Number

Online download is not possible without a registered mobile number.

Instead:

1. Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
2. Authenticate using biometrics (fingerprint/iris).
3. Provide any supporting identity proof.
4. Ask them to print your Aadhaar.

Approx cost:

• ₹30 for normal print
• ₹50 for PVC Aadhaar card

Printing Your e-Aadhaar

Once downloaded:

1. Open the PDF.
2. Enter the password.
3. Click Print.

If your name is Ravi Kumar and your birth year is 1995, your password will be RAVI1995.

If your name is Raj Kumar and your birth year is 1995, your password will be RAJ1995.

Masked Aadhaar: A Safe & Privacy-Friendly Option

A Masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number:

Example:
XXXX XXXX 1234

Benefits:

1. Extra privacy
2. Safe to share for KYC, rentals, job verification, etc.
3. Free to download
4. Fully valid under Aadhaar Act 2016

Steps to Download Masked Aadhaar

1. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Select Download Aadhaar
3. Enter UID/EID/VID
4. Tick “I want a masked Aadhaar”
5. Enter OTP → Click Verify & Download
6. Open PDF with password format (e.g., RAJU1992)

Need Help?

For support, you can contact UIDAI:

📞 1947 (Toll-free)
🌐 Visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra

FAQs About Downloading Aadhaar

1. How can I download my Aadhaar card online?
You can download it from the UIDAI website using your Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID, Virtual ID, or Passport number (for NRIs). After entering the details, you must complete OTP verification to get the PDF.

2. What is the official website to download Aadhaar?
The only official website is the UIDAI portal: uidai.gov.in or myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.

3. Do I need to pay anything to download Aadhaar?
No, downloading Aadhaar online is completely free.

4. What details do I need to download it?
You can use any one of these:

• Aadhaar Number
• Enrollment ID (EID)
• Virtual ID (VID)
• Passport number (for NRIs registering Aadhaar)

5. What if I do not receive the OTP?
You can try again after waiting for a minute. Make sure your mobile number is updated with Aadhaar. If not, you must visit an enrollment center to update it.

6. Is the downloaded Aadhaar valid?
Yes, the downloaded Aadhaar PDF is fully valid and accepted everywhere. It is called e-Aadhaar.

7. What is the password of the Aadhaar PDF?
The password is the first four letters of your name in CAPITAL letters plus your birth year.
Example: Name: Ravi, Birth Year: 1996 → Password: RAVI1996

8. Can I download someone else’s Aadhaar?
No, you cannot download anyone else’s Aadhaar unless you have access to the OTP sent to their registered mobile number.

9. What if I lost my Aadhaar number?
You can use the “Retrieve Lost UID/EID” option on the UIDAI website. OTP verification is required.

10. Can I download Aadhaar without my registered mobile number?
No, you cannot download it without OTP. You must update your mobile number at an Aadhaar center first.