How to Download Aadhaar in 2 Minutes (2026 Guide)

Losing your Aadhaar card feels scary, but it's actually a 2-minute fix. You don't need to visit any office, and you don't need to pay a single rupee. Here's exactly how.

What you need before you start

• Your 12-digit Aadhaar number OR the 14-digit enrolment ID from your acknowledgement slip
• The mobile number that is linked to your Aadhaar
• Any device with an internet connection

The 4 steps

1. Open the official website

Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Make sure the URL is exactly this — fake copies exist to steal your OTP.

2. Click 'Download Aadhaar'

On the home page you'll see a big blue box that says Download Aadhaar. Click it.

3. Enter your Aadhaar number and OTP

Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha shown on the screen. Then click Send OTP. A 6-digit code will arrive on your registered mobile within 30 seconds. Enter it.

4. Download and open the PDF

A PDF called something like *EAADHAAR_XXXXX.pdf* downloads to your phone or laptop. To open it, you need a password.

The password format (this is where most people get stuck)

The password is: First 4 letters of your name in CAPITAL LETTERS + Year of birth

Example: if your name is *Rahul Sharma* and you were born in *1995*, the password is RAHU1995.

If your name is shorter than 4 letters (e.g., *Ram*), use all letters plus zeros or year: RAM1995.

Common problems and fixes

"OTP not received" — Your mobile is not linked to Aadhaar. You must visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra with your original Aadhaar to update the mobile.

"Password not working" — Double-check the capital letters. Try both formats: with and without a space. If your name starts with a number or symbol on the card, use only letters.

"PDF looks blank" — Update your PDF reader. Adobe Reader or Google Drive PDF preview will both work.

What to do with the e-Aadhaar

The e-Aadhaar PDF is legally identical to the plastic card. You can:

• Print it and use it anywhere the physical card is accepted
• Save it in Digilocker for permanent free storage
• Show the PDF from your phone at banks, airports, and hotels

Never share the full PDF or password with any stranger who asks. Legitimate agencies will scan the QR code on the front — they never need your download password.

That's it. Your Aadhaar is now on your phone, forever, free.

Other official ways to get your e-Aadhaar

The UIDAI website is not the only option. These official routes give you the same, equally valid e-Aadhaar:

• mAadhaar app (Android and iPhone, by UIDAI) — add your profile with an OTP, then download e-Aadhaar or show the QR code. You can add up to five family members who share the same registered mobile.
• DigiLocker — sign in with your mobile number, link Aadhaar, and the Aadhaar card appears under "Issued documents". Many offices accept DigiLocker documents as originals.
• UMANG app — search "Aadhaar" inside UMANG and download from there.

Avoid apps and websites that ask you to "pay ₹99 for a fast download". Downloading e-Aadhaar is free on every official channel.

Masked Aadhaar: the safer copy to share

When you download, UIDAI asks whether you want a masked Aadhaar. A masked copy hides the first eight digits and shows only the last four (XXXX-XXXX-1234). Use it for hotel check-ins, SIM cards, rent agreements and anywhere a full number isn't legally needed. Banks, government subsidy forms and income-tax filing still need the full number.

Your mobile number isn't linked — what now?

Without a linked mobile you can't get the OTP, so the online download won't work. You have two choices:

1. Update your mobile number at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolment centre. Book an appointment on the UIDAI site, carry your Aadhaar, and give a biometric. There's a small update fee set by UIDAI, and the update usually reflects within a few days.

2. Order an Aadhaar PVC card using any mobile number. UIDAI lets you order the plastic PVC card (₹50 including speed post) with an OTP on a non-registered number, and it reaches your registered address.

Is e-Aadhaar valid everywhere?

Yes. UIDAI says the downloaded e-Aadhaar is as valid as the original letter. It carries a digital signature and a secure QR code that offices can scan to verify it offline. If anyone refuses an e-Aadhaar printout, ask them to scan the QR code with the Aadhaar QR scanner app.

Keep your Aadhaar safe

• Lock your biometrics in the mAadhaar app or on the UIDAI site. Locked biometrics can't be used for authentication until you unlock them, which stops fingerprint misuse.
• Check your authentication history on myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in to see where your Aadhaar was used in the last six months.
• Never share an Aadhaar OTP with a caller. UIDAI, banks and government offices never ask for it on the phone.

Frequently asked questions

How many times can I download e-Aadhaar?

There's no limit. You can download it as many times as you need, free of cost.

Can I download Aadhaar with only my name and date of birth?

No. You need your Aadhaar number, enrolment ID or virtual ID, plus an OTP on the registered mobile. If you've lost the number, use "Retrieve Aadhaar number" on the UIDAI site with your registered mobile or email.

What is a Virtual ID (VID)?

A 16-digit temporary number linked to your Aadhaar. You can use it instead of your Aadhaar number for many services and regenerate it any time, so your real number stays private.

Why does my e-Aadhaar PDF say "signature not verified"?

That's a PDF reader setting, not a problem with your Aadhaar. Open the PDF in Adobe Reader, right-click the signature and choose "Validate signature" to see the green tick.