The Aadhaar card is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), acting as a 12-digit unique identification number that serves as a crucial proof of identity and address across India. From opening a bank account to linking with your PAN or availing government subsidies, Aadhaar is an essential document.
Fortunately, you do not always need the physical copy of Aadhaar to go on with any official work. You can easily download your Aadhaar card online through multiple methods. This guide explains four simple ways to download Aadhaar card and check your enrollment status.
How to Download Aadhar Card Using UIDAI Portal?
You can complete your Aadhar card download easily through the UIDAI portal. Here are the steps to follow:
- Step 1: Click here to visit the UIDAI’s official website.
- Step 2: Navigate the screen and click on the “Download Aadhaar” option.

- Step 3: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and enter the captcha as required.

- Step 4: After entering the captcha, click on the “Send OTP” option.
- Step 5: You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP and click on the "Verify and Download" button below.
- Step 6: Your Aadhaar card will be downloaded to your device in PDF format.

If your Aadhaar card is not linked to your mobile number, you will have to visit your nearest Aadhaar centre and update it.
How to Download Aadhaar Card on mAadhaar Application?
UIDAI also offers users the ability to download e-Aadhaar using the mobile application mAadhaar available on iOS or Google Play. The detailed steps to download Aadhaar card using the mAadhaar app are as follows:
- Step 1: Install the “mAadhaar ” app on your mobile phone. It is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

- Step 2: Open the application and register with your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- Step 3: You will receive an OTP enter the OTP to access the mAadhaar app's dashboard.
- Step 4: From the dashboard, click on the “Download Aadhaar” button.

- Step 5: Based on your preference, you can choose to download “Regular Aadhaar” or “Masked Aadhaar”.
- Step 6: Enter your Aadhaar Number, and enter the captcha. You can also enter the VID Number, Enrolment ID Number or SID number in place of the Aadhaar number.
- Step 7: Once you enter the details, click on “Request OTP”. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
- Step 8: Enter the OTP and click on Open. Your Aadhaar Card download will be complete and saved in your mobile phone in PDF format.
How To Download an Aadhaar Card via DigiLocker?
DigiLocker is a secure digital platform, available as both an app and a website, that allows users to safely store and access essential documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, driving licence, and more.
Here is how you can easily access and download Aadhaar card using DigiLocker.
- Step 1: Open the DigiLocker app on your mobile or visit the DigiLocker website.
- Step 2: Log in to your DigiLocker profile with your credentials, such as your mobile number, Aadhaar number, or username.

- Step 3: Once done, request an OTP and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Step 4: Once logged in, click on “Aadhaar card” from the list of issued documents available in the dashboard.

- Step 5: Enter your Aadhaar number and enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- Step 6: After verifying your OTP, DigiLocker will present you with the updated version of your Aadhaar.
- Step 7: With this process, your Aadhaar will be listed under Issued Documents at DigiLocker.
- Step 8: Select the list of issued documents and click on the download option next to the Aadhaar card.
- Step 9: Enter the OTP, and your Aadhaar card will be downloaded.
Aadhar Card Download Via The UMANG Portal
UMANG is a digital platform backed by the Indian Government. It allows the citizens of India to avail of Central and State Government services, including Aadhar Card download online. Here are the steps to download an Aadhaar e-card online.
- Step 1: Click here to open the UMANG portal and log in to your UMANG account using your credentials.

- Step 2: Once you are logged in, click on “Services”. You will see a list of available services provided by UMANG.
- Step 3: Find “Aadhaar” under the Aadhaar-related services.

- Step 4: Click on “Aadhaar”, and you will see a list of services provided under Aadhaar.
- Step 5: Click on the “Open” option specified in the “Download Aadhaar” button.

- Step 6: Enter your Aadhaar Number or Virtual ID (VID). Once you do that, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
- Step 7: Enter the OTP in the required field and verify it.
- Step 8: Once done, click on the ‘Verify & Download’ button.
- Step 9: You can now download the Aadhaar card in PDF Format.
How to Check Your Aadhaar Card Enrollment Status?
You can easily check your Aadhaar card enrollment status by visiting the Official UIDAI website. Here are the steps to check Aadhaar application status:
- Step 1: Click here to check your Aadhaar enrollment status.
- Step 2: Enter your 14-digit Enrollment number or SRN, SID, or URN, enter the captcha and click on "Submit".

- Step 3: You will be able to see the step up to which your status has progressed. Here are the steps to it: Draft Stage > Payment Stage > Verification Stage > Validation Stage > Completed.
What is E-Aadhaar?
E-Aadhaar is the official digital version of your Aadhaar card, issued and digitally signed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It carries the same validity as the physical Aadhaar card and contains all essential details, including demographic and biometric information. As a secure and convenient alternative, e-Aadhaar can be easily accessed anytime through the UIDAI website, the mAadhaar app, or other authorised platforms.
What are the Uses of having an Aadhaar Card?
An Aadhaar card is a universal identification document used all over India. Here are some key uses of having an Aadhaar card:
- Identification Proof: Aadhaar is one of the most common documents required for availing of any government or private services.
- Opening a Bank Account: Aadhaar is a preferred KYC document required to open a bank account in both private and government banks.
- Receiving Subsidies: You can link your Aadhaar to receive DBT or Direct Benefit Transfer as subsidies from LPG, pensions, and other government schemes.
- Filing ITR: It is mandatory to link your Aadhaar with your PAN card for filing Income Tax Returns.
- I ssuing Mobile SIM Cards: Aadhaar is one of the most important documents required when you are trying to buy a new SIM card.
- Accessing Government Services: You can access various government schemes, such as the Jan Dhan Yojana or the Jan Awas Yojana.
- Availing Pensions: Government employees require an Aadhaar card to receive pension benefits after their retirement.
- Claiming EPF: You will need your Aadhaar card for verification at the time of making your EPF claims.
- Resists Identity Theft: The Aadhaar card provides you with a unique 12-digit identification number. The unique biometric data and the Aadhaar number help to protect your identity.
Types of Aadhaar Services Available Under Aadhaar Online
UIDAI offers various Aadhaar-related Services online through their various platforms. Here is a list of them.
- Aadhar Card Download: You can download a digital version of your Aadhaar card via the UIDAI official website or the mAadhaar mobile application. Hence, you do not need to carry a physical copy of it every time.
- Update Aadhaar: You can update your Aadhaar details, such as address or phone number, online.
- Order Physical Aadhaar Card Online: You can order a hard copy of your Aadhaar card online. However, a nominal fee is included.
- Lock Aadhaar Card: You can lock your Aadhaar card or enable biometric authentication to safeguard yourself against fraudulent activities.
The Bottom Line
The e-Aadhaar card download facility provided by UIDAI offers convenient accessibility to an identification document for all Indian residents. The digitally signed version of your Aadhaar card, downloaded from the UIDAI official website or the mAadhaar app, serves as an acceptable document throughout the country.
Moreover, doing an Aadhar card download enhances security with Aadhaar card password protection, and the elimination of physical card reliance offers ease of living.