With government services, benefits, and subsidies now tightly linked to your Aadhaar Card, hing one and keeping its details up to date is essential. If your Aadhaar data is incorrect, you could lose access to these schemes. Instead, You can download an e-Aadhaar, a secure and equally valid digital copy accepted across India, keeping your information safe.
This article will guide you through why e-Aadhaar is useful, how to check your update status, and how to download it online or at an enrolment centre so you can always keep your Aadhaar details handy.
What Is an e-Aadhaar Card?An e-Aadhaar card is a digitally signed electronic copy of your Aadhaar issued by UIDAI. It is valid as the physical Aadhaar card, with your demographic and biometric details safely encrypted and secured. Since it is generated directly from the Aadhaar database, it is constantly updated and authentic, making it a convenient substitute in case you lose or misplace your physical Aadhaar.
The e-Aadhaar comes in PDF format and can be easily downloaded from the UIDAI website after verifying your identity with an OTP. You can store it on your device, eliminating the need to carry the physical card everywhere. It is legally accepted for identity verification across all government and private services in India.
Why Should You Download your e-Aadhaar Card
It is not uncommon to find errors in Aadhaar cards. This might be due to a clerical error on the part of the operator or you erroneously providing incorrect information. In this scenario, you must get your Aadhaar information updated as soon as possible. Usually, after you apply for changes in your Aadhaar card, it takes a few weeks for the changes to be incorporated, and your updated Aadhaar gets dispatched through post.
Now, you can also download the e Aadhaar card through the UIDAI website with the updated details. This way, you need not wait until your Aadhaar card to arrive by post. Also, hing e Aadhaar card keeps your Aadhaar information handy and eliminates the chances of you ever losing or forgetting your Aadhaar number. As it is a digital version of your normal Aadhaar, it is acceptable all over the country, without any exceptions.
Checking Status of Update in Aadhaar DataIf you he done any changes to the demographic information in your Aadhaar (name, age, or address), you need to first check the status of your e Aadhaar update request before downloading the card.Here are all the steps you need to check your e Aadhaar status:
Step 1: Log on to the official Aadhaar website.
Step 2: Click on the link ‘Check Status – Update done Online’ if you he applied for the changes through the self-service portal.
If you he requested for the changes at an enrolment centre, click on the link ‘Check Status – Update done at Enrolment Centre/ECMP’.
Step 3: Now, you will be redirected to the check status page, where you can check the update status of your request.
Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number, URN and SRN (which you had received with the acknowledgement receipt when you applied to update the data). Enter the captcha and click on the ‘Get Status’ button.
Step 5: You will be able to see if your Aadhaar update request has been accepted or rejected. If it is accepted, you can proceed to download your e Aadhaar card. In case your update request has been rejected, you will see the reason for rejection and the need to apply again.
You can also visit your nearest enrolment centre to check your e Aadhaar status.
In case your update request has been rejected, you will see the reason for rejection and the need to apply again. You can also visit your nearest enrolment centre to check your e Aadhaar status.
How to Download E Aadhaar Card Online?If you want to download your e-Aadhaar card to keep a digital copy with yourself, then you can skip the above-mentioned steps to check your e Aadhaar status. Here are the steps to download your e-Aadhaar card.
Through the Self-Service Update PortalTo download your e Aadhaar card through the self-service portal of UIDAI, you must he your mobile number registered with your Aadhaar data.
Step 1: Log-on to the official UIDAI website.
Step 2: Click on the link “Download Aadhar.”
Step 3: You will now be taken to a new page, where you will he to select the option through which you want to download the e Aadhaar. You can use your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID or Virtual ID.
Step 4: Select any one of the above-mentioned options as you like. Now, enter all the details as required including Aadhaar number/Enrolment id/Virtual id, name and pin code.
Step 5: If you he a TOTP, you can check the box against it or otherwise lee in unchecked.
Step 6: Enter the security code and click on “Send OTP”.
Step 7: On the next screen, you he to enter the 6-digit OTP received on your registered mobile number and click on “Download Aadhaar”.
You can now take a print out of your E-Aadhar letter and use it as you like.
Through the Enrolment Centre:If you do not he access to the internet, then you can visit your nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre to download the copy of your e-Aadhar card. Make sure you take all the documents that are required for the purpose.
The steps involved in this process are:
Step 1: Visit your nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre.
Step 2: Provide all required details to the operator, such as your Aadhaar number or enrolment ID.
Step 3: If you do not he your Aadhaar number or enrolment ID, the operator will verify your identity through biometric authentication.
Step 4: The operator will enter your details in the software system and verify them.
Step 5: After successful verification, you will receive a printed copy of your e-Aadhaar card. Note that a nominal service fee may be charged by the operator.
Step 6: Take multiple photocopies of the printed e-Aadhaar and store them safely for future use.
E-Aadhaar is an excellent option for you to access your Aadhaar details as and when required, even if you do not he access to your regular Aadhaar card. It is widely accepted across India for all purposes. Always take caution to keep your Aadhaar information safe and do not share it with an unknown person.