What Is e-Aadhaar?

The e-Aadhaar is a password-protected electronic copy of your Aadhaar card, digitally signed by UIDAI. It is considered an equally valid form of identity as the physical Aadhaar card for all purposes in India — from bank KYC to SIM card verification.

Downloading it is free, quick, and requires only a registered mobile number for OTP verification.

Methods to Download e-Aadhaar

  • Using Aadhaar Number (12 digits) — most common method
  • Using Enrollment ID (EID) — 28-digit number from your acknowledgement slip
  • Using Virtual ID (VID) — a privacy-friendly alternative

Step-by-Step: Download Using Aadhaar Number

  1. Go to the official UIDAI portal: eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
  2. Select "Aadhaar Number" as your download option.
  3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
  4. Enter the security CAPTCHA shown on screen.
  5. Click "Send OTP" — the OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
  6. Enter the 6-digit OTP and click "Verify & Download".
  7. A password-protected PDF will be downloaded to your device.

What Is the Password to Open the e-Aadhaar PDF?

The e-Aadhaar PDF is encrypted with a password for your security. The password format is:

First 4 letters of your name (in CAPITALS) + Year of Birth (YYYY)

Example: If your name is Ramesh Kumar and your birth year is 1990, the password is RAME1990.

Note: Use the name as it appears on your Aadhaar card. If your name has fewer than 4 letters, use all letters.

Downloading via the mAadhaar App

UIDAI's official mAadhaar app (available on Android and iOS) allows you to carry a digital copy of your Aadhaar on your smartphone. Features include:

  • Offline Aadhaar XML download
  • QR code sharing for quick verification
  • Biometric lock/unlock from the app
  • Profile management for multiple family members

Simply install the app, register with your Aadhaar number and OTP, and your digital Aadhaar will be stored securely on your device.

Is e-Aadhaar Accepted Everywhere?

Yes. The Government of India has confirmed that e-Aadhaar is legally valid and accepted at:

  • Banks and financial institutions for KYC
  • Airport check-ins (domestic flights)
  • Government offices and courts
  • Mobile SIM card issuance
  • Hotel check-ins and travel bookings

Masked Aadhaar: A Privacy-Safe Alternative

When downloading, you can opt for a Masked Aadhaar, which hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number (showing only the last 4). This is ideal when sharing your ID with third parties and you want to protect your full number from misuse.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • OTP not received: Ensure your mobile is linked to Aadhaar. Use TAFCOP portal to check.
  • PDF not opening: Use Adobe Acrobat Reader or a compatible PDF viewer that supports password-protected files.
  • Wrong password: Check if your name begins with a special character or Hindi phonetic transliteration — try variations.