If you have lost your physical Aadhaar card, left it at home during a trip, or just need a digital copy to attach to an online application, you can download an e-Aadhaar PDF from the official UIDAI website in minutes. This digital copy is digitally signed by the UIDAI and is legally accepted everywhere in India, just like the physical card.
Before You Start
What you need to download e-Aadhaar
0 of 4 ready · saved on this device only
Step 1: Open the official portal
- Visit the MyAadhaar portal at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
- Scroll down on the dashboard and click on the Download Aadhaar option.
WARNING
Never use third-party apps or websites that claim to download your Aadhaar card for you. They are likely phishing sites that will steal your demographic details and your OTP, compromising your identity. Always ensure the URL ends with .uidai.gov.in.
Step 2: Enter your details
You have three options to identify yourself on the download portal:
- Aadhaar Number: If you know your 12-digit number, select this option and enter it directly.
- Enrolment ID (EID): If you are downloading for the very first time and don't know the number yet, check the slip given at the enrolment center. Enter the 14-digit enrolment number, followed by the 14-digit date and time (YYYYMMDDHHMMSS) exactly as printed, without any spaces.
- Virtual ID (VID): If you generated a temporary 16-digit Virtual ID for privacy purposes, you can use that to download the card.
Once you have entered your chosen ID, enter the security CAPTCHA code shown on the screen exactly as it appears (it is case-sensitive).
Step 3: Choose "Masked Aadhaar" (Highly Recommended)
Before you click the button to request an OTP, look for a small checkbox that says "Do you want a masked Aadhaar?"
- If you check this box: The downloaded PDF will hide the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number (showing only
XXXX-XXXX-1234). - Why use it? It prevents identity theft. You should use a masked Aadhaar for hotel check-ins, airport entry, buying a new SIM card, or any place that needs identity verification but doesn't strictly need to store your full Aadhaar number in their database.
- When NOT to use it: If you are applying for a government subsidy (DBT), opening a new bank account, or completing EPF KYC, you must uncheck this box and download the regular (unmasked) Aadhaar, as these institutions require the full number for backend verification.
Step 4: Verify OTP and Download
- Click the Send OTP button.
- An SMS containing a 6-digit OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP in the box provided. (If you don't receive it, see our Aadhaar OTP troubleshooting guide).
- You may be asked to answer a quick survey about UIDAI services.
- Click Verify & Download.
- The e-Aadhaar PDF will download automatically to your device's Downloads folder.
Step 5: Open the Password-Protected PDF
The downloaded PDF is encrypted to ensure that even if someone gets the file, they cannot view your details without knowing your personal information. To open it, you must enter a specific 8-character password.
Password Format: First 4 letters of your name (in CAPITAL letters) + Year of Birth (YYYY)
| Name on Aadhaar | Year of Birth | PDF Password |
|---|---|---|
| SURESH KUMAR | 1990 | SURE1990 |
| SAI KUMAR | 1990 | SAIK1990 |
| P. KUMAR | 1990 | P.KU1990 (Punctuation counts) |
| RIA | 1990 | RIA1990 (If name is less than 4 letters, use full name + YYYY) |
Once the PDF is opened, you can print it, or keep it saved securely on your phone for easy access.
Alternative: Use the mAadhaar App
If you want to keep your Aadhaar handy on your smartphone without dealing with PDF passwords every time you open it, use the official app:
- Download the mAadhaar app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Register your profile using your Aadhaar number and OTP.
- Your Aadhaar will be stored securely within the app's profile section.
- You can display this digital version at airports or railway stations-it is officially accepted by CISF and TTEs as valid proof of identity.
Common Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Don't have the registered mobile number | You cannot download e-Aadhaar online without OTP access. You must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to either update the mobile number or request a physical PVC card reprint using an alternate number. |
| OTP not arriving | Check if your inbox is full or your network reception is poor. Read our OTP troubleshooting guide. |
| Password not working | Ensure you are typing the first 4 letters in ALL CAPS exactly as spelled on your Aadhaar enrolment slip. If your name has initials with spaces (e.g., "S K Singh"), the spaces count as characters (e.g., "S K 1990"). |
| "Invalid EID" error | The EID format is strict. Enter the 14-digit enrolment number, then the year, month, date, hours, minutes, and seconds continuously without spaces or slashes. |
Related Guides
- How to Update Mobile Number on Aadhaar
- Aadhaar OTP Not Received: How to Fix It
- How to Lock or Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics
Need more help?
For more information, open the Aadhaar Help hub, browse Identity & KYC guides, or try our calculators.