Need a digital copy of your Aadhaar card? You're in luck! The UIDAI makes it very easy to download a secure, electronic version of your Aadhaar card, known as eAadhaar. This digital version is just as valid as the physical card for most verification purposes. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, including how to open the password-protected file you download.
What You'll Need Before You Start
To make the download process as smooth as possible, make sure you have the following information ready:
- One of these three IDs: Your 12-digit Aadhaar Number, your 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID) from your acknowledgement slip, or your 16-digit Virtual ID (VID).
- Your Aadhaar-Registered Mobile Number: This is essential! The One-Time Password (OTP) required for verification will be sent to this number. It must be active and able to receive SMS.
- A device with an internet connection (like a smartphone, laptop, or desktop computer).
How to Download Your Aadhaar Card: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Follow these simple steps to download your eAadhaar card from the official government portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official MyAadhaar Portal
Open your internet browser and navigate to the one and only official portal for Aadhaar services: myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Be very careful to use this exact URL to avoid unofficial or fraudulent websites.
Step 2: Find the 'Download Aadhaar' Service
On the main dashboard of the MyAadhaar portal, you will find a list of available services. Look for the 'Download Aadhaar' option and click on it. It's typically easy to find.
Step 3: Choose Your Identification Method
The next screen will ask you how you want to identify yourself. You can select from three options based on the information you have: "Aadhaar Number," "Enrolment ID," or "Virtual ID."
Step 4: Enter Your Details and the Security Captcha
Enter your chosen ID number in the field provided. Below that, you'll see a security code (captcha) in an image. Type these characters exactly as they appear into the box to prove you're a human.
Step 5: Request and Enter the OTP
Click the 'Send OTP' button. A 6-digit One-Time Password will be sent via SMS to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Enter this OTP into the designated field on the website. You'll have a limited time to enter it, so do it promptly.
Step 6: Verify and Download Your eAadhaar
Once you've entered the correct OTP, click the 'Verify & Download' button. Your eAadhaar card will be downloaded to your device as a PDF file. This file is password-protected for your security.
How to Open the eAadhaar PDF: Unlocking Your File
The downloaded Aadhaar PDF file is secure and requires a password to open. This is a very common point of confusion, but the formula is simple!
The password is a combination of the **first 4 letters of your name (as on your Aadhaar card) in CAPITAL LETTERS**, followed by your **Year of Birth in YYYY format**.
Password Examples:
- If your name is ANISH Y. KUMAR and your year of birth is 1989, your password will be: ANIS1989
- If your name is RIA and your year of birth is 2001, your password will be: RIA2001
- If your name is SAI KUMAR and your year of birth is 1990, your password will be: SAIK1990
- If your name is P. KUMAR and your year of birth is 1995, your password will be: P.KU1995
Official Website Reminder
Please remember that sssmid.org is an independent informational website. We are here to guide you, but we are not the official UIDAI portal. All actions related to downloading or managing your Aadhaar card MUST be performed on the official government website: myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
Conclusion
Downloading your eAadhaar card is a straightforward process when you know the steps. By following this guide, you can easily get a digital copy of this vital document anytime you need it. Just remember to keep the downloaded PDF file safe and secure, as it contains your personal information.