How To Download E-Aadhaar From UIDAI Portal in 2026

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E-Aadhaar is the official digitally signed electronic version of your Aadhaar card, issued by UIDAI and legally equivalent to the physical Aadhaar card in all contexts where Aadhaar is accepted as an identity document. It is a password-protected PDF file that you can download for free from the UIDAI website at any time, store on your smartphone, and present digitally for identity verification at banks, insurance companies, airports, government offices, and other service providers. If you have lost your physical Aadhaar card, need a fresh copy, or simply want the convenience of a digital Aadhaar, e-Aadhaar is the fastest and most reliable solution. This guide explains every method available to download your e-Aadhaar in 2026, including what to do if your mobile number is not registered with UIDAI.

What Is E-Aadhaar and Is It Legally Valid?

E-Aadhaar is a digitally signed PDF version of your Aadhaar card, generated and authenticated by UIDAI using a digital signature. It carries the same legal validity as a physical Aadhaar card under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. Key facts about e-Aadhaar include:

  • E-Aadhaar is accepted as valid identity proof by all banks, including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank for KYC and account opening
  • It is accepted by insurance companies including LIC, Star Health Insurance, Niva Bupa, Care Health, and HDFC ERGO for policy issuance and claim verification
  • E-Aadhaar can be used for income tax filing, PAN-Aadhaar linking, EPF withdrawal, and passport applications
  • Government departments and ministries across India accept e-Aadhaar for DBT verification, scheme enrollment, and subsidy processing
  • The file is password-protected — the password is the first four letters of your name in CAPITALS followed by your year of birth (format: NAMEyyyy)

Methods to Download E-Aadhaar

UIDAI provides multiple ways to download your e-Aadhaar depending on what information you have available — your Aadhaar number, VID, or Enrolment ID:

  • Using Aadhaar Number (UID): The most common method — requires your 12-digit Aadhaar number and access to your registered mobile number for OTP verification
  • Using Virtual ID (VID): A 16-digit temporary number generated by you that can be used instead of sharing your actual Aadhaar number — provides an additional privacy layer
  • Using Enrolment ID (EID): For those who have recently enrolled and not yet received their Aadhaar number — requires the 28-digit EID from your enrolment slip
  • Masked Aadhaar: A variant of e-Aadhaar where only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number are visible — useful when you want to share Aadhaar for verification without exposing the full number

Step-by-Step: Download E-Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number

  1. Visit the official UIDAI website and navigate to the “My Aadhaar” section in the top navigation menu
  2. Click on “Download Aadhaar” under the Aadhaar Services section
  3. Select “Aadhaar Number” as your preferred method
  4. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number in the field provided
  5. Enter the CAPTCHA security code displayed on screen accurately
  6. Click “Send OTP” — a One Time Password will be sent to your mobile number registered with UIDAI
  7. Enter the OTP within the validity period (usually 10 minutes)
  8. You will also be asked whether you want to download a “Masked Aadhaar” (which hides the first 8 digits) or the full Aadhaar — select your preference
  9. Click “Verify and Download” — the e-Aadhaar PDF will download to your device
  10. To open the PDF, enter the password, which is the first four letters of your name in capital letters followed by your 4-digit birth year (example: if your name is Rajesh Kumar born in 1995, the password is RAJE1995)

Step-by-Step: Download E-Aadhaar Using Enrolment ID (EID)

  1. Visit the UIDAI website and go to “My Aadhaar,” then “Download Aadhaar”
  2. Select “Enrolment ID” as the input method
  3. Enter the 14-digit EID number from your acknowledgement slip
  4. Enter the enrolment date and time exactly as printed on the slip in the format DD/MM/YYYY HH:MM:SS
  5. Enter the CAPTCHA code and click “Send OTP”
  6. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number
  7. Download the e-Aadhaar PDF and open it using the standard password format

Step-by-Step: Download E-Aadhaar Using Virtual ID (VID)

  1. First, generate your VID by visiting the UIDAI website and going to “My Aadhaar,” then “Virtual ID (VID) Generator”
  2. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and complete OTP verification with your registered mobile number
  3. Select “Generate VID” — a 16-digit Virtual ID will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS
  4. Return to the “Download Aadhaar” page and select “Virtual ID” as the input method
  5. Enter your 16-digit VID, complete the CAPTCHA, and click “Send OTP”
  6. Enter the OTP and click “Verify and Download” to get your e-Aadhaar PDF

How to Download E-Aadhaar Without a Registered Mobile Number

Standard e-Aadhaar download requires OTP verification through a mobile number registered with UIDAI. If your mobile number is not registered, you have the following options:

  • TOTP using mAadhaar app: If you have the mAadhaar app installed and your Aadhaar added to it, you can generate a Time-based OTP (TOTP) within the app itself — this works even without receiving an SMS, as long as the app is set up
  • Update mobile number first: Visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra and update your mobile number in your Aadhaar record — the update takes up to 30 days, and you can then download e-Aadhaar normally
  • Face Authentication via mAadhaar: UIDAI has introduced face authentication as an alternative to OTP for certain services on the mAadhaar app — this allows limited services without a registered mobile
  • Order PVC Aadhaar card: As an alternative to downloading e-Aadhaar, you can order a printed PVC Aadhaar card for a nominal fee of Rs. 50 through the UIDAI website — this also requires minimal mobile authentication

Downloading E-Aadhaar Through the mAadhaar App

The mAadhaar app is UIDAI’s official mobile application available on Android (Google Play Store) and iOS (Apple App Store). It provides a convenient way to access your Aadhaar digitally. To use mAadhaar for e-Aadhaar access:

  • Download and install the mAadhaar app from the official Play Store or App Store
  • Open the app and tap “Add Aadhaar” — enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
  • Complete OTP verification using your registered mobile number
  • Once added, your Aadhaar profile appears in the app with your name, photograph, and Aadhaar number
  • Use the “Share Aadhaar” function within the app for contactless digital sharing during KYC verification at banks, NBFCs, and insurance companies
  • The app generates TOTP codes for authentication without SMS, useful when you have poor network connectivity
  • You can also download the e-Aadhaar PDF directly from within the mAadhaar app

Understanding the E-Aadhaar Password

The e-Aadhaar PDF is encrypted and password-protected by UIDAI. The password format is:

  • First four letters of your name in CAPITAL LETTERS as it appears on your Aadhaar (not your full name — only the first four characters)
  • Followed immediately by your 4-digit year of birth
  • Example: Name is PRIYA SHARMA, born in 1998 — password is PRIY1998
  • Example: Name is ALI KHAN, born in 1985 — password is ALI 1985 (note: if name has fewer than 4 characters, use all available characters)
  • Example: Name is OM VERMA, born in 2001 — password is OM 2001
  • The password is case-sensitive — must be entered in CAPITAL LETTERS
  • Spaces in the name are included in the password exactly as they appear in the Aadhaar

What Masked Aadhaar Is and When to Use It

Masked Aadhaar is a variant of e-Aadhaar where the first 8 digits of your 12-digit Aadhaar number are replaced with “XXXX-XXXX,” and only the last 4 digits are visible. It contains all the same information as a regular e-Aadhaar — your name, date of birth, gender, address, and photograph — but protects your complete Aadhaar number from unnecessary exposure.

  • Use Masked Aadhaar when sharing your identity with private service providers, hotels, travel agencies, or any entity that needs to verify your identity but does not need your full Aadhaar number
  • Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies that require full Aadhaar for KYC purposes accept the regular (unmasked) e-Aadhaar
  • Masked Aadhaar reduces the risk of Aadhaar number misuse while still serving as a valid identity document
  • To download Masked Aadhaar, simply check the “Do you want a Masked Aadhaar” checkbox during the e-Aadhaar download process on the UIDAI website

Key Uses of E-Aadhaar in Financial and Government Services

E-Aadhaar serves as a complete substitute for the physical Aadhaar card across all major services:

  • Bank KYC and account opening: SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, and all scheduled commercial banks accept e-Aadhaar for paperless KYC through their digital onboarding platforms
  • Health insurance KYC: LIC, Star Health Insurance, Care Health Insurance, Niva Bupa, HDFC ERGO, and Bajaj Allianz accept e-Aadhaar for policy issuance, renewal, and claim processing
  • Income tax filing: Upload e-Aadhaar as the identity proof during ITR filing and PAN-Aadhaar linking on the income tax portal
  • Mutual fund KYC: SEBI-regulated platforms including Zerodha, Groww, Paytm Money, HDFC Mutual Fund, and SBI Mutual Fund accept e-Aadhaar for KYC completion and account activation
  • EPFO and pension services: EPF withdrawal claims, pension applications, and UAN activation on the EPFO portal require Aadhaar-based verification where e-Aadhaar is accepted
  • Passport and visa applications: E-Aadhaar is accepted as address and identity proof for passport applications and police verification processes
  • Loan applications: NBFCs and banks including Bajaj Finance, Muthoot Finance, Tata Capital, and Mahindra Finance accept e-Aadhaar for instant personal loan and consumer loan disbursement

Troubleshooting Common E-Aadhaar Download Issues

  • OTP not received: Ensure you are using the mobile number registered with UIDAI — check with your mobile operator if the number is active and able to receive SMS. Try again after a few minutes as there may be SMS delivery delays
  • Wrong CAPTCHA error: Refresh the page and re-enter the CAPTCHA carefully — the code is case-sensitive
  • Invalid Aadhaar number error: Double-check all 12 digits — a common error is misreading the number from the physical card. Try using EID instead if you have your enrolment slip
  • PDF password not working: Verify the name spelling exactly as it appears on the Aadhaar — some names have unconventional spellings in UIDAI records. Also verify your correct birth year
  • Download not starting: Try a different browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended) or disable pop-up blockers, which may prevent the PDF download
  • Aadhaar not yet generated: If you recently enrolled, your Aadhaar may still be in processing — check your enrolment status first using your EID before attempting to download

How Many Times Can You Download E-Aadhaar?

  • UIDAI allows unlimited free downloads of e-Aadhaar at any time
  • Each download generates a fresh digitally signed PDF with the current date — so e-Aadhaar downloaded today is always the most updated version of your record
  • If you have updated your address, mobile number, or any other details in your Aadhaar, the downloaded e-Aadhaar will reflect the latest updated information
  • There is no expiry date on e-Aadhaar — a downloaded PDF remains valid indefinitely, though for KYC purposes some service providers prefer a recently downloaded copy
  • You can download e-Aadhaar from any internet-connected device — a laptop, desktop, smartphone, or tablet — the process is the same

Storing and Sharing E-Aadhaar Safely

Now that you have downloaded your e-Aadhaar PDF, knowing how to store and share it safely is equally important. E-Aadhaar contains sensitive personal information including your full name, date of birth, residential address, and photograph. Careless sharing can expose you to identity theft, unauthorized financial transactions, and misuse of your biometric data. Here are best practices for secure storage and sharing:

  • Store on your device: Keep the password-protected PDF on your smartphone or laptop in a folder that is not accessible to others. The password protection means even if someone accesses the file, they cannot open it without the correct password.
  • Add to mAadhaar app: The mAadhaar app is the most secure way to carry and share your Aadhaar — it shows only what the verifying party needs without exposing the full PDF file
  • Use Masked Aadhaar for private entities: When sharing with hotels, travel agencies, private educational institutions, or any non-government entity, use the Masked Aadhaar to protect your full Aadhaar number while still providing valid identity proof
  • Avoid sharing on WhatsApp or email without password: If you must send your e-Aadhaar electronically, the file is already password-protected — but be cautious about who you share it with and for what purpose
  • Check what entities are authorized to collect Aadhaar: Under the Aadhaar Act, only entities registered with UIDAI as Authentication User Agencies (AUAs) are authorized to use Aadhaar for authentication — do not share with random third parties who claim to need your Aadhaar for unverified purposes
  • Do not share OTPs: If someone calls claiming to be from a bank, insurance company, or government department and asks for the OTP sent to your registered mobile, do not share it — legitimate service providers never ask for OTPs over the phone

Downloading E-Aadhaar Through DigiLocker

DigiLocker is a government-operated secure digital document storage platform where you can store and access your Aadhaar digitally without needing to download a PDF every time. Linking your Aadhaar to DigiLocker provides an additional access point for your digital Aadhaar:

  • Download the DigiLocker app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or visit the DigiLocker website
  • Create an account using your mobile number — the same number registered in your Aadhaar works best for seamless integration
  • In DigiLocker, go to “Issued Documents” and search for “UIDAI” in the document provider search
  • Click on “Aadhaar Card” under UIDAI documents — your e-Aadhaar will be automatically fetched and stored in your DigiLocker account
  • DigiLocker stores a digitally signed version of your e-Aadhaar that is accepted as an original document by government departments, banks, and courts under the Information Technology Act
  • Banks including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, as well as insurance companies including LIC, Star Health Insurance, and Niva Bupa, accept DigiLocker Aadhaar for KYC verification
  • DigiLocker integration also lets you access your PAN card, driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, and other government documents in one place alongside your Aadhaar

E-Aadhaar vs Physical Aadhaar Card vs PVC Card: Which Should You Use?

  • E-Aadhaar (PDF): Best for digital verification, online KYC processes, and situations where you need to upload or email an identity document. Fully legally valid. Free to download.
  • mAadhaar (digital on phone): Best for day-to-day physical verification — show the Aadhaar on your phone screen without printing anything. More secure than a physical card as it can only be accessed with your phone PIN.
  • Standard Aadhaar letter (paper): The original Aadhaar mailed to your address after enrolment. Prone to tearing, fading, and damage from water. Many people laminate it for durability, but lamination can sometimes make the QR code unscannable.
  • PVC Aadhaar Card (Rs. 50): Best for long-term physical carrying in a wallet. Waterproof, durable, wallet-sized, and has enhanced security features. Recommended if you frequently show Aadhaar at physical verification points.