⚡ Quick Summary: The Power of e-Aadhaar
Losing your physical Aadhaar card can be stressful, but it shouldn't stop your important work. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) allows every Indian resident to download a digitally signed copy of their Aadhaar card, known as e-Aadhaar, from their official portal. This digital copy is fully password-protected and holds the exact same legal validity as the physical card sent by post, as per the Aadhaar Act.
You can download your e-Aadhaar using three different details: your 12-digit Aadhaar Number, the 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID) found on your acknowledgement slip, or the 16-digit Virtual ID (VID). The process is completely free, secure, and available 24/7. Once downloaded, the PDF file is protected by a password (usually the first 4 letters of your name in CAPITALS + Year of Birth).
Whether you need it for opening a bank account, travel proof at airports, or getting a SIM card, the e-Aadhaar works everywhere. This guide simplifies the technical steps, ensuring you can access your identity document in less than 2 minutes without visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or paying any agent.
How to Download e-Aadhaar PDF & Open it (Password Guide)
Lost your physical card? Don't worry. The e-Aadhaar is a legally valid digital copy. You can download it instantly from the UIDAI portal. This guide also explains the tricky PDF Password logic and EID format.
Warning: Fake PDF Websites
Beware of websites claiming to "Print Aadhaar on PVC Card for ₹50". These are scams to steal your Aadhaar data and address.
Official Source: ONLY download from myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Government websites always end with .gov.in.
Privacy Tip: "Masked Aadhaar"
Do you know you can download a version of Aadhaar that hides the first 8 digits?
Verdict: Always use "Masked Aadhaar" for hotel check-ins or general ID proof to prevent misuse.
Don't Trust Third-Party Apps
Using unofficial apps to download Aadhaar is risky:
- ❌ Data Theft: Your biometric and demographic data can be stolen.
- ❌ Fake IDs: Unofficial downloads may not be digitally signed, making them invalid for KYC.
- ✅ Safe Way: Always use
myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in(Official Portal).
What You Need
You must have one of these to proceed:
- ✅ Aadhaar Number: 12-digit number (if you remember it).
- ✅ Enrollment ID (EID): If you just applied/updated (28 digits).
- ✅ Registered Mobile: Crucial for OTP verification.
Ready to Download?
1 Step 1: Download via Aadhaar Number
Use this method if you already have your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
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1
Visit myAadhaar Portal
Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Scroll down and click on the "Download Aadhaar" icon.
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2
Enter Details
Select "Aadhaar Number". Enter your 12-digit number and the Captcha code shown. Click "Send OTP".
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3
Verify & Download
Enter the OTP received on your mobile.
Tip: Do NOT check "Do you want a masked Aadhaar" unless you want to hide the first 8 digits. Click "Verify & Download".
2 Step 2: Download via Enrollment ID (EID)
Note: If you just updated your Aadhaar, you will have an Acknowledgement Slip with a 28-digit EID. Entering this correctly is tricky.
The EID consists of 14-digit Enrollment Number + 14-digit Date/Time.
Input Format (Correct Way):
12341234512345 + YYYYMMDD + HHMMSS
(Write Year first, then Month, then Day)
Example: If date is 05/10/2024, enter it as 20241005.
🔐 How to Open the PDF Password?
The PDF is password protected. The password is:
First 4 Letters of Name (CAPS) + Year of Birth (YYYY).
| Name on Card | Birth Year | Password |
|---|---|---|
| ANISH KUMAR | 1989 | ANIS1989 |
| SAI KUMAR (3 Letters) | 1990 | SAIK1990 |
| P. KUMAR (With Dot) | 1991 | P.KU1991 |
| RIA (Only 3 letters) | 1995 | RIA1995 |
Fix "Signature Not Verified" (?)
When you open the PDF, you might see a Yellow Question Mark on the signature. This is not valid for official use. You must validate it to get a Green Tick.
- Open PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader (PC only).
- Right-click on the signature > "Validate Signature".
- Click "Signature Properties" > "Show Signer's Certificate".
- Go to "Trust" tab > "Add to Trusted Certificates".
- Click OK and Validate again. It will turn Green ✅.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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🚫
Masked Aadhaar Confusion:
If you tick "Masked Aadhaar" during download, the PDF will show only the last 4 digits (XXXX-XXXX-1234). This might be rejected by banks for KYC. Download "Regular" Aadhaar for full details.
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🚫
Public Computer:
Never download e-Aadhaar on a cyber cafe or office computer. If you do, delete it from the "Downloads" folder and "Recycle Bin" immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download without a mobile number? ▾
No. OTP is mandatory. If your mobile is not linked, you must visit an Aadhaar Enrollment Center to update your biometrics and mobile number first.
Is a PVC Card better than e-Aadhaar? ▾
Both are equally valid. e-Aadhaar is free and instant. PVC Card costs ₹50 and is durable (plastic), but takes 15 days to arrive by post.
My name has initials (K.R. Rao). What is the password? ▾
Include the dots. First 4 characters. So for K.R. RAO (1990), the password is K.R.1990.