Table of Contents
- What is Aadhaar?
- How to enrol for Aadhaar?
- How to locate an Aadhaar centre near me?
- Common problems and their solutions faced by the consumers
What is Aadhaar?
In 2009, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched the world’s largest and most sophisticated biometric identification system, called Aadhaar in India. Aadhaar is a 12-digit random number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to Indian citizens after they satisfy the verification process. Any resident of India, irrespective of age and gender, is eligible to enrol for Aadhaar and they should be aware of the Aadhaar Enrollment process.
Aadhaar is provided free of cost. It can be used as an identification document and as a financial address proof so that many weaker sections of the society can benefit from various Government schemes, programmes and subsidies.
How to enrol for Aadhaar?
Want to get an Aadhaar for yourself or a family member? know the complete Aadhaar enrollment process. Here is how you can avail the 12-digit number:
Step 1: Visit an enrollment centre: The first step is to visit the Aadhaar enrollment centre. One cannot apply from home and has to visit the enrollment centre for getting the Aadhaar.
Step 2: Fill and validate demographic data: The person-in-charge will fill in your name, address, age, gender, and required demographic details in the form.
Step 3: Give biometric details: One has to submit their biometrics like fingerprints, iris and photographs at the enrollment centre for the next step. Aadhaar holders under the age of 15 need to revisit the enrollment centre to update biometric details.
Step 4: Submit Proof of Identity and Address: Aadhaar enrollment process accepts 18 and 33 documents as proof of identity and proof of address, respectively. One can see the list of all documents here-https://uidai.gov.in/images/commdoc/valid_documents_list.pdf
Step 5: Get the enrollment ID: After submitting the above details, the supervisor will give the acknowledgement/resident copy to the person who comes for the Aadhaar enrollment process. This slip, which consists of 14 digits enrollment ID, time and date of the enrollment, can be used to download the Aadhaar card once the internal verification gets completed.
How to locate an Aadhaar centre near me?
If one has trouble finding the Aadhaar enrollment centre, visit this website https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/easearch.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 to make your search based on three methods: State, Postal (PIN) Code, or by Search Box.
Search by State: In this method, the system asks to input the state, district, sub-district and village/town/city to locate the enrollment centre. That will give you the list of all the centres present in your location. It is usually time taking as one has to search the nearest centre manually.
Search by Postal (PIN) Code: One of the quickest and easiest ways to locate the Aadhaar enrollment centre. Just put your postal PIN, and there you go! The nearest Aadhaar enrollment centre flashes on your screens!
Sometimes, there might not be any centre in your postal area. So you have to search for the nearest PIN where the centre is situated.
Search by Search Box: If you want to locate the Aadhaar enrollment centre by entering the locality name, city and district, and want only permanent centres, then search using the search box. How easy is that!
Common problems and their solutions faced by the consumers
What are the documents required for verification? Are original documents also needed at the time of enrollment?
Common identification and address proofs include an election photo ID card, ration card, passport, and driving license. Documents that can be used only for identification proofs are PAN cards and Government ID cards. Familiar address proofs include water, electricity and landline bills that should not be three months old. One can see the list of all documents here: https://uidai.gov.in/images/commdoc/valid_documents_list.pdf
Yes! Original documents are a must at the time of enrollment for verification.
I want to apply online for the Aadhaar. How can I do it?
There is no way to apply online for Aadhaar. One has to visit the nearest Aashaar enrollment centre for the application.
How to get Aadhaar if one has lost the enrollment ID?
One can retrieve the lost enrollment ID if the portal has the registered mobile number. For this, one has to:
- Visit the official website of UIDAI.
- Click on Retrieve Lost UID/EID under the section Aadhaar enrollment.
- Select UID/EID that one wants to retrieve.
- Enter the registered mobile number.
- There you go! You will receive the UID/EID on your mobile phone.
I have a mobile number but no email. Can I still get Aadhaar?
Yes! You can still get Aadhaar. Mobile numbers and emails are required to track updates and retrieve Aadhaar if lost.
UIDAI rejected my application. What should I do?
You have to revisit the enrollment centre. The supervisor has to check details of why the Aadhaar was rejected and will take the relevant information for the process completion.
There are errors in my Aadhaar card. Can I update my details? Where can this be done? Are there any fees for this process?
You can only update your address from the Self Service Update Portal (SSUP). For the rest of the update process, you have to revisit the Aadhaar enrollment centre. The charges are Rs 50 for a demographic update and Rs 100 for a biometric update. The Aadhaar update of children under 15 is free of cost.
How to link Aadhaar with PAN and other bank accounts?
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing website.
- Under the quick links option, click on link Aadhaar.
- Enter the PAN and Aadhaar details.
- Enter the name as mentioned in the Aadhaar card.
- Tick the relevant boxes.
- Click on the Link Aadhaar button.
- You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
- Click on validate, and done! Now, your Aadhaar has been linked with your PAN. A successful message also flashes on the screen.
My Aadhaar got leaked. What should I do?
Your Aadhaar number can be misused if it gets leaked. So to prevent any damage, lock your biometrics by visiting the official website of UIDAI. Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ section, go to lock/unlock biometrics. Enter the valid Aadhaar number, OTP from your registered mobile number and then click on submit. Viola! Your biometrics are locked.
I am not able to get benefits from the Government schemes. Why?
There can be two possible reasons:
- Either your Aadhaar details are not with the bank- Contact your bank and give them the required documents. They will link your bank account with the Aadhaar number.
- Or your PAN/Aadhaar details are mismatched- If any of the information, like name, date of birth, etc., are not the same then, the PAN and Aadhaar will not link due to which one cannot avail the benefits of a Government scheme.
What if my Aadhaar is lost or misplaced?
You can download the e-Aadhaar from the online portal with your registered mobile number or email.
How long do I have to wait for the details to be updated and shown on my Aadhaar card?
Once you have given your updated biometric or demographic details, it may take up to 90 days for your Aadhaar to show the correct information.
I did not receive my Aadhaar card. What should I do?
One can download an e-Aadhaar from the official UIDAI website. One can also contact the help centre via call on 1800-180-1947 or mail them at help@uidai.gov.in.
Are the UIDAI services accessible outside India?
Non-Resident Indians can apply for Aadhaar but cannot avail services like the resident portal, e-Aadhaar, Self Service Update Portal, Aadhaar Linking Status because these services are geography-based. Hence, can not be accessed outside India.
Where can I get solutions for all my questions?
Here is the link for all the FAQs: https://uidai.gov.in/contact-support/have-any-question/277-faqs.html
