How to Apply for an Aadhaar Card? Check Aadhaar Enrollment Process and Required Documents Details for Proof of Address, Date of Birth, and Identity Here.
Getting an Aadhaar is often one of the first official steps in establishing your identity in India. Whether you are applying for government benefits, opening a bank account, or taking admissions, Aadhaar acts as a widely accepted proof of identity and address. It is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India. This 12-digit number links your basic details and biometrics into a secure digital identity.
Applying for Aadhaar is a simple and free process. You need to visit an authorised enrollment centre, submit your valid documents, and provide your photograph and biometric details. Once your information is verified, your Aadhaar number is generated and sent to you. With the right guidance, the entire process can be hassel free for you.
Who Can Apply for an Aadhaar Card?
Before applying for the Aadhaar Card, let’s understand who can apply for Aadhaar Card.
Aadhaar is meant for residents of India, not just citizens. This means anyone who has lived in India for at least 182 days (12 months) immediately before the date of application can apply, regardless of nationality.
Children and Infants
Even newborn babies can apply for Aadhaar. For children below 5 years, biometrics (fingerprints and iris) are not taken initially, but they must be updated later at specific ages.
Adults
Any resident above 18 years can apply independently by submitting valid Proof of Identity and Proof of Address documents.
NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)
NRIs can also apply for Aadhaar if they meet the 182-day residency condition. In certain cases, children of NRIs may also be eligible based on updated government guidelines.
Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals who meet the residency requirement can apply. However, Aadhaar issued to them may have limited validity based on visa or related documents.
How to Apply for Aadhaar Card?
To apply for an Aadhaar Card aka for Aadhaar enrolment, follow the steps provided below:
Step 1: Locate an Aadhaar Enrollment Center
To apply for an Aadhaar Card, you must visit an authorized enrollment center. You can locate the nearest center by following these steps:
- Visit the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in.
- Click on “Locate Enrollment Center” under the Get Aadhaar section.
- Enter your state, district, or PIN code to find a center near you.
Click here to locate nearest Aadhaar enrollment centre.
Step 2: Book an Appointment (Optional)
While walk-in applications are allowed, booking an appointment online can save time. Here’s how to book an appointment:
- Go to the UIDAI website and select “Book an Appointment”.
- It will get you to the UIDAI appointment page. Here, click on the “Select City/Location” option.
- A dropdown menu will open. From the list, select the city where you are currently residing.
- Then, click on the “Proceed to Book Appointment” button.
- It will lead you to another page, here, first select the “New Aadhaar” option.
- Then, enter your Mobile Number.
- Enter the Captcha Code.
- After that, click on the “Generate OTP” button.
- An OTP will be sent to the number you provided, enter the number in the OTP Code area.
- Then, click on the “Verify OTP” button.
- After that, select the “Resident” option from the Resident Type area.
- Fill in further appointment details and then enter the Next button.
- Then, a new page will display on your screen. Here enter Your Personal Details and Address Details.
- In this, you have to provide what document you will provide for Identity Proof, Date of Birth Proof, and Address Proof. Select the document from the list. Make sure to select the document that you can provide to Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
- After entering all the details, hit the Next button.
- Now, select the Date and Time of the appointment from the available appointment slot.
- Then, click on the Next button.
- Now, a page will appear mentioning your appointment details. Check all the details thoroughly.
- If all the provided details are correct, click on “Submit“.
- A confirmation message then pops on your window. If you are sure to submit your application, click on the “OK” button.
- Your final appointment slip will then be displayed on your screen. Here, click on the “Appointment Form” option and the print page of the application will open.
- Now, click on “Print Form” and keep it safe with you.
- Thats how your appointment to the Aadhaar Seva Kendra is completed.
- Now, visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra on the selected date and time to apply for an Aadhaar Card.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Ensure you carry the necessary documents to the enrollment center. These include:
- Proof of Identity (POI): Passport, PAN card, driving license, voter ID, etc.
- Proof of Address (POA): Utility bills, bank statements, rent agreements, etc.
- Proof of Date of Birth (DOB): Birth certificate, SSLC certificate, passport, etc.
- Proof of Relationship (For Minors and Dependents): Birth certificate, passport, or a family entitlement document.
Click here to check a complete list of acceptable documents for UIDAI Aadhaar Card Enrollment.
Step 4: Visit the Enrollment Center
- Arrive at the center on time with all your documents.
- Fill out the Aadhaar Enrollment/Correction Form provided at the center. Alternatively, you can download and fill out the form beforehand from the UIDAI website.
- Submit the form along with the required documents.
Step 5: Provide Biometric and Demographic Details
- Biometric Information: Fingerprint scans, iris scan, and photograph will be taken.
- Demographic Information: Provide your name, address, date of birth, phone number, and email address.
- Verify Details: Ensure all information is correct. Double-check before proceeding.
Step 6: Collect the Acknowledgment Slip
After your data is recorded, you will receive an Acknowledgment Slip containing a 14-digit Enrollment ID (EID). This slip can be used to track your Aadhaar status.
Track Your Aadhaar Application Status
Once you have enrolled, it typically takes 7-90 days for your Aadhaar Card to be generated and sent to your registered address. To check your application status:
- Visit the UIDAI website.
- Click on “Check Aadhaar Status” under the Get Aadhaar section.
- Enter your 14-digit Enrollment ID and Captcha code.
- View the status of your Aadhaar application.
Why Should You Apply for an Aadhaar Card?
As we know we need an Aadhaar Card, but why do we need an Aadhaar Card? Let’s understand the answer to this question.
One of the biggest reasons to apply is easy access to government schemes and subsidies. Many welfare programs, pensions, scholarships, LPG subsidies, and direct benefit transfers (DBT) are linked with Aadhaar to ensure benefits reach the right person directly.
Aadhaar also simplifies banking and financial services. It can be used for opening bank accounts, completing e-KYC, receiving subsidies, and linking with PAN for income tax purposes. Because it includes biometric verification, it adds an extra layer of security.
For everyday needs, Aadhaar helps with getting a SIM card, passport services, school admissions, and various verifications. Instead of carrying multiple documents, Aadhaar often works as a single, trusted identity proof.
Most importantly, Aadhaar provides a portable identity. No matter where you move within India, your Aadhaar remains valid and accessible.
