Aadhaar is the most widely used identity document in India. You need it for bank accounts, SIM cards, PAN linking, government schemes, school admissions and even travel check-ins. If you have lost your physical card or simply want a digital copy on your phone, you can download Aadhaar card online in just a few minutes, completely free.

The downloaded copy, called e-Aadhaar, is digitally signed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and is as valid as the physical card for most purposes. In this guide, we explain every official way to download Aadhaar card in 2026, including the myAadhaar portal, the new Aadhaar app, mAadhaar, DigiLocker and UMANG. We also cover how to open the PDF, how to download a masked Aadhaar, and how to order a PVC card.

What Is e-Aadhaar?

e-Aadhaar is an electronic copy of your Aadhaar card in PDF format. It contains the same details as the printed card: your name, photo, date of birth, gender, address and Aadhaar number, along with a secure QR code. It is digitally signed by UIDAI.

According to UIDAI, e-Aadhaar is legally equal to the physical Aadhaar letter for all purposes. You can show it on your phone, print it on plain paper, or share it where Aadhaar is accepted as identity or address proof.

Things You Need Before You Download Aadhaar Card

Make sure you have the following ready:

• Aadhaar number (12 digits), Enrolment ID (28 digits) or Virtual ID (16 digits). Any one of these is enough.
• Registered mobile number: an OTP is sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. Without access to this number, you can’t download Aadhaar card online.
• Internet connection and a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat, a browser, or your phone’s built-in viewer.

If your mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar, visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolment centre to update it. You can also check whether new online options are available in the Aadhaar app for updating your mobile number.

Ways to Download Aadhaar Card: Quick Comparison

Method	Needs OTP?	Best for	Output
myAadhaar portal	Yes	Desktop or phone browser	PDF (regular or masked)
Aadhaar app	Yes	Smartphone users	Digital Aadhaar in app
mAadhaar app	Yes	Older smartphone users	Profile and PDF download
DigiLocker	Yes	Keeping all documents in one place	Issued document in locker
UMANG app	Yes	Using many government services	PDF download

Method 1: Download Aadhaar Card From the myAadhaar Portal

The myAadhaar portal is the official and most popular way to download Aadhaar card. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official myAadhaar portal.
2. Click Download Aadhaar (you can also log in first using your Aadhaar number and OTP).
3. Select Aadhaar Number, Enrolment ID or Virtual ID.
4. Enter the number and the captcha code shown on the screen.
5. Click Send OTP. An OTP is sent to your registered mobile number.
6. If you want to hide the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number, tick Do you want a masked Aadhaar?
7. Enter the OTP and click Verify & Download.
8. Your e-Aadhaar PDF is downloaded to your device.

That’s it. The whole process usually takes less than two minutes.

How to Open the e-Aadhaar PDF

The e-Aadhaar PDF is protected so that only you can open it. The code to open it is a combination of:

• The first four letters of your name in CAPITAL letters (as printed on Aadhaar), and
• Your year of birth in YYYY format.

For example, if your name is Anjali Menon and you were born in 1995, the code is ANJA1995. If your name has fewer than four letters, such as “Ria”, use all the letters followed by the year, for example RIA1998. Ignore spaces, dots and initials in the name.

Method 2: Download Aadhaar Card Using the New Aadhaar App

In January 2026, UIDAI launched a new official Aadhaar app that makes Aadhaar more convenient on smartphones. With this app you can keep a digital Aadhaar on your phone, manage Aadhaar profiles of family members, share verified details securely, and access several update services online.

1. Download the official Aadhaar app by UIDAI from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Check that the developer is UIDAI.
2. Open the app and register with your Aadhaar number.
3. Verify using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and complete face authentication if asked.
4. Once registered, your digital Aadhaar appears in the app.
5. You can add family members’ Aadhaar profiles with their consent.

The app is designed for safe, paperless identity sharing, so in many cases you don’t even need to share a photocopy of your Aadhaar.

Method 3: Download Aadhaar Card Using the mAadhaar App

Many users still use the older mAadhaar app, which also lets you view and download your Aadhaar.

1. Install the mAadhaar app from the Play Store or App Store.
2. Register with your Aadhaar number and verify using OTP.
3. Create a 4-digit app PIN for quick access.
4. Tap Download Aadhaar from the menu.
5. Choose regular or masked Aadhaar, enter the OTP and download the PDF.

UIDAI is promoting the new Aadhaar app, so over time most features are expected to move there.

Method 4: Download Aadhaar Card From DigiLocker

DigiLocker is the Government of India’s official digital document wallet. Documents in DigiLocker are “issued documents” and are accepted as valid by many departments.

1. Visit DigiLocker or install the DigiLocker app.
2. Sign up or log in with your mobile number and Aadhaar.
3. Go to Issued Documents. If Aadhaar is not already there, search for “Aadhaar” and fetch it using OTP.
4. Tap the Aadhaar document to view or download it.

DigiLocker is a great option if you also want to store your driving licence, vehicle RC, PAN, mark sheets and other certificates in one place.

Method 5: Download Aadhaar Card Using UMANG

1. Open the UMANG app and log in with your mobile number.
2. Search for Aadhaar in the services list.
3. Select Download Aadhaar or Get Aadhaar Card.
4. Enter your Aadhaar number, verify with OTP and download the PDF.

How to Download Aadhaar Card Without Aadhaar Number

If you don’t remember your Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID, you can retrieve it online:

1. Go to the myAadhaar portal and choose Retrieve Enrolment ID / Aadhaar Number.
2. Select whether you want to retrieve your Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID.
3. Enter your full name, registered mobile number or email, and captcha.
4. Verify with OTP. Your Aadhaar number or EID is sent to your mobile number.
5. Now use Method 1 to download Aadhaar card using that number.

What Is Masked Aadhaar and When Should You Use It?

A masked Aadhaar hides the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number and shows only the last four, like XXXX XXXX 1234. All other details stay the same.

UIDAI recommends using a masked Aadhaar whenever the full number is not needed, for example at hotels, for travel verification or when sharing a copy with private companies. This reduces the risk of your Aadhaar number being misused.

However, some government schemes and official processes may still ask for the full Aadhaar number. In such cases, download the regular version.

How to Order an Aadhaar PVC Card

If you want a durable, wallet-size card, you can order an Aadhaar PVC card online. It is printed on a PVC card with security features and delivered to your registered address by Speed Post.

1. Visit the myAadhaar portal or the official UIDAI website.
2. Select Order Aadhaar PVC Card.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number (or VID/EID) and captcha, then verify with OTP.
4. Check the preview of your details.
5. Pay the fee of ₹75 (revised by UIDAI in January 2026, earlier ₹50) including GST and delivery.
6. Save the Service Request Number (SRN) to track your order.

The card is usually printed and dispatched within a few working days. You can track delivery using the SRN on the portal.

Aadhaar format	Cost	Delivery	Validity
e-Aadhaar PDF	Free	Instant download	Valid
Masked e-Aadhaar	Free	Instant download	Valid
Aadhaar PVC card	₹75	By Speed Post	Valid
Aadhaar in app / DigiLocker	Free	Instant	Valid

Common Problems When You Download Aadhaar Card

OTP not received

Make sure you are using the mobile number linked with Aadhaar and that it has network coverage. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the number is no longer active, update your mobile number at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Mobile number not linked with Aadhaar

Online download needs OTP verification. Visit your nearest Aadhaar enrolment or update centre with your Aadhaar to link a mobile number. A small fee applies for updates.

PDF won’t open

Check that you are entering the first four letters of your name in CAPITALS followed by your year of birth. Use the name exactly as printed on your Aadhaar. Also try opening the file in a different PDF reader.

“Aadhaar is under process” message

If you recently enrolled or updated your details, your Aadhaar may still be under generation. Check the enrolment or update status on the myAadhaar portal using your EID or URN.

Details are wrong on the downloaded card

If your name, date of birth or address is incorrect, use the update services on the myAadhaar portal or the Aadhaar app where available. Some updates, such as biometrics, require a visit to an Aadhaar centre.

Aadhaar Safety Tips You Should Follow

Your Aadhaar is linked to many services, so protect it carefully:

• Download Aadhaar card only from official sources like myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, the Aadhaar app, mAadhaar, DigiLocker or UMANG.
• Never share an OTP with anyone who calls you, even if they claim to be from UIDAI or a bank.
• Use masked Aadhaar where possible.
• Lock your biometrics on the myAadhaar portal or app, so no one can use your fingerprints or iris for authentication without your permission. Unlock them only when needed.
• Check your Aadhaar authentication history regularly on the portal to see where your Aadhaar was used.
• Generate a Virtual ID (VID) and use it instead of your Aadhaar number for online services that accept VID.
• Avoid downloading Aadhaar on public computers. If you must, delete the file and clear the downloads afterwards.

Is e-Aadhaar Valid Everywhere?

Yes. UIDAI clearly states that e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar letter. A printed copy of e-Aadhaar on plain paper is also valid. Many offices can verify it by scanning the secure QR code. The Aadhaar PVC card and the digital Aadhaar in official apps are valid as well.

If an office refuses a valid e-Aadhaar, you can politely show the UIDAI guidelines or offer QR-based verification.

For more digital India guides, read how to check PF balance and how to block lost mobile phone devices using Sanchar Saathi. For official updates, visit the UIDAI website.

How Often Can You Download Aadhaar Card?

There is no limit on how many times you can download Aadhaar card from the official portal. Each download requires fresh OTP verification. You can download a new copy whenever you update your address or other details, so your e-Aadhaar always shows the latest information.

It’s a good idea to download a fresh copy after every update and delete old copies from your phone and computer. This avoids confusion and prevents outdated documents from being used by mistake.

Aadhaar Card for Children: Baal Aadhaar

Children below five years get a Baal Aadhaar, which is blue in colour. It is linked to a parent’s Aadhaar and does not include the child’s biometrics. Parents can download a child’s Aadhaar card in the same way, using the child’s Aadhaar number and an OTP sent to the linked mobile number, which is usually the parent’s number.

Remember that children must update their biometrics at the age of five and again at fifteen. This is called a mandatory biometric update. If it is not done, the child’s Aadhaar may face issues in authentication. UIDAI has made these updates free for children in the eligible age groups, so visit an Aadhaar centre when your child reaches these ages.

Download Aadhaar Card for NRIs and Senior Citizens

NRIs with a valid Indian passport can enrol for Aadhaar in India, and once issued, they can download Aadhaar card online in the same way, provided their Indian mobile number or registered contact receives the OTP.

Senior citizens who find online steps difficult can ask a trusted family member to help, visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, or use Common Service Centres (CSCs), where operators can help download and print e-Aadhaar for a small service fee. Always make sure the OTP is entered by the Aadhaar holder or with their full consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to download Aadhaar card online?

Yes. Downloading e-Aadhaar from the myAadhaar portal, Aadhaar app, mAadhaar, DigiLocker or UMANG is completely free.

What is the code to open the e-Aadhaar PDF?

Enter the first four letters of your name in capital letters followed by your year of birth, for example ANJA1995.

Can I download Aadhaar card without a registered mobile number?

No. You need OTP on your registered mobile number. If it’s not linked, update it at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra first.

Is e-Aadhaar valid as a proof of identity?

Yes. e-Aadhaar is digitally signed by UIDAI and is as valid as the physical Aadhaar letter.

What is the fee for an Aadhaar PVC card?

The Aadhaar PVC card costs ₹75, including GST and Speed Post delivery, as revised by UIDAI in January 2026.

What is a masked Aadhaar?

A masked Aadhaar hides the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number and shows only the last four digits for extra privacy.

Conclusion

It takes only a few minutes to download Aadhaar card online. The myAadhaar portal is the quickest option for most people, while the new Aadhaar app, mAadhaar, DigiLocker and UMANG make it easy to carry Aadhaar on your phone. Keep your mobile number linked, use masked Aadhaar where possible, lock your biometrics, and always use official sources. That way, your identity stays safe and available whenever you need it.