The Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued to residents of India by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It serves as a universal proof of identity and address across the country
Detailed Application Process
Applying for an Aadhaar card involves a mandatory physical visit to an authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Center or Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK). Currently, there is no online enrollment process.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
1. Locate an Enrolment Center:
- Find the nearest authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Center or Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) using the UIDAI's official website or the mAadhaar mobile application.
- (Optional but Recommended) Book an appointment online on the UIDAI website to save time.
- Obtain and accurately fill out the Aadhaar Enrolment/Correction Form at the center. Ensure all demographic details (Name, Address, Date of Birth, Gender, Mobile Number, Email) are correct.
- Submit the required Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) documents (originals are required for verification, photocopies will be taken).
- The Enrolment Operator will capture your biometric data:
2. Ten fingerprints
3. Iris scan (both eyes)
5. Data Verification and Review:
- The Operator will verify the demographic and biometric data you provided. Carefully review the captured details on the screen before final submission to avoid errors.
- Upon successful enrollment, you will receive an Acknowledgment Slip which contains the Enrolment ID (EID), date, and time. Keep this slip safely as it is necessary to track the status of your application and download your e-Aadhaar.
- Your data is sent to the UIDAI central database for verification and deduplication.
- Once the Aadhaar is generated, you will receive an SMS notification. You can then download the e-Aadhaar (electronic copy) from the official UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app using your EID or Aadhaar number. The physical Aadhaar letter is typically sent to your registered address via India Post.
Documents Required (Originals for Verification)
Aadhaar enrollment accepts a wide range of documents for Proof of Identity (PoI), Proof of Address (PoA), and Proof of Date of Birth (DoB). You need at least one document for PoI and one for PoA.
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- For Children (below 5 years): Only the child's Birth Certificate and the Aadhaar number of one parent are typically required. Biometrics are not captured until the child turns 5.
Timeline and Expected Costs
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Note: The enrollment process itself (at the center) typically takes less than 30 minutes, but waiting times can vary based on the center's rush.
Benefits of an Aadhaar Card
The Aadhaar card has become a foundational identity document in India, offering numerous advantages:
• Universal Identity and Address Proof: It is accepted as a valid proof of identity and address across all government and non-government services throughout India.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): It is crucial for linking bank accounts to receive government subsidies directly (e.g., LPG subsidy, PDS entitlements, pension) under the DBT scheme, minimizing leakages and fraud.
• Simplified KYC: Aadhaar-based e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is widely used by banks, telecom companies, and financial institutions to instantly verify identity, simplifying processes like opening a bank account or getting a mobile connection.
• Government Services Access: It is mandatory or highly beneficial for accessing various government services, including:
- Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) and linking with PAN (Permanent Account Number).
- Applying for a Passport (expediting police verification).
- Obtaining a Digital Life Certificate for pensioners (Jeevan Pramaan).
- Accessing services like DigiLocker and opening accounts under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).