E-Aadhaar card: Features, password style and how to download it

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The e-Aadhaar is an electronic version of your Aadhaar card that is equally legally valid as your original card. Here's what it is and how to get it online.

What is an e-Aadhaar card?

An e-Aadhaar is an electronically signed replica of your physical Aadhaar card issued by the UIDAI. It contains your Aadhaar number, demographic information, and picture, and is encrypted for security. The electronic document can be used as valid proof of identity and address for all Aadhaar-based services. It comes in two forms: normal and masked, with the latter showing only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number for enhanced privacy.

How to download e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website

To download your e-Aadhaar, visit the official UIDAI website at uidai.gov.in. Proceed to the "Download Aadhaar" option under the "My Aadhaar" tab. Download your e-Aadhaar by entering your 12-digit Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID (EID), or Virtual ID (VID), and the captcha code. Upon entering these credentials, a one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Once verified, your e-Aadhaar will be downloadable as a PDF. You can choose the standard or masked version here.

Best points regarding the e-Aadhaar card

The e-Aadhaar card is convenience and security focused. It contains a QR code that can be easily scanned to verify instantly. It records any recent demographic or biometric updates, so you carry the latest one with you. Since it is made available on the spot, it saves one the waiting time involved with the physical card. It can be printed, stored in your mobile phone, or sent by email for use across different government and financial services. The e-Aadhaar is digitally signed by the UIDAI, which renders it tamper-proof and valid legally across India.

What is the password to open an e-Aadhaar PDF?

Once it has been downloaded, the e-Aadhaar PDF is also password-protected for security reasons. To open the document, you have to enter a combination of the first four letters of your name in capital case and your year of birth. For example, if you were born in 1992 and your first name is Neha Sharma, your password would be NEHA1992. This applies to the regular version of the e-Aadhaar as well as the masked version.

e-Aadhaar is a safe and valid electronic identity document that serves the same purpose as the physical card. It can be viewed anytime from the UIDAI portal and offers data privacy through being password-protected and featuring a masked facility. With growing digital products in India, having your e-Aadhaar in hand can ensure many of your major advantages are within easy reach.

FAQs

Is the e-Aadhaar acceptable as ID proof?

Yes, the e-Aadhaar is signed digitally by UIDAI and may be accepted as valid identification and address proof anywhere in India.

Can I download e-Aadhaar if I don't have a registered mobile number?

No, you require a registered mobile number to obtain the OTP required for downloading the e-Aadhaar.

What if the password doesn't work?

Double-check that you have the correct format: first four capital letters of your name as per Aadhaar, followed by your year of birth. Double-check that there are no spaces.