Regarded as one of the most crucial documents for ID and address proof in India, the Aadhaar Card is a must for all citizens. The Government of India encourages all Indians to apply for Aadhaar. Applicants need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, fill a form and submit photocopies of essential ID and address proof documents. But what can you do if you don’t have any ID and address proof documents to apply for Aadhaar? Well, now the government has made it easy for you to apply for Aadhaar even if you don’t have an ID proof document. Here’s what you need to know.
The UIDAI Circular
In late December 2109, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which is the regulatory body of Aadhaar, issued a circular stating that individuals without any valid documents can apply for Aadhaar. As per the circular, the UIDAI addresses the fact that Indian citizens without valid documents are indeed facing problems owing to the unavailability of a standard format to get certificates from different functionaries. The functionaries mentioned in the circular include MPs, MLAs, Gazetted Officers, tehsildars, heads of educational institutes, councillors, head of village Panchayat, head of orphanages, etc. As such, the UIDAI has decided to introduce a Standard certificate, aptly named the certificate of Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Certificate in Schedule II of Regulation 10(2) for Aadhaar enrolment and Update Annexure I & II enclosed. Applicants without valid documents can obtain this form from their nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra and apply for Aadhaar. The certificate comes with a validity of 3 months from the issue date.
Conditions Apply
While it is possible to apply for Aadhaar in the absence of valid documents, you need to fulfil one requirement laid down by the UIDAI – you need to apply for the Aadhaar Card through an introducer. Individuals identified and notified by either the regional office of UIDAI or the registrar may serve as introducers and certifiers. The primary task of the introducer/certifier includes introducing the applicant to UIDAI. The following members can serve as certifiers
The process to enrol for Aadhaar in the absence of documents is the same as the regular enrolment procedure wherein you need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, fill the application form and submit the necessary ID and address proof documents. The basic difference is that applicants who don’t have the required ID and address proof documents need to attach an additional document – the certificate featuring the introducer’s signature. The steps to apply for Aadhaar are as under:
