Your Aadhaar

Just by knowing your Aadhaar number or Aadhaar linked bank account, no one can withdraw money from Aadhaar linked bank account.

No. UIDAI does not have visibility of linking of your Aadhaar with any other services. Concern departments such as bank, income tax etc. do not share any information of Aadhaar number holder neither UIDAI stores any such informations.

Aadhaar verification/authentication is governed by the sections of Aadhaar Act, 2016, under which the use case has been notified by the concerned Ministry/Department for providing services.

No, in this connection MeitY has issued detailed instructions to all Government Ministries/Departments vide office memorandum no 10(22)/2017-EG-II(VOL-1) dated 19.06.2023.

No. Just, by knowing your Aadhaar number, no one can harm you. To prove your identity, Aadhaar number is verfied/authenticated by agencies through various modes as prescribed under Aadhaar Act, 2016.

You use PAN card, debit card, credit card, bank cheques wherever required. But do you put these details openly on internet and social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.? Obviously no! You do not put such personal details unnecessarily in public domain so that there is no unwarranted invasion attempt on your privacy. The same logic needs to be applied in case of uses of Aadhaar.

You should use your Aadhaar without any hesitation for proving your identity and doing transactions, just like you use your bank account number, PAN card, debit card, credit card, etc., wherever required. What UIDAI has advised is that Aadhaar card should be freely used for proving identity and doing transactions, but should not be put on public platforms like Twitter, Facebook, etc. People give their debit card or credit card details or cheque (which has bank account number) when they purchase goods, or pay school fee, water, electricity, telephone and other utility bills, etc. Similarly, you can freely use your Aadhaar to establish your identity as and when required without any fear. While using Aadhaar, you should do the same level of due diligence as you do in case of other ID cards – not more, not less.

For linking your PAN with Aadhaar, you may visit the website of Income Tax Department and follow the instructions.

Aadhaar PVC card is PVC based Aadhaar card which can be ordered online by paying nominal charges.

Yes.Aadhaar PVC card is equivalent to paper based Aadhaar letter.

If your Aadhaar was generated from the first Enrolment then every attempt to re-enrol will be rejected. DO NOT re-apply. You can retrieve your Aadhaar:

(a) Online using Retrieve EID/UID service available on https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/ (if you have the registered mobile no)

(b) By visiting any enrolment centre

(c) By dialing 1947

Aadhaar update has a fixed process which takes up to 90 days from the date of update request. The update process cannot be altered. You may check the status from https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus

Aadhaar update takes up to 90 days. If your update request is more than 90 days old, then please dial 1947 (toll free) or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..in for further assistance.

Aadhaar generation may take up to 90 days from the date of enrolment. Aadhaar letter is delivered by ordinary post at the registered address of the Aadhaar Number holder. 

If Aadhaar Number holder does not receive Aadhaar letter, he/she should contact UIDAI contact center with his/her Enrolment number or may check Aadhaar status online at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus. Meanwhile Aadhaar Number holder can download e-Aadhaar.

You are also requested to verify the correctness of the address in eAadhaar and update the same accordingly (if required).

a) Aadhaar number holder can find his Aadhaar number using Aadhaar Service - Retrieve Lost UID/EID available on https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/

b) Aadhaar number holder can call 1947 where our Contact Centre Agent will help him/her in getting his/her EID and the same can be used to download his/her eAadhaar from MyAadhaar Portal - Download Aadhaar

c) Aadhaar number holder can also get his/her Aadhaar number from EID number on IVRS system by calling 1947

Only someone with an Aadhaar linked to a registered mobile number can create Aadhaar profile in the mMAadhaar app. They can register their profile in an App installed in any smartphone. However the OTP will be sent to only their registered mobile. Steps to register Aadhaar profile are given below:

1. Launch the app.
2. Tap on the Register Aadhaar tab on the top of main dashboard
3. Create a 4 digit Pin/Password(memorize this password, as it will be required to access profile)
4. Provide Valid Aadhaar & enter valid Captcha
5. Enter Valid OTP and submit
6. The profile should get registered
7. The registered tab would now display the registered Aadhaar Name
8. Tap on My Aadhaar tab on the bottom menu
9. Enter 4-digit Pin/Password
10. My Aadhaar Dashboard appears

Key Features of mAadhaar

1. Easy Access for Android and Apple Users
- Accessible on Play Store for Android and App Store for Apple users.

2. Track Aadhaar Authentication History
- Allows users to track their Aadhaar authentication history.

3. Biometric Lock/Unlock
- Provides the option to lock and unlock biometrics for enhanced security.

4. Download Aadhaar Card
- Users can download their Aadhaar card directly from the app.

5. Order PVC Aadhaar Card
- Facilitates ordering of a PVC Aadhaar card directly through the app for a nominal fee of Rs 50.

Review Aadhaar Update History
- Allows users to review their Aadhaar update history.

7. Update Address
- Enables users to update their Aadhaar-linked address seamlessly through the app.

No, you can use the mAadhaar app without one, but only for limited services like ordering a PVC card or verifying Aadhaar. To access all services and use mAadhaar as your digital identity, a registered mobile number is mandatory for OTP verification.

No, the facility to update demographic details such as Name, DoB, Mobile number are not mAadhaar app. Only address update via document facility is currently available.

mAadhaar app can be used anywhere anytime within India. mAadhaar is more than Aadhaar card in a wallet. On one hand the mAadhaar profile is accepted as a valid ID proof and on the other, resident can use the features in the app to share their eKYC or QR code with service providers who sought Aadhaar verification of their customers before providing Aadhaar services.

A user can add or view up-to 5 Aadhaar profiles of their family members for each addition they will have to go through the same security feature of otp authentication from the users. If the user fail to authenticate they won’t be able to add or view Aadhaar.

The mAadhaar app is an official mobile application by UIDAI that allows users to access Aadhaar services, download Aadhaar, generate Virtual IDs (VID), and update their details. It requires a registered mobile number for authentication.

No. Anyone with a smartphone can install and use mAadhaar App.
Without a registered mobile number, Aadhaar number holder will be able to avail only few services such as Order Aadhaar PVC card, Locate Enrolment Center, Verify Aadhaar, Scanning QR code etc.
However registered mobile number is mandatory to create the profile in mAadhaar and use the same as digital identity and avail all other Aadhaar services. The OTP will be sent only to registered mobile for creating the profile in mAadhaar.

mAadhaar app can be used anywhere anytime within India. mAadhaar is more than Aadhaar card in a wallet. On one hand the mAadhaar profile is accepted as a valid ID proof and on the other, Aadhaar number holder can use the features in the app to share their eKYC or QR code with service providers who sought Aadhaar verification of their customers before providing Aadhaar services.

Only someone with an Aadhaar linked to a registered mobile number can create Aadhaar profile in the mAadhaar App. They can register their profile in an App installed in any smartphone. However the OTP will be sent to only their registered mobile. Steps to register Aadhaar profile are given below:

1. Launch the app.
2. Tap on the Register Aadhaar tab on the top of main dashboard
3. Create a 4 digit Pin/Password(memorize this password, as it will be required to access profile)
4. Provide Valid Aadhaar & enter valid Captcha
5. Enter Valid OTP and submit
6. The profile should get registered
7. The registered tab would now display the registered Aadhaar Name
8. Tap on My Aadhaar tab on the bottom menu
9. Enter 4-digit Pin/Password
10. My Aadhaar Dashboard appears

The profile can be viewed by tapping on the profile summary on the top (profile image, name and Aadhaar number on the cyan tab) in the main dashboard. 

No, the facility to update demographic details such as Name, DoB, Mobile number aren not available in the mAadhaar app. Only address update via document facility is currently available.

However the demographics updates features may be included in future releases.

No. Anyone in India with a smartphone can install and use mAadhaar App. Although for creating the Aadhaaar profile in mAadhaar, registered mobile number is required.

Without an Aadhaar registered mobile number Aadhaar number holder will be able to avail only a few of the services such as Order Aadhaar PVC card, Locate Enrolment Center, Verify Aadhaar, Scanning QR code etc.

No, mAadhaar app can be used to update address only.

DOB in Aadhaar shall be marked as verified when a valid proof of birth document is submitted at the time of enrolment or update. You are requested to ensure that the operator selects 'verified' option for DOB. Only year of birth (YOB) shall be printed on your Aadhaar Letter if the DOB is marked as 'declared' or 'approximate'.

An individual seeking enrolment to visit an Aadhar enrolment centre and submit a request (as specified) alongwith valid supporting documents.
The enrolment operator shall capture the following information during the course of enrolment:

Mandatory Demographic information (Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address)
Optional demographic information (mobile number, email)
Details of Mother/Father/Legal Guardian (in case of HOF based enrolment)
And
Biometric Information (Photo, 10 finger prints, both Iris)
After completing the enrolment the operator shall return all the documents alongwith an acknowledgement slip containing the applicable charges.( New Enrolment is Free of charge)
List of valid supporting documents is available at List of Supporting Document
You can locate the nearest enrolment centre at : Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal

Individuals who are eligible for Aadhaar can apply for Aadhaar as per the provisions of the Aadhaar Act and the Regulations framed thereunder. Similarly, agencies providing benefits and services may choose to use Aadhaar in their systems and may require that their beneficiaries or customers provide their Aadhaar for these services.

One Aadhaar: Aadhaar is a unique number, and no Aadhaar number holder can have a duplicate number since it is linked to their individual biometrics; thereby identifying fake and ghost identities which result in leakages today. Savings from eliminating duplicates and fakes through Aadhaar-based identification will further enable governments to expand benefits to other eligible individuals.
Portability: Aadhaar is a universal number, and agencies and services can contact the central Unique Identification database from anywhere in the country to authenticate a beneficiary's identity by availing authentication services.
Electronic benefit transfers: The UID-enabled-Bank-Account network will offer a secure and low cost platform to directly remit benefits to Aadhaar number holders without the heavy costs associated today with benefit distribution; the leakages in the current system will also be stemmed as a result.
Aadhaar-based authentication to confirm entitlement delivered to the beneficiary: The UIDAI will offer online authentication services for agencies who wish to validate a Aadhaar number holder's identity; this service will enable confirmation of the entitlement actually reaching the intended beneficiary. Improved services through increased transparency: Clear accountability and transparent monitoring would significantly improve access and quality of entitlements to beneficiaries and the agency alike.
Self-service puts Aadhaar number holders in control: Using Aadhaar as an authentication mechanism, Aadhaar number holders should be able to access up-to-date information about their entitlements, demand services and redress their grievances directly from their mobile phone, kiosks or other means. In the case of self-service on the Aadhaar number holder's mobile, security is assured using two-factor authentication (i.e. by proving possession of the Aadhaar number holder's registered Mobile Number and knowledge of the Aadhaar number holder's Aadhaar PIN). These standards are compliant with the Reserve Bank of India's approved standards for Mobile Banking and Payments.

Aadhaar number is a 12 digit random number assigned to an individual seeking enrolment on completing the enrolment process. This is digital identity issued to an Aadhaar holder which can be authenticated through biometric or mobile OTP.

Protection of the individual, and the safeguarding their information is inherent in the design of the UID project. From having a random number which does not reveal anything about the individual to other features listed below, the UID project keeps the interest of the individual at the core of its purpose and objectives.
Collecting limited information: Data collected by the UIDAI is purely to issue Aadhaar, and confirm the identity of Aadhaar holders. The UIDAI is collecting basic data fields in order to be able to establish identity this includes Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, Parent/ Guardian's name essential for children but not for others, mobile number and email id is optional as well . The UIDAI is collecting biometric information to establish uniqueness therefore collecting photo, 10 finger prints and iris.
No profiling and tracking information collected: The UIDAI policy bars it from collecting sensitive personal information such as religion, caste, community, class, ethnicity, income and health. The profiling of individuals is therefore not possible through the UID system, since the data collected is limited to that required for identification and identity confirmation. The UIDAI had in fact, dropped the place of birth data field part of the initial list of information it planned to collect based on feedback from CSOs that it could lead to profiling. The UIDAI also does not collect any transaction records of the individual. The records of an individual confirming their identity through Aadhaar will only reflect that such a confirmation happened. This limited information will be retained for a short period time in the interest of the individual, to resolve any disputes.
Release of information - yes or no response: The UIDAI is barred from revealing personal information in Aadhaar database the only response permitted is yes or no to requests to verify an identity The only exceptions are the order of a High court , or the order of a secretary, in case of national security . This is a reasonable exception and is clear and precise. This approach is also in line with security norms followed in US and Europe on access to data in case of a security threat.
Data protection and privacy: The UIDAI has the obligation to ensure the security and confidentiality of the data collected . The data will be collected on software provided by the UIDAI and encrypted to prevent leaks in transit. Trained and certified enrollers will collect the information, who will not have access to the data being collected. The UIDAI has a comprehensive security policy to ensure the safety and integrity of its data. It will publish more details on this, including the Information Security Plan and Policies for the CIDR and mechanisms for auditing the compliance of the UIDAI and its contracting agencies. In addition, there will be strict security and storage protocols in place. Penalties for any security violation will be severe, and include penalties for disclosing identity information . There are penal consequences for unauthorised access to CIDR including hacking , and penalties for tampering with data in the CIDR under the Aadhaar Act, 2016 .
Convergence and linking of UIDAI information to other databases: The UID database is not linked to any other databases, or to information held in other databases. Its only purpose will be to verify a person's identity at the point of receiving a service, and that too with the consent of Aadhaar holder. The UID database will be guarded both physically and electronically by a few select individuals with high clearance. It will not be available even for many members of the UID staff and will be secured with the best encryption, and in a highly secure data vault. All access details will be properly logged.

Yes, Aadhaar can be used for eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) to open bank accounts, get SIM cards, and access financial services without submitting physical documents.

Aadhaar can be used to identity beneficiaries for delivery of financial and other subsidies, benefits and services offered by the scheme implementing agencies. Beside this, Aadhaar authentication is allowed in the interest of good governance preventing leakage of public funds, promoting ease of living of Aadhaar number holders and enabling better access to services for them.

Aadhaar is a unique 12 digit random number assigned to a individual which is apart from offline or physical  verification, verifiable online anywhere anytime using the Aadhaar authentication platform. This number, when authenticated successfully, would serve as proof of identity and could be used for identification of beneficiaries for transfer of benefits, subsidies, services and other purposes.

Following are the criminal offences and penalties provided in the Aadhaar Act, 2016 (as amended):

1. Impersonation by providing false demographic or biometric information, at the time of enrolment, is an offence – imprisonment up to 3 years or a fine of upto Rs. 10,000/- or with both.

2. Appropriating the identity of an Aadhaar number holder by changing or attempting to change the demographic and biometric information of an Aadhaar number holder is an offence - imprisonment upto 3 years and a fine of upto Rs. 10,000/-.

3. Pretending to be an agency authorized to collect Identity information of a individual is an offence – imprisonment up to 3 years or with a fine of upto Rs. 10,000 for a person, or up to Rs. 1 lakh for a company, or with both.

4. Intentionally transmitting/ disclosing information collected during enrolment/ authentication to an unauthorized person or in contravention of any agreement or arrangement under this Act is an offence – imprisonment upto 3 years or with a fine of            up to Rs. 10,000/- for a person, or of up to Rs. 1 lakh for a company, or with both.

5. Unauthorized access to the central identities data repository (CIDR) and hacking is an offence – imprisonment upto 10 years and a fine of minimum Rs. 10 Lakhs.

6. Tampering with data in the central identities data repository is an offence – imprisonment upto 10 years and a fine up to Rs. 10,000/-.

7. Unauthorized use of identity information of an individual by an requesting entity or Offline Verification Seeking Entity – imprisonment up to 3 years or fine up to Rs.10,000/- in case of a individual, or of upto Rs.1 Lakh in case of a company or with            both.

8. Penalty for an offence, for which no specific penalty is provided elsewhere - imprisonment upto 3 years or fine up to Rs.25,000/- in case of a individual, or of up to Rs.1 Lakh in case of a company or with both.

The UIDAI ensures the security and confidentiality of the data collected. The enrolment data is collected on client application  provided by the UIDAI, which is encrypted at source and the packet is transmitted in a secure manner. UIDAI has published guidelines in this regard which is available on its website. UIDAI has security policy in place for data security in motion and at rest.

Penalty for unauthorized access to Central Identities Data Repository have been detailed in Aadhaar (Targeted delivery of financial and other subsidies , benefits and services) Act, 2016  - Chapter VII under Offences and Penalties, Section 38.

Protection of the individual and the safeguarding their information is inherent in the design of the UID project. From having a random number which does not reveal anything about the individual to other features listed below, the UID project keeps the interest of the individual at the core of its purpose and objectives.

• Collecting limited information
  The UIDAI is collecting only basic data fields - Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, Parent/ Guardian’s (name essential for children but not for others) photo, 10 finger prints and iris scan.
• No profiling and tracking information collected
  The UIDAI policy bars it from collecting sensitive personal information such as religion, caste, community, class, ethnicity, income and health. The profiling of individuals is therefore not possible through the UID system.
• Release of information – yes or no response
  The UIDAI will not reveal personal information in the Aadhaar database – the only response will be a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to requests to verify an identity
• Convergence and linking of UIDAI information to other databases
  The UID database is not linked to any other databases, or to information held in other databases. Its only purpose will be to verify a person’s identity at the point of receiving a service, and that too with the consent of the aadhaar number holder
  The UID database will be guarded both physically and electronically by a few select individuals with high clearance. The data will be secured with the best encryption, and in a highly secure data vault. All access details will be properly logged.

UIDAI does not purge the data of the Aadhaar number holder from the database once he/she has obtained his/her Aadhaar card. The data is used for de-duplication of every new entrant in the database against all the existing records to determine the unique identity of the Aadhaar number holder.

The individual has the option in the first instance not to enrol for Aadhaar at all. Aadhaar is a service delivery tool, and not designed for any other purpose. Aadhaar being unique to every individual is non-transferable. If the individual does not wish to use the Aadhaar, it will remain dormant, as the use is based on the physical presence and biometric authentication of the person. However, children, within 6 months of attaining majority, may make an application for cancellation of their Aadhaar as per the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 (as amended) and regulations framed there under.

The UIDAI will set up a Contact Centre to manage all queries and grievances and serve as a single point of contact for the organization. The details of the Contact Centre will be published on the website as and when enrolment begins. The users of this system are expected to be individuals, registrars and enrolment agencies. Any individual seeking enrolment is given a printed acknowledgement form with an Enrolment Number, that enables the individual to make queries about her/his enrolment status through any communication channel of the contact centre. Each enrolment agency will be given a unique code that will also enable faster and pointed access to the Contact Centre that includes a technical helpdesk.

Nobody has access to UID database except the CIDR administrators which is periodically reviewed by UIDAI.
• Aadhaar card holder is entitled to access their own Aadhaar card information.
•CIDR operations follows strict access protocols to limit access to the database by the administrators.
• The data stored in CIDR is encrypted and the database is secured against hacking and other forms of cyberattacks.

Protection of the individual, and the safeguarding their information is inherent in the design of the UID project. From having a random number which does not reveal anything about the individual to other features listed below, the UID project keeps the interest of the individual at the core of its purpose and objectives.

• Collecting limited information
  Data collected by the UIDAI is purely to issue Aadhaar numbers, and confirm the identity of Aadhaar number holders. The UIDAI is collecting basic data fields in order to be able to establish identity– this includes Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, Parent/ Guardian’s name essential for children but not for others, mobile number and email id is optional as well . The UIDAI is collecting biometric information to establish uniqueness – therefore collecting photo, 10 finger prints and iris.
• No profiling and tracking information collected
  The UIDAI policy bars it from collecting sensitive personal information such as religion, caste, community, class, ethnicity, income and health. The profiling of individuals is therefore not possible through the UID system, since the data collected is limited to that required for identification and identity confirmation. The UIDAI had in fact, dropped the ‘place of birth’ data field – part of the initial list of information it planned to collect – based on feedback from CSOs that it could lead to profiling. The UIDAI also does not collect any transaction records of the individual. The records of an individual confirming their identity through Aadhaar will only reflect that such a confirmation happened. This limited information will be retained for a short period time in the interest of the individual, to resolve any disputes.
• Release of information – yes or no response
  The UIDAI is barred from revealing personal information in the Aadhaar database – the only response permitted are a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to requests to verify an identity. The only exceptions are the order of a court, or the order of a joint secretary, in case of national security. This is a reasonable exception and is clear and precise. This approach is also in line with security norms followed in US and Europe on access to data in case of a security threat.
• Data protection and privacy
  The UIDAI has the obligation to ensure the security and confidentiality of the data collected. The data will be collected on software provided by the UIDAI and encrypted to prevent leaks in transit. Trained and certified enrollers will collect the information, which will not have access to the data being collected.
  The UIDAI has a comprehensive security policy to ensure the safety and integrity of its data. It will publish more details on this, including the Information Security Plan and Policies for the CIDR and mechanisms for auditing the compliance of the UIDAI and its contracting agencies. In addition, there will be strict security and storage protocols in place. Penalties for any security violation will be severe, and include penalties for disclosing identity information. There will also be penal consequences for unauthorised access to CIDR – including hacking, and penalties for tampering with data in the CIDR.
• Convergence and linking of UIDAI information to other databases
  The UID database is not linked to any other databases, or to information held in other databases. Its only purpose will be to verify a person’s identity at the point of receiving a service, and that too with the consent of the aadhaar number holder. The UID database will be guarded both physically and electronically by a few select individuals with high clearance. It will not be available even for many members of the UID staff and will be secured with the best encryption, and in a highly secure data vault. All access details will be properly logged.

Yes, NRIs having recorded address out-side India in their passport can enroll for Aadhaar with the foreign address using form number 2 or 4 or 6 as the case may be.

NRI enrolled with address out-side India will receive password protected e-Aadhaar along with password to open the attachment to their registered email id provided at the time of enrolment.

Yes. An NRI (whether minor or adult) with a valid Indian Passport can apply for Aadhaar from any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. In case of NRIs the residential condition of 182 days is not mandatory.

If your passport has the name of your spouse, then it can be used as Proof of Address for them.