What Is e-Aadhar?
e-Aadhar is the official digitally signed, password-protected PDF version of your Aadhar Card, issued by UIDAI. It is legally equivalent to the physical Aadhar Card and is accepted across all government, financial, and private service providers in India.
You can download your e-Aadhar anytime, free of cost, directly from the UIDAI website — no physical visit required.
What You Need Before Downloading
- Your 12-digit Aadhar Number, OR 14-digit Enrollment ID (EID), OR Virtual ID (VID)
- A mobile number registered with UIDAI (to receive the OTP)
- A device with a PDF reader that supports password-protected files
Step-by-Step: Download e-Aadhar from UIDAI Website
- Visit the Official Portal: Open your browser and go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
- Click on "Download Aadhar": On the homepage, find and click the "Download Aadhar" option.
- Choose Your Identifier: Select whether you want to use your Aadhar Number, Enrollment ID, or Virtual ID.
- Enter Your Details: Input your chosen identifier number along with the security CAPTCHA shown on the screen.
- Select e-Aadhar Type: You can choose between:
- Regular e-Aadhar — shows your full Aadhar number
- Masked e-Aadhar — hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhar number for privacy
- Request OTP: Click "Send OTP". A one-time password will be sent to your UIDAI-registered mobile number.
- Enter OTP: Type in the OTP received within the validity window and click Verify & Download.
- Download the PDF: The e-Aadhar PDF will download to your device automatically.
How to Open the e-Aadhar PDF
The downloaded e-Aadhar file is password-protected. The password follows this format:
First 4 letters of your name (in CAPITALS) + Year of Birth (YYYY)
Example: If your name is Rajesh Kumar and you were born in 1990, the password is RAJE1990.
Enter this password in your PDF reader when prompted to open the file.
What Is Masked Aadhar and When Should You Use It?
Masked Aadhar replaces the first 8 digits of your 12-digit Aadhar number with XXXX-XXXX, displaying only the last 4 digits. It is recommended when:
- Sharing your Aadhar with third-party service providers
- Submitting documents to private entities where full disclosure is not required
- Any situation where you want to protect your identity while still proving you have an Aadhar
Downloading e-Aadhar via mAadhar App
UIDAI's official mAadhar mobile app (available on Android and iOS) also allows you to carry and show your Aadhar digitally. Key features:
- Store your Aadhar on your smartphone
- Generate OTP for authentication
- Lock/unlock your biometrics
- Share e-Aadhar via QR code
Troubleshooting Common Download Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| OTP not received | Ensure your registered mobile number is active; check for network issues; retry after a few minutes |
| Mobile not registered with Aadhar | Visit an enrollment center to register/update your mobile number |
| PDF won't open | Use a compatible PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat; ensure you're entering the correct password |
| Download link not working | Try a different browser or clear browser cache; check UIDAI portal for maintenance notices |
Your e-Aadhar is a fully valid identity document. Once downloaded, you can print it or use it digitally at any point — there is no expiry date on your Aadhar.