Aadhar Card is an important identity document used for accessing various government and other services in India. A person who is eligible for Aadhaar enrolment can apply by visiting an authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and completing the required enrolment process.
The Aadhaar enrolment process involves submitting the required information and supporting documents, followed by the capture of demographic and biometric details. UIDAI states that new Aadhaar enrolment is free of cost. Applicants receive an acknowledgement slip containing an Enrolment ID after the enrolment process is completed.
For new enrolment, an applicant generally needs to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre personally because the process includes biometric capture. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, enrolment can be completed through document-based enrolment or, in applicable cases, Head of Family-based enrolment.
What Is Aadhaar Card?
Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to eligible individuals after successful enrolment and verification.
During enrolment, UIDAI records demographic information such as:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Address
Biometric information is also captured. For standard enrolment, this includes a photograph, fingerprints and iris information. Mobile number and email can be provided as applicable.
Aadhaar enrolment is intended to establish an individual’s identity through demographic and biometric information. A person should enrol only once unless UIDAI specifically advises otherwise, as duplicate enrolments can be rejected.
How to Apply for Aadhaar Card
A new Aadhar Card cannot normally be completed entirely online because the applicant’s biometric information has to be captured at an authorised enrolment centre.
The basic process is:
- Locate an authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
- Obtain and complete the Aadhaar Enrolment Form.
- Provide the required demographic details.
- Submit the applicable original supporting documents.
- Allow the operator to scan and verify the documents.
- Complete biometric capture.
- Review the information entered into the system.
- Collect the acknowledgement slip containing the Enrolment ID.
- Use the Enrolment ID to track the enrolment status.
- Wait for UIDAI to complete processing and generate Aadhaar.
UIDAI confirms that applicants can enrol at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and that the enrolment process is free of cost.
Step 1: Find an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
The first step is to locate an authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra that provides new enrolment services.
UIDAI provides facilities to locate nearby Aadhaar centres. Applicants should select a centre that offers enrolment for their category because some centres may have specific services or enrolment facilities.
Before visiting, it is useful to check:
- Centre location
- Working hours
- Whether new enrolment is available
- Required documents
- Whether an appointment is needed
- Services available at the centre
UIDAI’s current website provides a facility to find the nearest Aadhaar centre.
Step 2: Fill the Aadhaar Enrolment Form
The applicant needs to provide the required information in the Aadhaar Enrolment Form.
The information generally includes:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Residential address
- Mobile number, where provided
- Email address, where applicable
Applicants should enter their information carefully because incorrect spelling or incorrect personal details can create problems during subsequent Aadhaar use or update requests.
For children, information relating to the parent or legal guardian may also be recorded according to the applicable enrolment procedure.
Step 3: Carry Original Documents
Applicants should take the original supporting documents to the enrolment centre.
UIDAI states that the original documents are used for verification and scanning and are returned after the enrolment process.
The exact documents required depend on the applicant’s circumstances.
Documents may be required for:
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Address
- Proof of Relationship, where applicable
- Proof of Date of Birth
The documents must meet UIDAI’s current acceptable-document requirements.
Documents Required for Aadhaar Card
For regular document-based enrolment, applicants generally need valid documents supporting identity and address.
Commonly accepted documents can include certain:
- Indian passports
- Voter identity cards
- Ration or PDS cards
- Driving licences
- Government-issued photo identity documents
- Other documents included in UIDAI’s current acceptable-document list
However, not every document serves as every type of proof. For example, a document may establish identity but not address. Therefore, applicants should check the current UIDAI document list rather than assuming that one document will satisfy all requirements.
Proof of Identity for Aadhaar Enrolment
Proof of Identity, or PoI, establishes the applicant’s identity.
UIDAI’s document requirements specify that a PoI document generally needs to contain the applicant’s name and photograph.
Examples of documents listed by UIDAI include certain government-issued identity documents, voter identity cards, passports and other approved documents.
The document should be valid and issued in the applicant’s own name where required.
Proof of Address for Aadhaar
Proof of Address, or PoA, is used to establish the residential address that will be recorded in Aadhaar.
A PoA document generally needs to contain the applicant’s name and address.
UIDAI’s accepted-document list includes several categories of documents that may be used as address proof. The applicant should use the current list applicable to their enrolment category.
If the address needs additional minor information for postal delivery, UIDAI permits certain additions that do not change the base address shown in the supporting document.
Proof of Date of Birth
Date of birth can be recorded according to the supporting documents submitted during enrolment.
Where a valid date-of-birth document is available, applicants should provide the applicable document from UIDAI’s accepted list.
For resident Indian and NRI children born on or after 1 October 2023, UIDAI states that a birth certificate is mandatory for enrolment.
Applicants should therefore check the current requirements applicable to their age and enrolment category.
Step 4: Document Verification at the Centre
At the enrolment centre, the operator checks the supporting documents and captures the required information.
The documents are scanned as part of the enrolment process and returned to the applicant after completion.
Applicants should carefully check the details displayed or entered by the operator before completing the enrolment.
Important details to verify include:
- Name spelling
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Address
- Mobile number
- Email address, if provided
Correcting errors before final submission can help avoid the need for a later update.
Step 5: Biometric Capture
Biometric capture is an important part of Aadhaar enrolment.
For standard enrolment, UIDAI records:
- Photograph
- Fingerprints
- Iris information
UIDAI’s current enrolment guidance states that biometric information includes a photo, ten fingerprints and both irises.
Applicants need to be physically present at the enrolment centre for this part of the process.
If an applicant has a biometric exception, UIDAI’s system has provisions for handling applicable cases.
Step 6: Review Your Enrolment Details
Before the enrolment is completed, applicants should carefully review the information entered into the system.
Check the following:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Address
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Parent or guardian details, where applicable
If something is incorrect, inform the operator immediately so that the information can be checked and corrected according to the applicable process.
Step 7: Collect the Acknowledgement Slip
After completing enrolment, the applicant receives an acknowledgement slip.
The slip contains the Enrolment ID, commonly referred to as EID.
The EID is useful for tracking the application and should therefore be kept safely until Aadhaar is generated.
UIDAI’s current enrolment guidance confirms that an acknowledgement slip containing the Enrolment ID is provided after enrolment.
Aadhaar Card Enrolment Is Free
New Aadhaar enrolment is free of cost.
Applicants do not have to pay a fee for a new Aadhaar enrolment at an authorised enrolment centre. UIDAI explicitly states that Aadhaar enrolment is free.
Applicants should distinguish new enrolment from other Aadhaar services, because certain update or document-submission services can have applicable charges.
How Long Does Aadhaar Card Take?
Aadhaar generation is subject to successful processing and verification of the enrolment data.
UIDAI’s current Aadhaar enrolment page states that the waiting time can be up to 180 days after receipt of the enrolment data packet in the Central Identities Data Repository.
The actual processing time can vary depending on the application and verification process.
Applicants should retain their acknowledgement slip and use the available status-check facility rather than repeatedly submitting a new enrolment.
How to Check Aadhaar Enrolment Status
After completing enrolment, applicants can track the status using the details provided on the acknowledgement slip.
The Enrolment ID is particularly important for checking the progress of the enrolment.
If Aadhaar has already been generated, the applicant can use the available UIDAI service to obtain the Aadhaar details or download e-Aadhaar according to the applicable process. UIDAI also states that the electronically downloaded Aadhaar has the same validity as the original Aadhaar letter.
Can Aadhaar Card Be Applied Online?
The initial Aadhaar enrolment process requires the applicant to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre because demographic information, document verification and biometric information need to be captured.
UIDAI specifically states that a person cannot get enrolled simply by sending documents through post and must personally visit an enrolment centre for biometric capture.
Online services are available for several Aadhaar-related activities, but new enrolment remains an in-person process.
Aadhaar Card Application for Children
Children can also be enrolled for Aadhaar under the applicable UIDAI procedure.
For a resident Indian child below five years of age, the child needs to visit the enrolment centre with the mother, father or legal guardian. The parent or guardian provides authentication and consent for the child’s enrolment.
For children below five years, the enrolment process records the child’s demographic details and photograph. The applicable supporting documents must also be submitted.
For children born on or after 1 October 2023, the birth certificate is mandatory according to the current UIDAI requirements.
Aadhaar Card for Children Above Five Years
Children aged five years and above follow the applicable Aadhaar enrolment process for their age category.
Biometric requirements differ according to age and UIDAI rules. Parents or guardians should carry the child’s required documents and their own Aadhaar details or supporting documents where applicable.
The centre will capture the information and biometrics required under the current enrolment guidelines.
Head of Family Based Aadhaar Enrolment
UIDAI also provides a Head of Family, or HoF, based enrolment route for certain applicants who do not have the required individual documents.
Under this method, an eligible family member can introduce an immediate family member using an approved Proof of Relationship document.
UIDAI states that the Head of Family must have a valid Aadhaar for HoF-based enrolment.
This option can be useful for eligible family members who do not have standard Proof of Identity or Proof of Address documents in their own name.
What If You Do Not Have Address Proof?
Applicants who do not have the required individual identity or address documents may have alternative enrolment options depending on their circumstances.
UIDAI provides HoF-based enrolment for applicable cases, subject to the required Proof of Relationship and other conditions.
Applicants should not submit an unrelated document simply because it contains a family member’s address. The correct enrolment method and acceptable supporting documents should be followed.
Is Mobile Number Mandatory for Aadhaar Enrolment?
For a resident Indian, providing a mobile number or email address is not mandatory for Aadhaar enrolment according to UIDAI.
However, UIDAI recommends providing a mobile number and email where possible because they can be useful for receiving updates and accessing Aadhaar services that rely on authentication.
Applicants should provide their current contact information where appropriate.
Can NRI Apply for Aadhaar Card?
NRIs can enrol for Aadhaar by visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and submitting the applicable form and supporting documents.
UIDAI states that a valid Indian passport is mandatory as Proof of Identity for NRI applicants. NRI applicants do not have to meet the resident requirement of having lived in India for at least 182 days before enrolment.
The enrolment process also includes demographic and biometric information capture.
Aadhaar Enrolment for Resident Foreign Nationals
Resident foreign nationals can also be eligible for Aadhaar under applicable rules.
UIDAI states that a resident foreign national seeking enrolment must have resided in India for 182 days or more in the 12 months immediately preceding the enrolment application. They need to submit the applicable identity, address, and other supporting documents and complete biometric enrolment.
The Aadhaar validity for resident foreign nationals can differ from that of Indian residents, depending on their status and documents.
What Information Is Captured During Aadhaar Enrolment?
Aadhaar enrolment involves both demographic and biometric information.
Demographic Information
The main mandatory demographic information includes:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Address
Mobile number and email are optional for resident Indians, subject to applicable rules.
Biometric Information
The standard biometric information includes:
- Photograph
- Fingerprints
- Iris information
Biometric exceptions are handled according to UIDAI’s enrolment procedures.
Important Things to Remember Before Aadhaar Enrolment
Applicants should keep a few points in mind before visiting the centre.
- Carry original supporting documents.
- Check that documents are valid.
- Make sure your name is consistent across documents where required.
- Check the address carefully.
- Carry the child’s birth certificate when applicable.
- Do not enrol more than once.
- Keep the acknowledgement slip safely.
- Review all details before final submission.
- Use an authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre.
- Do not pay for new Aadhaar enrolment.
UIDAI specifically advises that individuals need to enrol only once because multiple enrolments can result in rejection unless UIDAI advises otherwise.
Common Reasons to Check Details Carefully
Incorrect information during enrolment can create difficulties later.
Common details that should be checked include:
- Incorrect spelling of name
- Wrong date of birth
- Incorrect gender
- Incomplete address
- Wrong mobile number
- Incorrect parent or guardian information
Applicants should review the enrolment information carefully before the final submission.
What to Do After Applying for Aadhaar Card
Once the enrolment is complete, the applicant should keep the acknowledgement slip safe.
The next steps are:
- Keep the EID safely.
- Check enrolment status when required.
- Wait for UIDAI processing.
- Download e-Aadhaar after generation if needed.
- Check the Aadhaar details.
- Request an update if an eligible correction is required.
UIDAI provides online Aadhaar services that include status tracking and e-Aadhaar-related facilities.
Difference Between New Enrolment and Aadhaar Update
New enrolment is for a person who does not already have an Aadhaar number.
An update is used when an existing Aadhaar holder needs to change or update eligible information.
For example, an existing Aadhaar holder may need to update:
- Address
- Mobile number
- Name
- Date of birth, where permitted
- Biometric information
- Supporting documents
A person should not submit a fresh enrolment simply because an existing Aadhaar contains an error. The appropriate update process should be used.
Why You Should Not Apply for Aadhaar More Than Once
UIDAI states that individuals should enrol only once.
Multiple enrolment attempts can result in rejection unless UIDAI specifically advises another enrolment.
If an applicant has already enrolled and is waiting for Aadhaar generation, checking the existing enrolment status is preferable to starting another enrolment.
Aadhaar Card Application Checklist
Before visiting the Aadhaar centre, applicants can use this simple checklist:
- Aadhaar enrolment form
- Original identity document
- Original address document
- Date-of-birth document where applicable
- Proof of relationship for applicable HoF enrolment
- Parent or guardian details for child enrolment
- Mobile number, if available
- Previous enrolment information, if applicable
- Appointment details, where applicable
The exact document requirements should always be checked against UIDAI’s latest acceptable-document list because requirements can differ according to age, resident status and enrolment method.
Conclusion
How to Apply for Aadhar Card starts with visiting an authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with the required original documents. The applicant needs to complete the enrolment form, provide demographic information, submit supporting documents and complete biometric capture. After the process is completed, the applicant receives an acknowledgement slip containing the Enrolment ID.
New Aadhaar enrolment is free of cost. Applicants should carry original documents for verification and carefully check their name, date of birth, gender and address before completing the enrolment. The exact document requirements depend on the applicant’s age, resident status and enrolment method.
Children, NRIs and eligible resident foreign nationals have specific enrolment procedures. Applicants without standard documents may also have applicable alternatives such as Head of Family-based enrolment.
After enrolment, the acknowledgement slip should be kept safely until the Aadhaar application has been processed. Once Aadhaar is generated, e-Aadhaar can be downloaded through the available UIDAI services.
FAQs
1. Is new Aadhaar enrolment free?
Yes. UIDAI states that new Aadhaar enrolment is free of cost.
2. Can I apply for Aadhar completely online?
No. New enrolment requires a personal visit to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre because biometric information has to be captured.
3. What should I carry for Aadhaar enrolment?
Carry the applicable original Proof of Identity, Proof of Address, and Date of Birth documents. The exact requirements depend on your enrolment category and the current UIDAI document list.