How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Online - A Step by Step Guide

Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Government of India. The number serves as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in India. Other than this, these days Aadhaar Card has become very important to access many services. Even having Aadhaar is mandatory to file income tax returns from FY 2016-17. If anyone does not have an Aadhaar card, this is a good time to apply for it. Here we have explained how to apply Aadhaar Card online and offline.

Steps to Apply for Aadhaar Card online

• Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website.
• Step 2: Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, click on the ‘Book an Appointment’ option under the ‘Get Aadhaar’ section. 
• Step 3: Select the city or location and click on the ‘Proceed to Book Appointment’ button. On the next page, enter your mobile number, captcha code and OTP to book an appointment for Aadhaar enrolment.
• Step 4: On the appointment date, visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra along with the supporting documents: Identity proof, Address proof and Proof of birth date.
• Step 5: Fill in an Enrolment form with relevant information at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
• Step 6: Submit the duly filled enrolment form along with the supporting documents as mentioned above.
• Step 7: Provide the biometrics to the representative at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
• Step 8: The representative at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra will provide an acknowledgement slip as proof of your enrolment form submission. It contains information such as a 14-digit enrolment number. This number can help trace the status of your application. 
• Step 9: Upon verification, an Aadhaar card will be sent to your address via post. It can take up to 90 days (3 months) for you to receive the Aadhaar card.

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Offline?

• Step 1: visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra to get an appointment. or you can also go to the UIDAI's website to book an appointment. 
• Step 2: On the appointment date, visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra along with the following supporting documents: Identity proof, Address proof and Proof of birth date.
• Step 3: Fill in an enrolment form with relevant information at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
• Step 4: Submit the duly filled enrolment form along with the supporting documents as mentioned above.
• Step 5: Provide the biometrics to the representative at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
• Step 6: The representative at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra will provide an acknowledgement slip as proof of your enrolment form submission. It contains information such as a 14-digit enrolment number. This number can help trace the status of your application. You can quote the enrolment number in place of the Aadhaar number.
• Step 7: Upon verification, an Aadhaar card will be sent to your address via post. It can take up to 90 days (3 months) for you to receive the Aadhaar card

How to find an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre?

There may be instances where you do not find an Aadhaar Seva Kendra nearest to your location. In such a case, you can search for the nearest Aadhaar centre and visit it to book an appointment. Here are the steps to find the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre/ Aadhaar Seva Kendra:

• Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website.
• Step 2: Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, click on the ‘Locate an enrolment center in Bhuvan Aadhaar' option under the ‘Get Aadhaar’ section. 
• Step 3: You will be redirected to 'Bhuvan - Aadhaar Centers' website. Here, enter your location in the search bar and click on the search icon. 
• Step 4: Next, select the ‘Centre for Aadhaar Enrolment and Update’ box and click ‘Get Details’.
• Step 5: The relevant Aadhaar Card Enrolment Centres will be listed below and displayed on the map.

Who can apply for an Aadhaar card?

Any Indian resident or an individual who has resided in India for a period of 182 days or more in the immediately preceding 12 months can apply for an Aadhaar card. Even the parents of a child or infant below 5 years can apply for a Baal Aadhaar of the child. The Baal Aadhaar will act as an identity proof document for the infant.

Important Documents for Aadhaar Card Application

Here are the list of required documents category wise to apply for Aadhar card.

Documents for Proof of Identity  

• Passport
• PAN card
• Ration/PDS Photo card
• Voter ID
• Driving license
• Government Photo ID Cards/service photo identity card issued by PSU
• NREGS/ MGNREGA Job Card
• Photo ID issued by a Recognised Educational Institution
• Arms License
• Photo Bank ATM Card
• Photo Credit Card
• Pensioner Photo Card
• Freedom Fighter Photo Card
• Kisan Photo Passbook
• CGHS/ECHS Photo Card
• Address Card having Name and Photo issued by Department of Posts
• Certificate of Identify having photo issued by Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar on letterhead

Documents for Proof of Address

• Passport
• Bank Statement/Passbook
• Post Office Account Statement/Passbook
• Ration Card
• Voter ID
• Driving License
• Government Photo ID cards/service photo identity card issued by PSU
• Electricity Bill (not older than 3 months)
• Water bill (not older than 3 months)
• Telephone Landline Bill (not older than 3 months)
• Property Tax Receipt (not older than 1 month)
• Insurance Policy
• Signed Letter having Photo issued by a Recognised Educational Instruction on letterhead
• NREGS/  MGNREGA Job Card
• Arms License
• Pensioner Card
• Freedom Fighter Card
• Kisan Passbook
• CGHS/ECHS Card
• Certificate of Address having photo issued by MP or MLA or Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar on letterhead
• Certificate of Address issued by Village Panchayat head or its equivalent authority (for rural areas) Income Tax Assessment Order
• Registered Sale/Lease/Rent Agreement
• Domicile Certificate having Photo issued by State Govt.
• Disability ID Card/handicapped medical certificate issued by the respective State/UT Governments/Administrations
• Gas Connection Bill (not older than 3 months)
• Passport of Spouse

Documents for Proof of Date of Birth

• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• PAN card 
• Service photo identity card issued by central government, state government, UT government or banks 
• Photo ID card having Date of Birth issued by the Recognised Educational Institution
• Marksheet issued by any recognised government board/ university 
• School Leaving Certificate (SLC), School Transfer Certificate (TC) or Extract of School Records issued by Head of School 
• SSLC book or SSC certificate containing Name and Date of Birth 
• Central or State Pension Payment Order 
• CGHS or ECHS card

How to check Aadhaar Card Enrolment status?

After applying for Aadhaar card enrolment, you can check the status of your Aadhaar card by following the below steps:

• Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website.
• Step 2: Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, select the ‘Check Aadhaar Status’ option under the ‘Get Aadhaar’ section.
• Step 3: You will redirected to the myAadhaar portal. Here, scroll down and click on the ‘Check Enrolment & Update Status’ tab.
• Step 4: Enter your enrolment number or SRN along with the captcha and click on the 'Submit' button.
• Step 5: The Aadhaar status will be displayed on the screen.