Can Aadhaar be downloaded online?

Yes. Aadhaar number holders can download e-Aadhaar through UIDAI's MyAadhaar service or the official Aadhaar mobile app, subject to the applicable authentication process.

Can a mobile number be updated in Aadhaar through the Aadhaar app?

UIDAI currently permits mobile-number update through the official Aadhaar app in eligible cases using OTP verification, Face Authentication and payment of the prescribed charge. If the old registered mobile number is unavailable or no mobile was previously registered, UIDAI directs the Aadhaar number holder to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorised enrolment/update centre.

How can a lost Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID be retrieved?

UIDAI provides a Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID service through MyAadhaar for users with the required registered-mobile access. Assistance is also available through UIDAI's helpline and Aadhaar centres.

Updated: 3 September 2026

Aadhaar Card & e-Aadhaar: Apply, Download, Check Status and Update Details

Q: What is e-Aadhaar?

e-Aadhaar is the password-protected electronic copy of Aadhaar digitally signed by UIDAI. UIDAI states that e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical copy of Aadhaar.

A practical guide to Aadhaar enrolment, e-Aadhaar, status checking, lost Aadhaar/EID retrieval, mobile-number and address updates, and the current UIDAI legal framework and official online services.

Current legal framework: Aadhaar is governed principally by the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, as amended, together with UIDAI rules and regulations including the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016 as amended from time to time.

What is Aadhaar?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit random identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to eligible residents after completion of the prescribed verification process. Aadhaar is designed to establish a unique digital identity using demographic and biometric information and can be authenticated or verified through authorised Aadhaar services.

Enrolment for Aadhaar is free. A person needs to enrol only once, subject to successful de-duplication and completion of UIDAI's enrolment process.

12-digit identity numberAadhaar is a unique random number assigned after the enrolment and verification process.

e-Aadhaar is validThe digitally signed electronic Aadhaar downloaded from UIDAI is valid like the physical copy.

Official online portalMyAadhaar provides services such as download, status checking, document update, verification and retrieval.

Keep details currentAddress, mobile number and other demographic or biometric information should be updated through authorised UIDAI channels.

What is e-Aadhaar?

e-Aadhaar is a password-protected electronic copy of Aadhaar digitally signed by UIDAI. UIDAI states that e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical copy of Aadhaar. It can be downloaded using the methods currently supported by UIDAI, including Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID (EID) or Virtual ID (VID), subject to authentication requirements.

For privacy, UIDAI also provides a Masked Aadhaar option in which the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number are masked and only the last four digits remain visible.

How to Download e-Aadhaar

Open the official UIDAI MyAadhaar download service.
Select the available identification option, such as Aadhaar number, EID or VID.
Complete the prescribed security and OTP authentication.
Download the digitally signed e-Aadhaar PDF.
Use the password format specified by UIDAI to open the downloaded file.

Download e-Aadhaar from the official MyAadhaar portal.

How to Check Aadhaar Enrolment or Update Status

If you have recently enrolled for Aadhaar or submitted an update request, you can use UIDAI's status service to track the request. Keep your acknowledgement or enrolment/update reference details available.

Check Aadhaar status on the official MyAadhaar portal.

Lost Aadhaar Number or Enrolment ID (EID)

If you have forgotten or lost your Aadhaar number or EID, UIDAI provides a retrieval service through MyAadhaar for eligible users with the required registered-mobile access. UIDAI also provides assistance through its toll-free helpline 1947 and authorised Aadhaar centres.

Open MyAadhaar to retrieve Aadhaar/EID.

How to Update Mobile Number in Aadhaar

UIDAI's current Aadhaar app supports mobile-number updates in eligible cases. Where the Aadhaar app can authenticate the Aadhaar number holder, the process may require verification of the relevant mobile number by OTP, Face Authentication and payment of the prescribed charge.

If the Aadhaar number holder does not have access to the old registered mobile number, or no mobile number was earlier registered, UIDAI directs the person to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or another authorised Aadhaar enrolment/update centre for the mobile-number update.

Important: Do not rely on old instructions stating that every mobile-number change can be completed through the earlier web-based self-service process. UIDAI's available channels and authentication requirements have changed over time.

What Aadhaar Details Can Be Updated?

Depending on the service and channel available, UIDAI permits updates to demographic information and biometric information. Centre-based services can include name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile number, email address and supporting documents, as well as fingerprints, iris and photograph. Online and app-based availability varies by field.

Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Charges

UIDAI prescribes service charges and may announce temporary fee waivers or concessions for specific services. Charges should therefore be checked on the current UIDAI fee page before submitting an update.

Service	Current UIDAI position
Aadhaar enrolment	Free
Demographic update at centre	UIDAI currently lists ₹75 when done separately, subject to notified conditions.
Biometric update	UIDAI lists prescribed charges with age-based exemptions/concessions in specified cases.
PoI/PoA document update	Centre fee applies; UIDAI currently provides a temporary free online document-update facility through MyAadhaar up to the date notified by UIDAI.

Check the latest Aadhaar enrolment and update charges on UIDAI.

Related Aadhaar Guides

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card and Get the Application Form

Read the site's detailed guide to Aadhaar enrolment and the application process. For actual enrolment, forms, centre details and eligibility requirements, always verify the current procedure on UIDAI before acting.

How to Check Aadhaar Card Status Online

Use this related guide for an explanation of Aadhaar status tracking. The official UIDAI status link is provided above for submitting a live status query.

How to Retrieve a Lost Aadhaar Enrolment ID

This related article explains EID retrieval. UIDAI's present MyAadhaar service should be used for the actual online request.

How to Download a Duplicate Copy of Aadhaar

You normally do not need a separate "duplicate Aadhaar" identity number. If the physical Aadhaar letter is lost, an Aadhaar number holder can download e-Aadhaar through UIDAI or use other authorised Aadhaar formats and services.

How to Update Mobile Number in Aadhaar

See the related guide, but follow the current UIDAI Aadhaar app or authorised-centre process described on this page because older online-update procedures may no longer apply.

Aadhaar Application Format for Change of Address, Name or Date of Birth

Use this related format only as a reference. UIDAI's current enrolment/update forms and accepted supporting-document requirements should be checked before submission.

Official UIDAI Legal and Service Resources

Safety tip: Use UIDAI's official website, MyAadhaar portal, Aadhaar app or authorised centres for Aadhaar transactions. Do not disclose OTPs, full Aadhaar details or downloaded identity documents to unknown persons or unverified websites.