If you need a soft copy of your Aadhaar, you can download your e-Aadhaar in PDF format within a few minutes from the official website of UIDAI or through the mAadhaar app. The procedure is free, secure and can be carried out using your 12-digit Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID (EID) or Virtual ID (VID). The following is a clear and current guide which includes information on regular and masked Aadhaar, passwords, and common problems.
What Is e-Aadhaar and Why Download It?
e-Aadhaar is a password-protected digital version of your Aadhaar card which is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and includes all the same information as the physical card; it is legally valid for the purposes of KYC and verification in all cases where Aadhaar is accepted.
Benefits of downloading e‑Aadhaar:
- Instant access without visiting a centre
- Easy to store on your phone or email
- Option to download a masked version for extra privacy (only last 4 digits visible)
Before You Start: What You’ll Need
Make sure you have:
- Your 12‑digit Aadhaar number, or 14‑digit Enrolment ID (EID) with date/time, or 16‑digit Virtual ID (VID)
- The mobile number linked with your Aadhaar (for OTP)
- A device with internet (phone, tablet or computer)
- A PDF reader (the downloaded file is password‑protected)
You will need to update your mobile number at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra before you can download it via OTP if it is not currently linked to your Aadhaar.
Method 1: Download e‑Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number (Most Common)
- Open the official MyAadhaar portal: myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
- Click Login under “Aadhaar Services” or go directly to Download Aadhaar
- Enter your 12‑digit Aadhaar number and the captcha
- Click Send OTP — a 6‑digit OTP will arrive on your Aadhaar‑linked mobile
- Enter the OTP and log in
- Choose Download Aadhaar, then select:
- Regular Aadhaar (full number visible), or
- Masked Aadhaar (only last 4 digits visible)
- Click Verify & Download and save the PDF
Open the PDF with the standard UIDAI password (see “Password to Open e‑Aadhaar PDF” below).
Method 2: Download Using Enrolment ID (EID)
Use this if you don’t remember your Aadhaar number but have your enrolment slip.
- Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and go to Download Aadhaar
- Select Enrolment ID (EID)
- Enter:
- 14‑digit Enrolment Number
- Date and time of enrolment (as printed on the slip)
- Your full name and PIN code exactly as given during enrolment
- Complete the captcha and click Request OTP
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile
- Choose Regular or Masked Aadhaar, then Verify & Download
Method 3: Download Using Virtual ID (VID)
VID is a temporary 16‑digit number you can generate instead of sharing your Aadhaar number.
- Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → Download Aadhaar
- Select Virtual ID (VID)
- Enter your 16‑digit VID and captcha
- Click Send OTP, enter the OTP, and log in
- Pick Regular or Masked Aadhaar and download the PDF
If you don’t have a VID, you can generate one on the same portal under “Generate VID” using your Aadhaar number and OTP.
Method 4: Download via mAadhaar App (Mobile)
The official mAadhaar app (for Android and iOS) provides a quick method of storing and downloading your Aadhaar.
- Install mAadhaar from your app store
- Open the app and tap Register
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP
- Once your profile is created, tap Download Aadhaar
- Choose Regular or Masked and save the PDF to your device
- A TOTP used for logins can also be generated using mAadhaar rather than an SMS OTP.
Password to Open e‑Aadhaar PDF
The PDF of the downloaded e-Aadhaar is protected by a password in order to ensure security.
- Password format: First 4 letters of your name (in CAPS) + your birth year (YYYY)
- Example: If your name is “Rahul Kumar” and DOB is 15‑08‑1992, the password is RAHU1992
When the name has less than four letters, put the available letters together with the year (for example, ‘An’ becomes ‘AN1995’).
Regular vs Masked Aadhaar: Which Should You Download?
- Standard Aadhaar: Displays your full 12-digit number. It should be used when an institution specifically requires the entire number.
- Masked Aadhaar: it hides the first eight digits (it only displays the last four). This format is suitable when sharing with private companies or when uploading to websites where the full number is not required.
Each version is legally valid; select one according to the requirement.
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
- If you have not received the OTP, make sure that your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar. After waiting 30 to 60 seconds, click on ‘Resend OTP’. If this still does not work, go to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your mobile number.
- In the case of a discrepancy between the name and date of birth, enter the details exactly as they are listed in the UIDAI records (refer to your old Aadhaar PDF or acknowledgement slip).
- The PDF cannot be opened: make sure that the password format is correct (4-letter name followed by the birth year) and ensure that the letters are in uppercase.
- Error: the VID is temporary and may expire. Please generate a new VID through the MyAadhaar portal and then try again.
- The download button isn’t working, so try clearing your browser’s cache, using incognito mode, or switching to a different browser or device.
Safety Tips: Avoid Scams and Fake Portals
- Use only official UIDAI websites. These are uidai.gov.in, myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, and eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
- Never share your Aadhaar number, OTP or PDF on unknown links or WhatsApp forwards
- Don’t pay anyone for “urgent Aadhaar download” the service is free on official portals
- Store your e‑Aadhaar PDF in a secure folder; avoid public computers for downloads
