In India, the Aadhaar Card serves as a universal means to establish identity and address. As of official records in 2020, around 90% of the Indian population has obtained their Aadhaar Cards. READ ABOUT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR AADHAAR. To apply for an Aadhaar card, you will need to present specific documents that are essential for verifying your personal details and ensuring the accurate issuance of your Aadhaar card. Aadhaar enrolment is free of charge. During the enrolment process, individuals need to provide their demographic and biometric information (iris scan, fingerprints scan, and photograph). If you have not received your Aadhaar Card after applying, here are the steps to obtain it, CLICK HERE.

Individuals can only enroll for Aadhar once which ensures that each individual is issued only one AADHAAR, making it a reliable system to eliminate fake identities. The process of enrolling children for Aadhaar is similar to that of adults. Children below the age of 5 years can obtain a blue-colored Aadhaar card known as “Baal Aadhaar.” This guide explains the process of how to apply for an Aadhaar card both online and offline as well as the essential documents you need to carry. Read also how to Update, Download, Verify and Check Aadhaar Status.

How To Apply for Aadhaar Card Online:

1. Visit the UIDAI portal https://uidai.gov.in/en/ and click on the “My Aadhaar” option.

2. Select “Book Appointment” and choose the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center. Alternatively, you can simply go to the one nearest to you without an appointment.

3. Gather all the necessary documents (identity proof, address proof, and evidence of your date of birth) required for the application.

4. On reaching the Centre, take an enrolment form from the concerned official and fill out the required details. You can also download this form from UIDAI’s website online and do the needful.

5. Submit the completed form along with the supporting documents.

6. You will need to visit the enrollment center in person to provide your biometric information.

7. Once the formalities are done, you will receive an acknowledgement slip. On top of that slip, you will see a 14-digit number which is your enrolment number which can be used to track the status of your application.

8. After the verification process is completed, the Aadhaar Card will be delivered to your home address by post. It typically takes around 90 days to receive the card.

How To Apply for Aadhaar Card Offline:

1. Find the nearest Aadhaar enrolment Centre based on your location. If you reside in a Tier-1 city, you can search for the Centre on https://uidai.gov.in/. For other cities, visit https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/. 

2. Complete the enrolment form and submit it along with the necessary documents. Carry proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of birth.

3. Provide your biometric data, including thumbprints and iris scan, to the Aadhaar representative. A photograph of you will also be taken.

4. Upon finishing step 3, you will receive an acknowledgement letter. It will contain a 14-digit enrolment number, which should be safely retained until you receive your Aadhaar Card.

5. The submitted data will undergo a verification process. Once the process is completed, your Aadhaar card will be delivered to the provided address within 90 days.

Guidelines to keep in mind when completing the Aadhaar form:

1. Use capital letters while filling out the form.

2. Avoid using salutations like Mr., Mrs., or Miss before your name.

3. Provide the mobile number that you are currently using.

4. Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date.

5. Include all the necessary documents along with your application and avoid submitting any expired documents, as it may result in rejection.

6. Provide the complete address where you want your Aadhaar card to be delivered.

7. You can fill out the form in either English or your native language.

8. If you need to make any changes after enrolment, you’ll have 96 hours to visit the centre, provide the acknowledgement slip, and make any changes to the information you’ve already submitted.

Required Documents for Aadhaar Application in a table format:

Type of Proof	Supporting Documents
Identity proof	Voter ID, PAN Card, Ration Card, Passport, Driving license, Government-issued ID card
Address proof	Ration Card, Bank passbook, Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, etc.), Insurance documents, Arms license, Property tax receipt
Birth proof	Birth certificate, PAN card, Passport, Mark sheet issued by college and university, SSC certificate, etc.
Relationship proof	PDS card, Pension card, Passport, NREGA job card, Birth certificate, etc.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Application:

Identity Proof:

• Passport
• PAN Card
• Voter ID Card (EPIC)
• Driving License
• Government Photo ID Cards (e.g., CGHS, ECHS)
• Service Photo ID Card
• Photo Credit Card
• Pensioner Photo Card
• Freedom Fighter Photo Card
• Kisan Photo Passbook
• Student ID Card (in some cases)
• Certificate of Identity with Photo by Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar (in specific cases).

Proof of Relationship:

• Passport of Spouse/ Parents (in case of a minor)
• Ration Card/ PDS Card
• CGHS/ ECHS/ ESIC/ Medi-Claim Card with Photo issued by Centre/ State Govts./ PSUs
• Pension Card
• Birth Certificate issued by Registrar of Birth, Municipal Corporation, and other notified local government bodies
• Any other Central/ State government-issued family entitlement document
• Marriage Certificate issued by the government
• Photo ID card issued by Central/ State Govt. (Bhamashah, Jan-Aadhaar, MGNREGA card, ARMY canteen card, etc.)
• Discharge card/ slip issued by Government/ Private hospitals for the birth of a child (for a child aged between 0-5 years)
• Self-declaration from the Head of Family (HoF) certifying the relationship with the resident residing at the same address as HoF

Date of Birth (DOB):

• Birth Certificate
• Passport
• PAN Card/ e-PAN
• Service photo identity card issued by Central/ State/ UT Govt./ PSU/ Banks
• Photo ID card having Date of Birth, issued by Recognized Educational Institution
• Transgender ID card/ Certificate issued under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
• Marksheet issued by any recognized Government Board or University
• School Leaving Certificate (SLC)/ School Transfer Certificate (TC)/ Extract of School Records issued by Head of School/ SSLC book/ SSC certificate containing Name and Date of Birth
• Central/ State Pension Payment Order
• CGHS/ ECHS/ Medi-Claim Card issued by Centre/ State/ UTs Govts./ PSUs having Photo & Date of Birth
• Valid Long Term Visa (LTV) along with Foreign Passport (valid or expired) of origin country issued to marginalized groups of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians)
• Certificate of Identity having Name & DoB issued on

Proof of Address:

• Passport
• Voter ID Card
• Driving License
• Bank Statement or Passbook
• Ration Card
• Aadhaar Letter/Card
• Government Photo ID Cards
• Income Tax Assessment Order
• Certificate of Address with Photo from a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar
• Utility Bills (Electricity, Telephone, Water, Gas)
• Property Tax Receipt
• Registered Rent Agreement
• Spouse’s Passport (if applicable)
• Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and you should check the latest requirements from UIDAI or the Aadhaar enrollment center where you plan to apply.

How to Check Aadhaar Status Online:

1. Visit the official UIDAI website.

2. Navigate to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section and select ‘Check Aadhaar Status’.

3. Enter your ‘Enrolment number’ and ‘time of enrolment’.

4. Fill in the ‘captcha’ verification code.

5. Click on ‘Check Status’ to view the Aadhaar card status.