An Aadhaar card is a unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to Indian residents. It serves as a universally accepted proof of identity and address for accessing government welfare programs, financial services, and digital authentication processes. With over 138 crore cards issued, Aadhaar is India’s most widely used identification document and is mandatory for several compliance requirements, including PAN linking and GST registration.
What Is an Aadhaar Card?
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number assigned to every resident of India. The number is generated from biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) and demographic information (name, date of birth, gender, and address) collected during enrollment. No two individuals can have the same Aadhaar number, making it a reliable identity verification tool.
The Aadhaar system was launched in September 2010 and is administered by UIDAI under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. The Aadhaar number remains valid for a lifetime and does not require periodic renewal.
Aadhaar Card Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Aadhaar (Unique Identification Number) |
| Issuing authority | Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) |
| Number format | 12-digit unique number |
| Launch date | September 2010 |
| Validity | Lifetime (no expiry) |
| Total enrollments | Over 138 crore (as of 2023) |
| Enrollment centres | Over 30,000 across India |
| Customer care | 1947 (toll-free) |
| Official portal | uidai.gov.in |
| Governing law | Aadhaar Act, 2016 |
Eligibility for Aadhaar Card
Any individual residing in India is eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card, regardless of age, gender, or nationality (with certain conditions). The eligibility criteria are intentionally broad to ensure universal coverage.
Indian citizens residing in India can apply at any UIDAI enrollment centre by providing proof of identity and address. Newborns and children under 5 years receive a Baal Aadhaar, which is blue and does not include biometric data. The child’s Aadhaar is linked to their parents’ Aadhaar. After the child turns 5, biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan) must be collected and the card updated. A second mandatory update occurs after the child turns 15.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) holding a valid Indian passport can apply for Aadhaar if they have resided in India for at least 182 days in the preceding 12 months. The passport serves as both identity and address proof for NRI enrollment.
Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and residents in remote areas can request enrollment at their doorstep through UIDAI’s special enrollment drives.
Types of Aadhaar Cards
| Type | Format | Cost | Features |
| Aadhaar Letter | Paper (posted by UIDAI) | Free | Sent to the registered address after enrollment |
| e-Aadhaar | Digital PDF (downloadable) | Free | Password-protected; equally valid as the original |
| PVC Aadhaar Card | Plastic card (credit card size) | Rs.50 | Durable; ordered online from uidai.gov.in |
| Baal Aadhaar | Blue paper card (for children under 5) | Free | No biometric data; linked to parent Aadhaar |
| Virtual ID (VID) | 16-digit temporary number | Free | Masks the actual Aadhaar; used for limited authentication |
| mAadhaar | Mobile app profile | Free | Digital copy accessible via UIDAI’s mAadhaar app |
Enrollment Process
The Aadhaar enrollment process is straightforward and can be completed at any authorised enrollment centre.
Step 1. Locate the nearest enrollment centre using the UIDAI website or by calling 1947.
Step 2. Visit the centre with proof of identity (POI) and proof of address (POA). Accepted documents include a passport, voter ID, driving licence, PAN card, ration card, or utility bills.
Step 3. Fill the enrollment form with your demographic details (name, date of birth, gender, address, mobile number, and email).
Step 4. Submit biometric data: all 10 fingerprints, both iris scans, and a facial photograph.
Step 5. Receive an acknowledgement slip with your Enrollment ID (EID) and the date and time of enrollment.
Step 6. Track the status of your Aadhaar generation online using the EID on the UIDAI portal.
Step 7. Once generated, download e-Aadhaar from uidai.gov.in or wait for the Aadhaar letter to arrive by post within 60 to 90 days.
Updating Aadhaar Information
UIDAI allows residents to update their demographic and biometric information both online and offline.
Online Updates (through myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in)
Online updates are available for name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile number, and email address. The deadline for submitting documents online for Aadhaar updates is June 14, 2026. Each update requires the upload of a supporting document as proof.
Name changes are allowed up to two times in a lifetime. Date of birth can be changed only once. Address updates have no frequency limit, but each change requires valid address proof.
Offline Updates (at enrollment centres)
For biometric updates (fingerprints, iris scan, photograph), residents must visit an enrollment centre in person. Biometric updates are recommended every 10 years to maintain authentication accuracy, and they are mandatory for children at ages 5 and 15.
Aadhaar Linking Requirements
Aadhaar must be linked to several services and identifiers as mandated by law.
| Service/Identifier | Linking Mandatory | Deadline | Consequence of Non-Linking |
| PAN Card | Yes (Section 139AA, Income Tax Act) | Already passed (extended multiple times) | PAN becomes inoperative; cannot file ITR or conduct financial transactions |
| Bank account | Yes (for government subsidy recipients) | Ongoing | Subsidies not credited to the account |
| Mobile number | Yes (per DOT directive) | Completed (SIM deactivation for non-compliance) | Mobile SIM may be deactivated |
| EPF account | Yes | Ongoing | Provident fund claims may be delayed |
| GST registration | Yes (for proprietors and partners) | At the time of registration/amendment | GST registration may be suspended |
| LPG subsidy | Yes | Ongoing | Subsidy not credited |
| Income tax return filing | Yes | Each filing | ITR cannot be e-verified without Aadhaar |
Aadhaar-PAN Linking
Aadhaar-PAN linking is mandatory under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act. If a PAN is not linked to Aadhaar, it becomes inoperative. An inoperative PAN means the taxpayer cannot file income tax returns, receive tax refunds, complete high-value financial transactions, or open new bank or demat accounts. The linking can be done through the Income Tax e-filing portal or by sending an SMS in the format UIDPAN (space) 12-digit Aadhaar (space) 10-digit PAN to 567678 or 56161.
Key Terms
• Aadhaar: A unique 12-digit identification number issued by UIDAI to residents of India based on biometric and demographic data
• UIDAI: Unique Identification Authority of India, the statutory body responsible for Aadhaar enrollment, authentication, and management
• Baal Aadhaar: A blue Aadhaar card issued for children under 5 years without biometric data, linked to a parent’s Aadhaar
• Virtual ID (VID): A temporary 16-digit number generated from Aadhaar that masks the actual Aadhaar number for limited-purpose authentication
• e-Aadhaar: A digitally signed electronic version of the Aadhaar card, downloadable from the UIDAI portal and equally valid as the original
| Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation. |
Managing Your Aadhaar Compliance?
Ensure your Aadhaar is updated and linked to your PAN, and ready for GST registration and tax filing. Use WFYI tools to track compliance deadlines and manage your identification documents efficiently. Explore GST Tools on WFYI
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Aadhaar mandatory for all Indian residents?
Aadhaar is not legally mandatory for all residents, but it is required to access government subsidies, file income tax returns, open a bank account, and obtain a mobile connection. In practice, it functions as a near-universal requirement for most services in India.
Q2: How can I download my e-Aadhaar online?
Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 28-digit Enrollment ID, complete OTP verification using your registered mobile number, and download the password-protected PDF. The password is the first four letters of your name (in capitals) followed by your birth year.
Q3: What is the difference between Aadhaar and PAN?
Aadhaar is a biometric identity document issued by UIDAI for general identification purposes. PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a tax identification number issued by the Income Tax Department for financial transactions and tax compliance. Both must be linked as per Section 139AA.
Q4: Can NRIs get an Aadhaar card?
Yes. NRIs holding a valid Indian passport can apply for Aadhaar if they have resided in India for at least 182 days in the preceding 12 months. The passport serves as both identity and address proof for enrollment.
Q5: How do I update my address on Aadhaar online?
Log in to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, select Update Aadhaar, choose Address Update, enter the new address details, upload a valid address proof document, and submit. The update request is processed within 30 to 90 days after UIDAI verifies the document.
