Aadhaar Enrolment – Unique Identification Authority of India

Aadhaar enrolment is a simple and voluntary process that collects biometric details (fingerprints and iris scans) and demographic information (such as name, address, and date of birth) to issue a secure, universally accepted identification. This ID provides access to government services, subsidies, and financial inclusion, while also ensuring privacy and data protection.

To start the process, visit an authorized Aadhaar enrolment center with the necessary documents.

What is Aadhaar Enrolment?

Aadhaar enrolment involves registering an individual’s demographic details (such as name, address, date of birth, and gender) along with biometric data (fingerprints, iris scans, and photograph) with UIDAI to generate a unique 12-digit Aadhaar number.

The process is free, voluntary, and available to all residents of India, irrespective of nationality. After enrolment, individuals receive either a physical Aadhaar card or an e-Aadhaar (digital version), both of which serve as valid identity proof for a wide range of services.

Eligibility for Aadhaar Enrolment

Aadhaar enrolment is open to:

• Residents of India: This includes Indian citizens, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and foreign nationals with valid residency proof.

• All Age Groups: From infants to senior citizens. Children below 5 years are issued a Baal Aadhaar (blue card) without biometric data, which must be updated after the age of 5.

• Non-Citizenship Basis: Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship; it is a unique identity provided to residents of India.

Prerequisites for Aadhaar Enrolment

Before starting the enrolment process, make sure you have:

• Proof of Identity (PoI): Documents that verify your name, such as PAN card, passport, voter ID, or ration card.
• Proof of Address (PoA): Documents confirming your address, like utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements.
• Proof of Date of Birth (DoB): Birth certificate, SSLC certificate, passport, or PAN card. If these are unavailable, a self-declaration can also be provided.
• Registered Mobile Number: Required for OTP-based verification in future Aadhaar services (optional at enrolment but strongly recommended).
• Stable Internet Connection (for Online Booking): Necessary if you plan to schedule an appointment online via the UIDAI website.

If you don’t have valid documents, you may still enrol using the Introducer System or Head of Family (HoF)-based enrolment, which are explained further below.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Enrolment

UIDAI accepts a broad range of documents for Aadhaar enrolment. Make sure the documents are valid, clear, and issued in your name. Some of the commonly accepted documents include:

Proof of Identity (PoI)

• PAN card
• Passport
• Voter ID
• Driving license
• Ration card
• Government-issued ID card
• Marriage certificate (with name)
• School Leaving Certificate (SLC)

Proof of Address (PoA)

• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas) not older than 3 months
• Bank or post office passbook with address
• Ration card
• Voter ID
• Driving license
• Passport
• Property tax receipt (not older than 1 year)
• Rent/lease agreement

Proof of Date of Birth (DoB)

• Birth certificate
• SSLC certificate
• Passport
• PAN card
• Certificate from a government hospital or school
• Self-declaration (if no document is available)

Proof of Relationship (PoR) for HoF-Based Enrolment

• Ration card
• Marriage certificate
• PDS card
• MNREGA job card
• Birth certificate (for children)

Additional Guidelines

• Children under 5 years: Only a photograph is captured; no biometrics are taken. The Aadhaar number of a parent or guardian is linked.
• Foreign nationals: A valid passport, visa, or OCI/PIO card is required.
• Incomplete documents: You may enrol through the Introducer System or the Head of Family (HoF)-based method (explained below).
• Document updates: For the latest list of accepted documents, visit the Documents Required section.

Methods of Aadhaar Enrolment

Aadhaar enrolment is available through various channels such as Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs), Permanent Enrolment Centres (PECs), and special options for individuals without valid documents. The detailed processes are outlined below:

1. Enrolment at Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Permanent Enrolment Centre (PEC)

Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASK): Managed directly by UIDAI. Permanent Enrolment Centres (PEC): Operated at banks, post offices, and government offices. Both centres allow walk-in visits and online appointment bookings.

Locate a Centre:

• Visit the https://appointments.uidai.gov.in Appointment Portal to find the nearest ASK or PEC.
• Alternatively, check the UIDAI website or call 1947.

Book an Appointment (Optional):

• Go to the UIDAI appointment portal, select your state/city, and choose an available slot.
• Verify with your mobile number (OTP).
• Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments reduce waiting time.

Visit the Centre

• Carry original and photocopies of Proof of Identity (PoI), Proof of Address (PoA), and Proof of Date of Birth (DoB).
• For children, bring the parent/guardian’s Aadhaar and Proof of Relationship (PoR).

Fill the Enrolment Form

• Available at the centre or downloadable from the UIDAI Portal.
• Provide details: Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Address, Mobile, Email (optional), and Parent/Guardian details (for children).
• Indicate consent for linking Aadhaar with schemes/subsidies.

Document Verification

• The operator verifies and records your details in the UIDAI system.
• Originals are returned immediately.

Biometric Data Collection

• Photograph: Captured at the centre.
• Fingerprints: All 10 fingers scanned.
• Iris: Both eyes scanned.
• For children below 5 years, only a photograph is taken (Baal Aadhaar).

Acknowledgement Slip

• After enrolment, you’ll receive a slip with a 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID).
• It includes your name, enrolment date, and centre details.

Check Aadhaar Status

• After 10–30 days, check your Aadhaar enrolment status on https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus/en using your EID.
• Once ready, download e-Aadhaar or order a PVC Aadhaar Card.

Processing Time: Normally 10–30 days, but may take up to 90 days. You’ll receive an SMS or email notification when your Aadhaar is generated.

2. Enrolment Without Documents (Introducer System)

If you don’t have valid Proof of Identity (PoI) or Proof of Address (PoA) documents (e.g., homeless persons or those without formal records), UIDAI provides alternative enrolment methods through an Introducer or Head of Family (HoF).

Who is an Introducer? An Introducer is an individual authorized by UIDAI—such as a government official, NGO representative, or community leader—who can confirm your identity and address.

Process:

1. Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Permanent Enrolment Centre (PEC) with an authorized Introducer.
2. The Introducer verifies your identity and address on the enrolment form.
3. Provide biometric data (photograph, fingerprints, and iris scan).
4. Receive an acknowledgement slip with a 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID).

Availability: This facility is offered only at select centres. Call the UIDAI helpline 1947 to find one near you.

Enrolment through Head of Family (HoF)

Who is HoF? A Head of Family is an immediate family member (e.g., parent, spouse) who already has a valid Aadhaar number.

Process:

1. The HoF provides their Aadhaar number along with a Proof of Relationship (PoR) document (e.g., ration card, marriage certificate).
2. Fill in your details on the enrolment form, verified by the HoF.
3. Provide biometric data (photo, fingerprints, and iris scan).
4. Receive your acknowledgement slip with the EID.

Note: The Head of Family must be physically present during the enrolment process.

3. Enrolment for Children (Baal Aadhaar)

Children of all age groups can enrol for Aadhaar. The process depends on their age:

Below 5 Years (Baal Aadhaar)

• Documents Required: Parent/guardian’s Aadhaar number, Proof of Relationship (PoR), such as a birth certificate, Child’s photograph
• Biometrics: Only a facial photograph, fingerprints, or iris scans.
• Process:

1. Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Permanent Enrolment Centre (PEC) with the parent/guardian.
2. Submit the enrolment form with the child’s details and the parent’s Aadhaar.
3. The photograph is captured.
4. Receive an acknowledgement slip with the Enrolment ID (EID).

• Validity: Baal Aadhaar is valid until the child turns 5. Biometric updates are mandatory between the ages of 5–15.

Aadhaar Enrolment for Children (Ages 5–15)

• Documents Required: Same as adults: Proof of Identity (PoI), Proof of Address (PoA), and Proof of Date of Birth (DoB), or parents’ Aadhaar with a Proof of Relationship (PoR).
• Biometrics Collected: Fingerprints of all 10 fingers, Iris scans of both eyes Facial photograph
• Enrolment Process: Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Permanent Enrolment Centre (PEC).

Biometric Update After Age 5

• Children must update their biometrics (fingerprints and iris scans) once they turn 5.
• Visit an ASK/PEC with the child’s Baal Aadhaar and the parent’s Aadhaar.
• The update is free of cost until the child turns 15 and is mandatory to keep the Aadhaar valid.

4. Enrolment for NRIs and Foreign Nationals

• Eligibility: NRIs and foreign nationals who have resided in India for 182 days or more in the 12 months before enrolment.
• Required Documents:
• NRIs: Passport, visa, or OCI/PIO card, along with valid Indian address proof.
• Foreign Nationals: Valid passport, visa, and proof of local address (e.g., rental agreement, utility bill).
• Enrolment Process: Same as the standard Aadhaar process, including demographic details and biometric data (photograph, fingerprints, and iris scans).

Important Note: Aadhaar issued to foreign nationals is valid only for the duration of their stay in India.

Special Aadhaar Enrolment Drives

UIDAI organizes special enrolment drives to ensure wider coverage, particularly for groups with limited access:

• Rural and Remote Areas: Mobile Aadhaar vans and temporary enrolment camps are set up.
• Vulnerable Groups: Homeless persons, orphans, and individuals in shelters can enrol through the Introducer System.
• Schools and Anganwadis: Enrolment camps are often arranged for children in coordination with local authorities.

Stay updated by checking the UIDAI website or contacting your local administration for announcements on upcoming enrolment drives.

Post-Enrolment Steps

After enrolment, follow these steps to access your Aadhaar:

Track Your Application Status

• Go to UIDAI Status Check https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and select “Check Enrolment or Update Status.
• Select “Check Enrolment or Update Status.”
• Enter your Enrolment ID (EID), SRN, URN, or SID along with the captcha code.
• Processing usually takes 10–30 days.

Download e-Aadhaar

• Once generated, Aadhaar e-Download PDF from the myAadhaar portal https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricDownloadAadhaar/en Use your EID or Aadhaar number and verify with an OTP.
• Password to open PDF: First four letters of your name in UPPERCASE + birth year (e.g., RAVI1990).

Order Aadhaar PVC Card

• Request a durable PVC Aadhaar card online at UIDAI https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricPVC/en for Rs. 50.
• Delivered within 5 working days.

Update Aadhaar Details (if required)

• Update details like address, mobile number, or email free of cost until 14 June 2026 via the myAadhaar portal https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/du/en_IN.
• For biometric updates or other major changes, visit an ASK/PEC. Fees: ₹50–₹100.

Important Tips and Security Measures

• Aadhaar Enrolment is Free: Aadhaar enrolment and most updates cost nothing. Only PVC card requests and certain biometric updates at centres involve a small fee.
• Visit Authorized Centres Only: Always enrol or update details at UIDAI-approved Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs) or Permanent Enrolment Centres (PECs) to avoid fraud.
• Protect Personal Data: Never share your Aadhaar number, OTP, or biometric details with anyone publicly.
• Use Masked Aadhaar: When sharing Aadhaar digitally, opt for the Masked Aadhaar, which shows only the last four digits for added privacy.
• Verify Before Leaving: Carefully check the acknowledgement slip for correct details before leaving the enrolment centre.

FAQs- Aadhaar Enrolment