Aadhaar has become one of the most widely used identity documents in India. It is commonly required for banking services, government schemes, mobile connections, tax related services and several other official purposes.
If your physical Aadhaar card has been misplaced, damaged or is simply not available when you need it, there is no need to wait for a new physical card. UIDAI provides an electronic version known as e Aadhaar, which can be downloaded online and used as a convenient digital copy.
The e Aadhaar is a password protected PDF containing the same essential information as your Aadhaar document. It is digitally signed by the Unique Identification Authority of India and can be used as proof of identity and address wherever Aadhaar is accepted.
Here is a complete guide to downloading e Aadhaar in 2026, including the methods available through Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID, Virtual ID, mobile applications and government document platforms.
What Is e Aadhaar
e Aadhaar is the electronic version of the Aadhaar document issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India.
It is generally downloaded as a password protected PDF. The document contains details such as the Aadhaar holder’s name, photograph, date of birth or year of birth, gender, address and Aadhaar number, depending on the version downloaded.
The PDF also contains UIDAI’s digital signature and QR code for verification.
The e Aadhaar can be kept on a smartphone, computer or other secure device and can be printed when a physical copy is required.
Is e Aadhaar Valid Like the Physical Aadhaar Card
Yes. e Aadhaar is a digitally signed Aadhaar document issued through UIDAI’s official system.
It can be used as an Aadhaar identity document wherever Aadhaar is accepted, subject to the requirements of the particular service provider.
However, users should be careful when sharing Aadhaar information. For situations where revealing the complete Aadhaar number is unnecessary, a masked Aadhaar can provide a more privacy friendly alternative.
How to Download e Aadhaar Online Using Aadhaar Number
The easiest method is to download e Aadhaar through the official myAadhaar portal.
Visit the official UIDAI myAadhaar website.
Select the option for downloading Aadhaar.
Enter your 12 digit Aadhaar number.
Enter the security or captcha information displayed on the screen.
Request an OTP.
The OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
Enter the OTP and complete the verification process.
Once authentication is successful, download the e Aadhaar PDF.
Save the file securely on your device.
You can then open the PDF using the password format specified by UIDAI.
How to Download Aadhaar Using Enrolment ID
If you do not remember your Aadhaar number, you may be able to download the document using your Enrolment ID.
The Enrolment ID is printed on the Aadhaar enrolment or update acknowledgement slip.
Enter the required EID details on the official UIDAI portal.
Complete the captcha or security verification.
Request the OTP on your registered mobile number.
Enter the OTP received from UIDAI.
After successful verification, follow the instructions to download the e Aadhaar PDF.
The Enrolment ID contains the enrolment number along with the date and time information printed on the acknowledgement slip.
What Is the Enrolment ID
An Enrolment ID, commonly called EID, is the identification number provided when an Aadhaar enrolment or update request is submitted.
The complete EID consists of 28 digits.
It contains a 14 digit enrolment number followed by the 14 digit date and time information associated with the enrolment.
If you have your enrolment or update acknowledgement slip, you can find the EID printed on it.
What if You Forgot Both Aadhaar Number and EID
If you cannot remember either your Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID, UIDAI provides a facility to retrieve the relevant identification details.
The retrieval process generally requires information such as your name and the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
After successful verification, the Aadhaar number or EID can be retrieved and then used for downloading e Aadhaar.
If the mobile number registered with Aadhaar is not accessible, online retrieval may not be possible.
In such a situation, the resident may need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or another authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre for assistance and identity verification.
Can You Download Aadhaar Without a Registered Mobile Number
OTP based online Aadhaar download requires access to the mobile number registered with UIDAI.
If your Aadhaar does not have a registered mobile number, or the old number is no longer accessible, you may need to visit an Aadhaar centre to update the mobile number.
The mobile number update process requires the prescribed identity and biometric verification.
Once the new mobile number is registered, you can use the online Aadhaar services that require OTP authentication.
How to Download Aadhaar Using Virtual ID
A Virtual ID, commonly called VID, is a temporary 16 digit number that can be used in certain Aadhaar authentication and identification processes instead of sharing the actual Aadhaar number.
It is designed to provide an additional layer of privacy.
Where the relevant UIDAI service supports VID based authentication, the resident can use the Virtual ID along with the required verification process.
Because the VID is revocable and can be regenerated, it can be useful when you do not want to disclose your actual Aadhaar number unnecessarily.
The availability of a particular download option can depend on the current UIDAI service interface, so users should follow the options displayed on the official portal.
How to Download Aadhaar Using the Mobile App
UIDAI also provides mobile based Aadhaar services.
The Aadhaar mobile application can be used for various Aadhaar related services, depending on the features available in the current version of the app.
Users should download Aadhaar related applications only from official app stores and verify that the application is published by the authorised government entity.
The mobile based route can be convenient because Aadhaar information can be accessed directly from a smartphone after completing the required authentication.
The exact features and interface may change as UIDAI updates its application.
Download Aadhaar Through DigiLocker
DigiLocker is the Government of India’s digital document platform.
Eligible users can access government issued documents through their DigiLocker account, including Aadhaar related documents where the service is available.
To use DigiLocker, sign in through the official DigiLocker platform or application and follow the instructions for linking or retrieving eligible documents.
A digitally issued document can be useful when you need to present an electronic copy rather than carrying the physical document.
Always make sure you are using the official DigiLocker application or website and not a third party service requesting unnecessary Aadhaar information.
Download Aadhaar Through UMANG
UMANG, which stands for Unified Mobile Application for New Age Governance, provides access to various government services through a single platform.
Depending on the services currently available, users may be able to access Aadhaar related facilities through UMANG.
The exact Aadhaar services offered through UMANG can change over time, so users should check the current application interface before proceeding.
For the most direct Aadhaar download process, the official UIDAI myAadhaar portal remains the primary option.
What Is Masked Aadhaar
Masked Aadhaar is a privacy focused version of the Aadhaar document.
Instead of displaying the complete 12 digit Aadhaar number, the first eight digits are hidden and only the last four digits remain visible.
For example, a masked Aadhaar number may appear in the format:
XXXX XXXX 1234
The other information on the document remains available according to the document format.
Masked Aadhaar can be useful when an organisation only needs to verify your identity or address and does not need your complete Aadhaar number.
Before sharing any Aadhaar document, check whether the organisation actually requires the full number.
How to Download Masked Aadhaar
The masked Aadhaar option can be selected where it is provided during the download process.
Log in to the official Aadhaar service.
Enter the required Aadhaar details.
Complete OTP authentication.
Select the masked Aadhaar option if available.
Download the PDF.
Open the downloaded file using the applicable password.
The exact wording and location of the masked Aadhaar option can change when UIDAI updates its portal.
What Is the Password for e Aadhaar PDF
The e Aadhaar PDF is password protected.
The standard password format uses the first four characters of the Aadhaar holder’s name, as recorded in the Aadhaar document, followed by the year of birth.
The name portion is generally written in capital letters.
For example, if the name is Rahul Sharma and the year of birth is 1990, the password would be:
RAHU1990
If the Aadhaar name contains fewer than four characters, the available characters are used according to the prescribed format.
For names containing initials or punctuation, users should follow the exact name format displayed on their Aadhaar record.
What to Do if the e Aadhaar PDF Does Not Open
If the downloaded PDF does not open, first check whether you have entered the password correctly.
Make sure the name portion is entered in capital letters.
Check the year of birth.
Verify that you are using the name as recorded on the Aadhaar document.
If the name contains an initial or punctuation mark, check the exact format.
You can also try opening the file using a standard PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.
If the file appears corrupted, download the e Aadhaar again from the official UIDAI portal.
Aadhaar Document Update for Older Records
UIDAI has periodically encouraged residents to keep their Aadhaar documents and supporting information updated.
Residents whose Aadhaar records or document information are older may receive requests or recommendations to update their Proof of Identity and Proof of Address documents.
The requirement and availability of online document update facilities can change over time.
Updating supporting documents is separate from simply downloading e Aadhaar. Even if you download your existing e Aadhaar, you should check the official UIDAI portal for any notification or request applicable to your Aadhaar record.
Is There a Fee for Downloading e Aadhaar
The availability and charges for Aadhaar services can depend on the specific service being used.
Downloading e Aadhaar through the official online facility should be done through the UIDAI system rather than through an unauthorised agent or third party website.
Be cautious of websites that ask for unnecessary personal information or charge excessive fees for a service that is available through official government channels.
Safety Tips When Downloading Aadhaar
Always use the official UIDAI website or an official government application.
Never share your Aadhaar OTP with another person.
Do not disclose your Aadhaar details to unknown callers claiming to be UIDAI officials.
Avoid downloading Aadhaar through suspicious websites.
Do not upload your Aadhaar PDF to unknown websites simply to remove its password.
Store the downloaded document securely.
Use masked Aadhaar when the organisation does not require the complete Aadhaar number.
These precautions can reduce the risk of Aadhaar related identity misuse.
e Aadhaar Download 2026: Important Points
e Aadhaar is the electronic version of your Aadhaar document.
It is digitally signed by UIDAI.
You can download it online after OTP based authentication.
A registered mobile number is generally required for online OTP based download.
The Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID can be used where supported by the official service.
A masked Aadhaar displays only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number.
The e Aadhaar PDF is password protected.
The password generally combines the first four characters of the Aadhaar name with the year of birth.
If your registered mobile number is unavailable, you may need to visit an authorised Aadhaar centre for assistance.
Final Words
Downloading e Aadhaar in 2026 is a simple way to keep a digital copy of your Aadhaar document available when the physical card is not with you.
The official UIDAI myAadhaar portal provides the most direct way to download the document using Aadhaar details or an Enrolment ID, subject to OTP verification. Other government platforms and mobile applications can also provide Aadhaar related services depending on their current features.
If privacy is a concern, consider using a masked Aadhaar when the organisation does not need your complete Aadhaar number.
Most importantly, use only official UIDAI and government platforms, never share your OTP and keep your downloaded Aadhaar document securely stored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download e Aadhaar without my Aadhaar number?
Yes, if you have your Enrolment ID and access to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar. If you have forgotten both the Aadhaar number and EID, UIDAI provides a retrieval facility subject to the required verification.
Can I download Aadhaar if my registered mobile number is lost?
Online OTP based services generally require access to the registered mobile number. If you cannot access that number, you may need to visit an authorised Aadhaar centre to update your mobile number or obtain assistance.
Is e Aadhaar legally valid?
Yes. e Aadhaar is digitally signed by UIDAI and is a valid Aadhaar document. It can be used wherever Aadhaar is accepted, subject to the requirements of the particular organisation or service.
What is the password for e Aadhaar?
The standard password format is generally the first four characters of the name as recorded on Aadhaar in capital letters followed by the year of birth.
For example, Rahul Sharma born in 1990 would generally use RAHU1990.
What is Masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar is a version in which the first eight digits of the 12 digit Aadhaar number are hidden and only the last four digits are displayed.
Can I use e Aadhaar instead of the physical card?
Yes. e Aadhaar can be used as an electronic Aadhaar document wherever Aadhaar is accepted.
How many digits are there in an Enrolment ID?
A complete Enrolment ID consists of 28 digits. It includes a 14 digit enrolment number and a 14 digit date and time component.
What should I do if my e Aadhaar PDF is not opening?
Check the password format carefully, including capital letters and the year of birth. If the problem continues, try another PDF reader or download the document again from the official UIDAI portal.