How to Download a Copy of Your Aadhaar Card

If you've misplaced your Aadhaar card, don't panic because you can easily download a fresh copy. It needs you to know your Aadhaar number, but you can easily look that up online.

The unique 12-digit government identification is not compulsory to have, but it serves as an identity proof on most forms that you'll fill, and some government agencies also require the Aadhaar these days. It is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Indian government.

The good thing about Aadhaar is that unlike some other identity cards, its digital copy, downloaded from the UIDAI website, is as valid as the original card. So whether you've misplaced your card and need a new one, or just wanted to get a digital copy of the card to submit with a form online, the official website has you covered.

Enrolling for Aadhaar is free and so is the process to obtain a digital duplicate; just follow the steps below and you're done.

Getting your UID number

To download a copy of the Aadhaar card, you need to know your UID number or your Enrolment ID. If you've gotten your Aadhaar already, then it's generally a good idea to note down the number somewhere. If you've misplaced the Aadhaar, then look for the enrolment form to check your Enrolment ID. In case you don't have either, then you need to look this number up first. Here's what you need to do:

1.   Go to the UIDAI website.

2.   Make sure that Aadhaar No (UID) is selected from the two options near the top of the screen.

3.   Type in your full name, as printed on the Aadhaar card.

4.   Type either the email address or phone number that you used to register for Aadhaar.

5.   Enter the characters you see in the image above Enter the Security Code.

6.   Click Get OTP.

7.   A one-time password will be sent to your email address or phone number, whichever you entered in the form. Enter this password in the form next to Enter OTP.

8.   Click Verify OTP.

9.   Now you'll receive your Aadhaar number on via SMS or email.

Getting your Aadhaar card

Once you have the UID number, you can use it to download a copy of your Aadhaar card. This part is also simple:

1.   Head to the e-Aadhaar page on the UIDAI website.

2.   Select Aadhaar next to I have.

3.   Enter your Aadhaar number, full name and the PIN code of your residential address.

4.   Key in the characters in the image in the field Enter above Image Text.

5.   Click Get One Time Password.

6.   This one-time password will be sent to your phone number if you click Confirm in the pop-up. Alternatively, you may click Cancel and have it sent to your email address.

7.   Enter the password you received into the form next to Enter OTP.

8.   Click Validate & Download.

Now your Aadhaar card will be downloaded in a password-protected PDF file. The password is the simply the PIN code of your residential address. You can now print this file, and it is a fully valid Aadhaar card.