If you don’t already have an Aadhaar card, here’s a simple guide to applying for Aadhaar, India’s unique 12-digit biometric identity card. This process is not possible online, as you will need to submit your biometric data, such as your fingerprint and iris scan, directly at an enrolment centre.
- Collect the required documents:
- The first step to apply for Aadhaar is to prepare the required documents. These include:
- Proof of Identity (PoI): PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driving license.
- Proof of Address (PoA): Passport, bank statement, or voter ID.
- Proof of Date of Birth (DoB): PAN card, school or college marksheet.
- Note that a document can be used for multiple purposes. For example, a passport can work as proof of identity, address, and date of birth.
- Get the registration form:
The registration form must be filled with the required documents. The form can be obtained free of cost from the registration center or can be downloaded from the UIDAI website. It is very important to fill all the information in the form correctly.
- Visit the nearest registration center:
You can easily check the state, city, or pin code on the UIDAI website to find the registration center. Select the ‘Show only permanent centres’ option and find the nearest permanent centre. Do not forget to carry the original documents.
- Document submission process:
After reaching the centre, submit the filled application form. The staff will verify and scan the documents and return the original documents to you.
- Biometric data submission:
After submitting the application and documents, your fingerprints, iris scan and photograph will be taken. This will confirm your personal identity.
- Get Acknowledgement Slip:
After registration, you will be given an Acknowledgement Slip. It will contain a 28-digit number (14-digit registration ID + 14-digit date and time). Keep this slip safe. You can use it to check your Aadhaar status or download your Aadhaar card.
- Aadhaar Status Verification:
It may take up to 90 days from the date of registration for Aadhaar to be ready. If you have provided your mobile number during registration, UIDAI will notify you via SMS when it is ready. You can check the status by entering the 28-digit number of your acknowledgement slip on the UIDAI website.
- Retrieving a lost acknowledgement slip:
If you lose your acknowledgement slip, you can retrieve it on the UIDAI website using the mobile number or email address provided during registration.
There is no fee to apply for Aadhaar.
The process is completely done at the enrolment centre.
Any correction is free of cost within 96 hours of registration.
Getting an Aadhaar card is not a difficult task. Prepare the right documents, visit the enrolment centre, submit biometric data and take a copy of the acknowledgement slip. If you follow these steps, you will easily get Aadhaar.