Aadhar Card – All residents of India are given an Aadhaar Card, which contains a 12-digit unique identity number, by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). At the numerous government-approved Aadhaar Enrolment Centers or Aadhaar Seva Kendras, residents can obtain this number by providing their biometric and demographic information (ASKs). Read the article below to get complete information about Aadhaar Card.
What is Aadhar Card
Aadhar Card is basically a mandatory and important card that every citizen of India must have with them. The issuing authority of the Aadhar Card is UIDIAI. After successfully completing the required verification steps, the UIDAI (“Authority”) issues 12-digit random Aadhaar numbers to Indian citizens. It is a centralized number that is particular to each person. Any resident of India, regardless of age or gender, may voluntarily sign up to receive an Aadhaar number. A minimal amount of demographic and biometric data must be provided throughout the completely free enrollment process by the person who wishes to enroll.
As uniqueness is obtained through the process of demographic and biometric de-duplication, an individual only needs to enroll for Aadhaar once, and only one Aadhaar shall be generated after de-duplication. The Aadhaar number lacks intelligence and does not create demographic profiles of individuals based on caste, religion, income, health, or location. The information on this card is kept in a database maintained by the government. The government now uses this card as its main tool for providing benefits and services to its citizens.
UIDAI New Portal “Bhuvan Aadhaar
Eligibility for Enrolling in an Aadhaar Card
To give Indian citizens a document that may be used as unique identity evidence for numerous reasons, the UIDAI issued Aadhaar. There is more to it than just an ID number. However, not only Indian citizens are eligible to obtain an Aadhaar Card.
The following are the requirements for Aadhaar enrollment eligibility:
- The candidate should be an Indian national who resides in India,
- The applicant residing in India but is not a resident of India.
Types of Aadhar Card
Aadhar Card for Indian Residents
The Aadhaar card is available to all Indian citizens. Additionally, in order to file their annual Income Tax Return(ITR), taxpayers must now link their PAN with Aadhaar, as per a recent requirement from the Indian government.
Aadhar Card for NRIs
Aadhaar cards can be applied for by non-resident Indians (NRIs), including minors and adults, who have a current Indian passport.
Baal Aadhaar or the Aadhar Card for Minors
Unlike the voter identity card, Aadhaar enrollment is open to minors as well. You must give identification documentation and the parent’s residence in order to apply for a child’s Aadhaar card. Aadhaar enrollment is also possible for newborns. However, as soon as they reach the ages of 5 and 15, they must update their biometric information. For children under the age of five, the Baal Aadhaar card is blue in colour.
Documents Needed to Register
You must provide the following document proofs at the time of Aadhaar enrollment: Proof of Address (POA), Proof of Identity (POI), Proof of Relationship (PoR) and Date of Birth (DoB) proof. The following are the methods that are most frequently used to request an Aadhaar Card:
- Passport
- NREGA job card
- Kissan photo passbook
- Pensioners’ photo ID card
- Ration card
- ECHS/CGHS photo card
- Voter ID Card
- Photo ID cards issued by the Government
- Address card containing name and picture issued by the Department of Posts
- PAN card
- Proof of Address
The following documents can be used as proof of address:
- Bank statement
- The signed letter that has photo from the bank on a letterhead
- Government photo ID cards or PSU-issued service photo identity card
- Address card with a photo issued by the Department of Posts
- Signed letter with photo and issued by a recognized educational institution on a letterhead
- Property tax receipt (must not be older than a year)
- Gas connection bill (must not be older than 3 months)
- Passbook
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Ration card
- Passport
- Proof of Age
The following documents can be used as a proof of age:
- Passport
- PAN card
- Mark sheet issued by government university or board
- SSC certificate
- State/central pension payment order
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of date of birth and issued by group a gazetted officer on a letterhead
- Proof of Relationship
The following documents can be used as a proof of relationship with the head of the family:
- PDS card
- Family entitlement document that is issued by central/state government
- Job card of MNREGA
- Birth certificate issued by Registrar of Birth or municipal corporation or local government
- Passport
You can download the form from the official website, https://uidai.gov.in, or you can submit the free Aadhaar card enrolment form in person at the closest Aadhaar enrollment centre to apply for a new Aadhaar card or update information on your existing card. To begin the Aadhaar enrolment process, you must submit the form and any necessary supporting papers.
You must pay a fee of Rs. 50 for the demographic update and Rs. 100 for the biometric update at the Aadhaar Enrolment Center if you want to update information on your Aadhaar card.
How to Apply for an Aadhar Card
Given the significance of Aadhaar and all of its advantages, the following query is how to obtain an Aadhaar card. To apply for an Aadhar Card, a step-by-step procedure and methodical protocols must be followed.
When enrolling for Aadhaar, the applicant must provide the essential information, and when the information is confirmed, an Aadhaar card is generated. The Aadhaar enrollment status can also be checked online.
You must pay a fee of Rs. 50 for the demographic update and Rs. 100 for the biometric update at the Aadhaar Enrolment Center if you want to update information on your Aadhaar card.
How to Check the Status of an Aadhaar Application Online?
Using the “Enrollment ID” found on the Aadhaar Acknowledgement Slip, which contains the 14-digit enrolment number (1234/12345/12345) and the 14-digit date and time of enrolment (yyyy/mm/dd hh:mm:ss), you can check the progress of your Aadhaar Card application online.
To check your Aadhaar enrollment status online, just follow these easy steps:
- Go to the UIDAI website and select “Get Aadhaar” then “Check Aadhaar Status.”
- Enter your security code and enrolment number.
- You will receive your Aadhaar details and delivery status if it has been generated.
How to Check Aadhaar Update Status Online?
People can correct Aadhaar details that are incorrect both online and offline. However, you can also check the update request’s status online. To check the status of an Aadhaar card update online, just follow these easy steps:
- Click “Check Aadhaar Update Status” under the “Update Aadhaar” section.
- Your Service Request Number, or SRN, should be entered here.
- The Aadhaar update status will be available online.
How to Print or Download an Online e-Aadhaar Card?
- When your Aadhaar number is generated, according to the Aadhaar card status inquiry, it is sent to your home address. You can also download your Aadhaar online, though. Your Aadhar card can be obtained in a number of ways. They utilize:
- Aadhaar number
- Name and Date of Birth
- Without Registered Mobile Number
- Enrolment Number (EID)
- Virtual ID
- DigiLocker Account
- Umang App
- Till your real Aadhaar arrives, you can print the downloadable e-Aadhaar card and use it as your official ID. All locations also take the e-Aadhar card.
PVC Aadhar Card
The Aadhaar Card may now be reprinted as a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) card thanks to UIDAI approval. For a little amount of Rs. 50, you can apply online for the Aadhaar PVC card (inclusive of GST and Speed Post charges). Aadhaar PVC cards are a legitimate type of Aadhaar and are significantly more durable and equipped with numerous security measures.
How is PAN linked to Aadhaar?
In accordance with Section 133 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act, the Union Government of India has made it necessary for individuals to link their PAN with Aadhaar before filing a “Income Tax Return.” The current cutoff date for tying a PAN to an Aadhaar card is March 31, 2024. However, you will only have to pay a cost of Rs. 500 if you link your PAN to your Aadhar card by June 30, 2024, as opposed to a price of Rs. 1,000 if you link your PAN to your Aadhar card between July 1, 2024, and March 31, 2024.
The following are the methods for linking Aadhaar to PAN:
- Linking PAN with Aadhaar through the e-filing website
- Linking of Aadhaar Number and PAN via SMS
How to Update Your Address in Your Aadhaar Card Without Address Verification
* UIDAI has currently stopped offering this service until further notice.
You can run into a lot of issues if you move to a different place or change residences after getting married since you lack a legal address verification. However, you can now change the address on your Aadhaar card without any supporting documentation and use it as legal identification.
The address verifier’s Aadhaar Address Validation Letter can be used to accomplish this. Your Aadhaar card has also been updated with the verifier’s address. Apart from the address, no additional information about the verifier is entered into your Aadhaar. Any person who is willing to give you his or her address information can serve as a verifier, including a relative, acquaintance, family member, or landlord.
The Aadhaar and Bank Account Linking Process
In 2017, the Reserve Bank of India mandated that all bank accounts be connected to Aadhaar. However, it is no longer required to link your Aadhaar with your bank account as of the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling.
However, you can do it using any of the methods listed below if you want to link your Aadhaar to your bank account:
- Link Aadhaar with Bank Account via Internet Banking
- Bank’s Mobile Application
- By Visiting the nearest bank branch
- ATM
- SMS Service
- Mobile Number
Using your Biometrics to lock or unlock a door
For Indian individuals, Aadhaar serves as a proof of identity and proof of address, making it one of the most crucial documents for obtaining government services. However, UIDAI offers the option to lock/unlock Aadhaar biometric data online, ensuring the security of your Aadhaar. The following are the methods for locking and unlocking your Aadhaar biometric data online:
- Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric through UIDAI.
- Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric via mAdhaar app
Benefits of an Aadhar Card
Every Indian citizen receives an Aadhaar number from the Indian government, which serves as identification anywhere in the nation. An Aadhaar card offers a number of advantages, some of which are listed below:
Identity Card
Despite not being a citizenship certificate, Aadhaar is a form of identification recognised by all governmental and non-governmental organisations. Along with the card holder’s picture, it also includes biometric information like fingerprint and iris scans. The Aadhaar card also has a QR code that may be scanned to see if the information it contains is accurate or not.
Proof of Residence or Address
The residential address of the cardholder is listed on the Aadhar card. Thus, it can serve as a residence proof for a variety of governmental and non-governmental verification procedures. When applying for various financial goods including share market investments, mutual funds, house loans, personal loans, credit cards, etc. as well as for financial services like ITR filing, Aadhaar is also accepted as a legal evidence of domicile.
Governmental Support
To receive subsidies under various programmes, the government has made it mandatory for citizens to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar. People are required to provide their Aadhaar in order to receive the subsidy for programmes like Pahal, Atal Pension Yojna, Kerosene Subsidy, School Subsidy, Food Subsidy, and others directly into their bank accounts.
Bank Accounts
These days, Aadhaar has joined PAN as a crucial document for opening bank accounts. These days, banks merely require the applicant’s PAN and Aadhaar card to create a bank account. Aadhaar is also required for Jan Dhan accounts. It is not necessary to connect your bank account to your Aadhar card, though.
Income Tax
Linking Aadhaar to PAN is now required for taxpayers by the Income Tax Department. Aadhaar will now be necessary as a condition of submitting income tax returns and paying taxes, without it, the taxpayer’s ITR application cannot be processed. The cutoff date for tying Aadhaar and PAN together has been extended to March 31, 2024.
Call Connection
Following the acceptance of Aadhaar as identification and address verification, almost all telecom firms offer phone connections. The link is activated as soon as possible after Aadhaar is submitted.
Gas Connection
Aadhaar information is required while obtaining a new gas connection. If they want to receive a subsidy for their current gas connection, they must fill out the KYC form and link their Aadhaar to their bank account in order to receive the subsidy under the Pahal (DBTL) plan directly into their bank account.
Mutual Fund
You could previously conduct e-KYC for mutual fund investments using your Aadhar Card, as required by SEBI. Even if the previous e-KYC procedure is no longer in use, creating an investment account is made simpler if you have an Aadhar card.
Note: Rs 50,000 per fund per year is the current cap for completing e-KYC for mutual fund accounts. The investor must conduct in-person biometric verification in order to overcome this restriction.
Services for UIDAI Aadhar Card
- An Aadhaar card can be downloaded online from the UIDAI website.
- If your Aadhaar was generated after enrollment or not, you can check the status of your card online.
- If you want to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Center in your neighbourhood to update your information, you may easily find one via the UIDAI online site.
- Your Aadhaar or enrollment number can be quickly recovered online if you lose it or misplace it.
- By going to the UIDAI portal, you can update your address for free online.
- Through the web site, you can additionally confirm a resident’s Aadhaar number.
- The mAadhaar app and online locking and unlocking of Aadhaar biometrics are both available to residents.
- An employee can verify the progress of the Aadhaar-bank account linkage online.
- By looking at Aadhaar authentication history, you may keep track of every authentication request made in the last six months.
- You can generate or get your Aadhaar Virtual ID against your Aadhaar number to safeguard your Aadhaar and add an additional layer of security.
FAQ’s
How long is my downloaded Aadhaar Card valid? The Aadhaar Card is valid for your entire life after it has been downloaded. What exactly is Aadhaar authentication and what advantages does it offer? The process of verifying demographic, biometric, and other information provided to the CIDR authorities for verification is known as “Aadhaar authentication.” The advantages of validated Aadhaar include improved service delivery efficiency and transparency, future demographic and residence verification, and identity establishment. What is Masked Aadhaar Card? Ans. The most recent method for citizens to hide their Aadhaar cards in downloaded e-Aadhaar is to replace the first eight digits with characters like “XXXX-XXXX” so that only the last four digits are visible.