An Aadhaar number is your unique identification number that stores more information about you than just your address, age and so on. The Aadhaar is a database of rich information of every Indian citizen that identifies you by your biometric information like fingerprints, apart from address. 

Over the years, having an Aadhaar number has become mandatory to avail of a number of services from opening a bank account, to filing your income tax returns. 

In this article, we explore the steps needed to apply for an Aadhaar appointment online. Once you’ve successfully applied for and received your appointment, you’ll need to visit the Aadhaar enrollment centre with necessary documents for verification, and of course get your biometric data collected.

How to apply for an Aadhaar Card?

To apply for an Aadhaar card, you need a valid proof of your identity, address, and date of birth. Both of these are quickly done on the UIDAI website. Here are the steps you need to follow after you’ve filled out the application online:

1. Visit the enrollment centre and carry your documents to serve as proof of the information you have provided as part of your application. It is a good practice to carry your original documents as well.
2. At the enrollment centre, you will be provided with the Aadhaar enrollment form to fill out. To make the process quicker, you can download the form here, take a printout, fill it up, and carry it along when you visit the office.
3. Upon the high-level verification of the application and supporting documents, you will be asked to provide biometric data that includes an iris and fingerprint scan.
4. Your photo will be taken at the centre to store in the Aadhaar database. This picture will be on your Aadhaar card as well, so more than looking good, it needs to look like you. 
5. Once the entire process is successfully completed, you will receive a 14-digit Aadhaar enrollment number. Keep this number safe as not only is it needed to track your application status, but it also serves as a provisional Aadhaar until the actual one is received.

Documents required to apply for an Aadhaar Card

• Proof of Identity – passport, PAN card, driving licence, ration (photo) card, voter ID, bank (photo) ATM or credit card, an official card issued by the state or central government, etc.
• Proof of Address – passport, recent bank statement or passbook (with the stamp, seal, and signature of the bank), driving licence, ration card, voter ID, arms licence, etc.
• Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) – official birth certificate, passport, PAN card, service ID card issued by central or state government or PSU enterprise, photo ID card mentioning the DOB and issued by a recognized educational institution, etc.

The detailed list of acceptable documents can be found here: 

List Of Acceptable Supporting Documents For Aadhaar Enrolment (0-5 Years) 

How to apply for an Aadhaar card for a child online?

The process for applying for an Aadhaar Card for children a.k.a Bal Aadhaar, is rather similar, with some minor differences. If the child is below the age of 5, no biometrics will be collected. You can simply visit the enrollment centre with the relevant documents to apply for a new Aadhaar Card. 

Do note: one of the parents needs to have an active Aadhaar already, since the child’s Aadhaar will be linked to the parent’s.

For children above the age of 5, biometrics data will also be collected similarly to adults. The key document categories remain the same, however, in the case of children, a school identity proof will also be required along with proof of relationship with the parent.

Next Steps

Your Aadhaar acknowledgement number can be used to track your application status online or via SMS. The process can sometimes take up to 30 business days before the Aadhar number is generated.

Once you receive the confirmation that your Aadhaar is ready, you can visit the UIDAI site and download a soft copy, known as e-Aadhaar, using the enrollment number and one-time password. The e-Aadhaar is convenient to carry on your smartphone and is equal in validity to a physical card. If you take a printout of the e-Aadhaar, that too serves as your official identity and address proof across the country.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age limit to apply for Aadhaar?

No, there is no age limit to apply for an Aadhaar. Any Indian citizen or NRI that meets the stipulated criteria and has the relevant proof of identity, address, and birth can apply for an Aadhaar. In the case of children, the parent’s documents and Aadhaar ID will be required, along with proof of relationship with the child.

Can NRIs apply for Aadhaar?

Yes, now even NRIs (having a valid Indian Passport) can apply for Aadhaar. They can visit the UIDAI website to fill out the Aadhaar enrolment form, where they will need to give a signed declaration that confirms their residence and passport status. The remaining steps are somewhat similar and include visiting an Aadhaar Centre with the requisite proofs as per the following list of documents: List Of Acceptable Supporting Documents For Aadhaar Enrolment (0-5 Years) 

Do note: In certain cases, you may be asked to furnish evidence of your status of residency such as a copy of the visa or work permit, as the case might be.