Aadhaar Card Complete Guide 2026: Need to download your Aadhaar, correct your name, update your address or order a PVC card? You can access several Aadhaar services online through official UIDAI platforms without visiting an Aadhaar centre for every request.
UIDAI provides facilities to download e-Aadhaar, check update status, manage biometric security, and much more through its website, myAadhaar portal, and Aadhaar app. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the important services, applicable fees, update procedures and simple safety tips to help you manage your Aadhaar easily.
Aadhaar Card Complete Guide 2026: Overview
- Issuing Authority: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
- Aadhaar Number: 12-digit unique identification number
- New Enrolment Fee: Free
- Application Mode: Online and at authorised Aadhaar centres
- e-Aadhaar: Free PDF download
- PVC Card: Available for online ordering
- Official Website: uidai.gov.in
Aadhaar Card Services Available Online
UIDAI offers several online services to help you manage your Aadhaar details. Here’s a quick look at what you can do.
| Download Aadhaar: Get your e-Aadhaar PDF |
| Address Update: Change your residential address |
| Update Status: Track submitted requests |
| PVC Card: Order a physical Aadhaar card |
| Masked Aadhaar: Download Aadhaar with the first 8 digits hidden |
| Biometric Lock: Restrict fingerprint and iris authentication |
| Authentication History: Check Aadhaar authentication activity |
| Aadhaar Status: Check enrolment status |
| Virtual ID (VID): Generate a 16-digit alternative to Aadhaar number |
Note: Some services require OTP verification through your registered mobile number. Others, such as biometric updates and certain personal detail corrections, require a visit to an authorised Aadhaar centre.How to Update Aadhaar Card Details
Have you changed your address or noticed an incorrect detail on your Aadhaar card? You can request an update through the available UIDAI services.
However, the process depends on the information you want to change.
- Address: Online or through supported Aadhaar app services.
- Name: Visit an authorised Aadhaar centre.
- Date of Birth: Update at an Aadhaar centre.
- Gender: Update at an Aadhaar centre.
- Mobile Number: Through the new Aadhaar App or an authorised centre, where supported.
- Photograph: Visit an Aadhaar centre.
- Fingerprints & Iris: Update at an Aadhaar centre.
- Supporting Documents: Submit online through myAadhaar or at an authorised centre.
Note: The new Aadhaar App and the older mAadhaar app have different features. Check the latest UIDAI instructions before starting an update. Online services may also require a registered mobile number.Documents Required for Aadhaar Updates
Planning to correct your Aadhaar details? Keep the relevant supporting documents ready before submitting your request.
Depending on the type of update, you may need:
- Proof of Identity (PoI): For identity-related corrections.
- Proof of Address (PoA): For residential address changes.
- Proof of Date of Birth: For date of birth corrections.
- Other Supporting Documents: As required by UIDAI for specific updates.
The documents must be included in UIDAI’s accepted document list. If you visit an Aadhaar centre, carry the original documents for verification.
Aadhaar Card Update Fees 2026
UIDAI charges different fees depending on the Aadhaar service. Here is the applicable fee structure based on its published charges.
| New Aadhaar Enrolment | Free |
| Demographic Update at Centre | ₹75 |
| Biometric Update | ₹125 |
| Document Update at Centre | ₹75 |
| Online Document Update | Free until 14 June 2027 |
| Aadhaar PVC Card | ₹75 |
Free Aadhaar Update Facilities
- Mandatory biometric updates for children aged 5–7 years are free.
- Mandatory biometric updates for children aged 15–17 years are free.
- UIDAI has extended the free biometric update facility for children aged 7–15 years until 30 September 2027.
- Demographic updates performed along with biometric updates are also free under applicable rules.
Note: Check the official UIDAI website for current exemptions and fee details.How to Download Aadhaar Card Online
Need a digital copy of your Aadhaar? You can download e-Aadhaar directly from the official myAadhaar portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the UIDAI myAadhaar portal.
- Select Download Aadhaar.
- Enter your Aadhaar number or another accepted identification reference.
- Complete OTP verification.
- Download your e-Aadhaar PDF.
The downloaded PDF is password-protected. Its password generally consists of the first four letters of your name in capital letters followed by your birth year in YYYY format.
Note: e-Aadhaar is digitally signed by UIDAI and is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar letter. You can also download a Masked Aadhaar if you don't want to display your complete Aadhaar number. How to Check Aadhaar Update Status
Already submitted an Aadhaar update request? You don’t need to visit an Aadhaar centre just to check its progress.
Here’s how to check it online:
- Open the myAadhaar portal.
- Select the relevant status-check option.
- Enter your enrolment ID or update request details, as applicable.
- Complete the required verification.
- Submit the information to view your status.
Keep your acknowledgement slip or update request number safe until the process is complete.
Note: A submitted request does not guarantee approval. UIDAI may ask for additional verification or reject an application if the documents do not meet its requirements.How to Order an Aadhaar PVC Card
Want a physical Aadhaar card that’s easy to carry in your wallet? You can order an Aadhaar PVC card directly through UIDAI.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the myAadhaar portal.
- Select Order Aadhaar PVC Card.
- Enter your Aadhaar number or other accepted details.
- Complete the required verification.
- Pay ₹75 and submit your request.
- Save the acknowledgement for future reference.
The PVC card includes security features such as a secure QR code, micro text, a ghost image, and a guilloche pattern.
The ₹75 charge includes applicable taxes and Speed Post delivery charges. You can also order the card through the mAadhaar app.
What Is Masked Aadhaar?
Want to share your Aadhaar without revealing the full number? That’s where Masked Aadhaar helps. It hides the first eight digits and displays only the last four digits (XXXX XXXX 9012).
You can download it free through the myAadhaar portal. It’s a useful option when sharing your Aadhaar copy, provided the receiving organisation accepts it.
Baal Aadhaar: Aadhaar for Children
Baal Aadhaar is issued to children below five years of age. Parents can enrol their child at an authorised Aadhaar centre using the birth certificate and a parent’s or guardian’s Aadhaar details.
Children must complete biometric updates as they grow. Here’s the age-wise schedule:
| Child’s Age | Update Required |
|---|---|
| Below 5 Years | Initial enrolment |
| 5–7 Years | First biometric update |
| 15–17 Years | Second biometric update |
Note: Mandatory biometric updates are free under UIDAI rules and include fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs.Aadhaar Card Safety Tips
Your Aadhaar contains important personal information. A few simple precautions can help you avoid unnecessary risks.
- Use Masked Aadhaar: Share it when revealing your full Aadhaar number is unnecessary.
- Never Share OTPs: Do not disclose Aadhaar OTPs to unknown callers or agents.
- Lock Biometrics: Use UIDAI’s biometric lock facility to restrict fingerprint and iris authentication.
- Check Authentication History: Review your Aadhaar authentication records for unfamiliar activity.
- Use Official Websites: Download Aadhaar only through authorised UIDAI services.
- Protect Your Documents: Avoid uploading Aadhaar copies to untrusted websites.
- Generate a VID: Use a Virtual ID where an organisation accepts it instead of sharing your Aadhaar number.
If you suspect misuse, use UIDAI’s security facilities and contact its official help centre for assistance.
Important Links
| UIDAI Official Website | Visit Website |
| Download Aadhaar | myAadhaar Portal |
| Update Aadhaar | Update Services |
| UIDAI Help Centre | 1947 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aadhaar enrolment free?
Yes. UIDAI does not charge any fee for new Aadhaar enrolment.
Can I download Aadhaar online?
Yes. You can download your e-Aadhaar PDF through the official myAadhaar portal after completing the required verification.
Is e-Aadhaar valid like a physical card?
Yes. UIDAI confirms that e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar letter.
Can I update my Aadhaar address online?
Yes. You can use the myAadhaar portal or supported Aadhaar app services, subject to the applicable verification requirements.
Can I change my Aadhaar mobile number online?
UIDAI’s newer Aadhaar App provides a mobile number update facility. You can also visit an authorised Aadhaar centre. Check the latest instructions for the available process.
How much does an Aadhaar PVC card cost?
The Aadhaar PVC card costs ₹75, including applicable taxes and Speed Post delivery charges.
What is Masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar is a version of your Aadhaar in which the first eight digits are hidden and only the last four digits are visible.
How can I lock my Aadhaar biometrics?
What is biometric lock unlock service and how can I get it? You may get biometric lock/unlock services from UIDAI official website or any other supported Aadhaar application services.
Where can I get help with Aadhaar services?
You can visit the official UIDAI website or contact UIDAI helpline number 1947.
Disclaimer: This page is for general information purposes only. Aadhaar services, updating methods, fees, and exemptions are subject to change. Please refer to the latest guidelines given on the official UIDAI website before applying or making any payment.
