How to download your Aadhaar card — step-by-step guide for website and mAadhaar app

Aadhaar is one of the most important identity documents in India. Whether you have lost your physical card or simply need a digital copy, downloading your Aadhaar is quick and completely free. In this guide, you will learn step-by-step how to download Aadhaar from the official website and through the mAadhaar mobile app.

When you may need to download your Aadhaar

• Your physical Aadhaar card is lost or damaged

• You need a digital copy for online verification

• You are applying for a job, bank account, SIM card, or government scheme

• Your printed card has become faded or unreadable

How to download Aadhaar from the official website

Follow these steps on any browser — mobile or desktop:

1. Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

2. Click on "Download Aadhaar"

3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 28-digit enrolment ID

4. Enter the captcha code shown on the page

5. Click "Send OTP" — a one-time password will be sent to your registered mobile number

6. Enter the OTP and click "Verify and Download"

7. A password-protected PDF will download to your device. The password is the first 4 letters of your name in capital letters + your birth year (example: RAHU1995)

Important: Your mobile number must be registered with Aadhaar to receive the OTP. If it is not registered, visit your nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre or Common Service Centre (CSC).

How to download Aadhaar using the mAadhaar mobile app

The mAadhaar app is the official app by UIDAI, available for both Android and iOS devices.

1. Download the mAadhaar app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store

2. Open the app and tap on "My Aadhaar"

3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number

4. Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number

5. Your Aadhaar details will appear on screen

6. Tap "Download Aadhaar" to save the PDF to your phone

Things to keep in mind

• e-Aadhaar is legally valid: The downloaded PDF is accepted everywhere in India, exactly like the physical card

• PDF password: First 4 capital letters of your name + birth year (example: SUHA2001 for Suhas born in 2001)

• Masked Aadhaar option: You can download a masked Aadhaar which shows only the last 4 digits of your number — useful for privacy

• mAadhaar app note: The app must be used on the phone that has your Aadhaar-registered mobile number

Downloading your Aadhaar card takes less than two minutes and costs nothing. Save the PDF on your phone or print it out so you always have valid identity proof ready when you need it.

Frequently asked questions

What if I do not remember my Aadhaar number?
You can retrieve your Aadhaar number by visiting myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and using the "Retrieve Lost UID" option. You will need your name, registered mobile number, and date of birth.

Is e-Aadhaar accepted as official identity proof?
Yes. e-Aadhaar downloaded from the official UIDAI website is completely valid and legally accepted everywhere in India — for banks, government schemes, SIM cards, and more.

What is the password to open the downloaded Aadhaar PDF?
The password is the first 4 letters of your name in capital letters followed by your birth year. For example, if your name is Priya and you were born in 1998, the password is PRIY1998.