Aadhaar
How to Download Aadhaar and Order a Physical PVC Aadhaar Card
Download regular or masked e-Aadhaar, open the password-protected PDF, order UIDAI's PVC Aadhaar card, track delivery, and avoid fake card websites.
Published 20 July 2026 · Updated 20 July 2026 · Reviewed against official sources
In this guide
- Quick answer
- Which Aadhaar format do you need?
- Download e-Aadhaar
- Open the e-Aadhaar PDF
- Regular versus masked Aadhaar
- Order UIDAI's physical PVC Aadhaar card
- Important address point
- Common problems
- Privacy and scam protection
- Official sources checked
Official references
Check the official portal before you apply
This guide is educational. Use official portals to confirm current fees, accepted documents, eligibility, and application status.
Last reviewed: July 20, 2026
Quick answer
Download a free electronic Aadhaar from UIDAI MyAadhaar using Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID, or VID and the authentication shown. UIDAI says e-Aadhaar is valid like the physical copy.
If you want a durable wallet-size card delivered to the Aadhaar address, use UIDAI's Order Aadhaar PVC Card service. UIDAI currently lists the charge as ₹75 including GST and speed post.
Which Aadhaar format do you need?
| Format | Best for | | --- | --- | | Regular e-Aadhaar | Digitally signed PDF showing the Aadhaar number | | Masked e-Aadhaar | PDF that hides the first eight digits for safer limited sharing | | Aadhaar letter | Paper letter sent after enrolment or update, as applicable | | UIDAI Aadhaar PVC Card | Wallet-size physical card ordered from UIDAI | | mAadhaar | Aadhaar services and digital profile through UIDAI's mobile app |
These are formats of the same Aadhaar identity, not separate Aadhaar numbers.
Download e-Aadhaar
- Open MyAadhaar Download Aadhaar directly.
- Choose Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID, or VID.
- Enter the requested details and security code.
- Choose regular or masked Aadhaar where the option appears.
- Complete OTP or the official authentication flow.
- Download the password-protected PDF.
- Store it in a secure location and avoid forwarding an unmasked copy unnecessarily.
The OTP for normal e-Aadhaar download is sent to the registered mobile number. If you no longer control that number, follow UIDAI's official mobile-update or centre-based options.
Open the e-Aadhaar PDF
UIDAI defines the password as:
First four letters of the name in CAPITALS + year of birth in YYYY format
For example, a person named Ravi Kumar born in 1992 would try RAVI1992. If the name has fewer than four letters, use the available letters as described by UIDAI.
Regular versus masked Aadhaar
Masked Aadhaar replaces the first eight Aadhaar digits with xxxx-xxxx and shows the last four. Prefer it when the receiving organisation does not need the full number. Ask why Aadhaar is required, what format is accepted, and how the copy will be protected.
Order UIDAI's physical PVC Aadhaar card
- Open UIDAI Order Aadhaar PVC Card.
- Enter the Aadhaar details requested by UIDAI.
- Complete OTP authentication using the supported mobile option.
- Preview the displayed Aadhaar details.
- Accept the terms and proceed to the official payment gateway.
- Confirm the current charge before payment; UIDAI lists ₹75 as of 20 July 2026.
- Download the receipt and save the Service Request Number (SRN).
- Track status through UIDAI and use the India Post tracking information after dispatch.
UIDAI states that it hands the printed card to the Department of Posts within five working days after receiving the order, excluding the request date. Postal delivery takes additional time and is not guaranteed by a private helper.
Important address point
The PVC card is delivered using the address in the Aadhaar record. If that address is wrong or incomplete, update Aadhaar through the appropriate UIDAI process before ordering the card.
Common problems
- OTP not available: verify which mobile option the current PVC or download service permits.
- PDF does not open: use the exact name letters and birth year held in Aadhaar.
- Card sent to an old address: correct the Aadhaar address before ordering again.
- Payment taken by another website: verify the domain; UIDAI orders should begin on
uidai.gov.inormyaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. - No dispatch update: track the SRN first, then use the postal tracking number after dispatch.
Privacy and scam protection
- Use masked Aadhaar when full digits are unnecessary.
- Never share OTPs or MyAadhaar access with an unknown person.
- Avoid unofficial “smart Aadhaar” cards that imitate UIDAI branding.
- Do not laminate or alter a QR code in a way that prevents verification.
- Keep receipts and downloaded files out of shared devices and public cloud folders.
NammaGuide can explain the correct UIDAI service and help organise the next step. UIDAI controls Aadhaar records, card production, and dispatch.
Official sources checked
Official information checked on 20 July 2026. UIDAI charges and workflows can change.
FAQ
Is downloaded e-Aadhaar valid?
Yes. UIDAI states that digitally signed e-Aadhaar is valid like the physical Aadhaar copy.
What is a masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar hides the first eight digits and displays only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number. It can reduce unnecessary exposure when full Aadhaar is not required.
What is the current UIDAI PVC Aadhaar card charge?
UIDAI currently lists ₹75, inclusive of GST and speed-post charges. Confirm the amount on the official UIDAI payment page because charges can change.
What is the e-Aadhaar PDF password?
UIDAI says the password is the first four letters of the Aadhaar holder's name in capital letters followed by the four-digit year of birth. Short names use the available letters.
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