How to Apply for Aadhaar Card in India?

In this article, you’ll get to know about the importance of Aadhaar card and how to apply for an Aadhaar card in India.

What is Aadhaar Card?

The Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Government of India provides the Aadhaar card for free to all Indian residents. It is a 12 digit individual identification number that serves as proof of identity and proof of address, anywhere in India.

It is available both online and offline. Aadhaar card received via India Post and e-Aadhaar downloaded from the UIDAI website are equally valid.

Any individual including children living in India and satisfies the verification process laid by the UIDAI can enroll for Aadhaar card.

A person can own only one Aadhaar and duplicates cannot be generated as it is based on demographic and biometric information.

Uses of Aadhaar

• Aadhaar number is a unique identity for each individual and will remain valid for a lifetime.
• It helps the residents to avail various services provided by the Government and also Non-Government like banking, mobile phone connections, etc
• Moreover it is a unique number where there can be no duplicates, and fake identities can be eliminated from the government database.
• It is a random number generated without any discrimination of caste, creed, and religion.
• Moreover Aadhaar provides a universal identity infrastructure which any identity-based application can use(like passport, ration card, etc.)
• It is a service that every Indian resident can avail irrespective of present documentation.

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card?

Applying for the Aadhaar Card at an Enrolment Centre

To apply for an Aadhaar, you should provide all the required documents while visiting the enrolment center.

Here is how a person can apply:

• Find an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre near you. For people in Tier I cities, you can find it at
  https://uidai.gov.in/images/Tier1_Cities_PECs.pdf.
• People residing in other cities can find Aadhaar Enrolment Centers by visiting
  https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/easearch.aspx.
• Fill  the enrolment form (the form is available online at
  https://uidai.gov.in/images/aadhaar_enrolment_correction_form_version_2.1.pdf)
• Submit the form with the required documents like the proof of identity and also the proof of address.
• After the documents are accepted, submit your biometric data which includes your fingerprints and the iris scan.
• Your photograph is taken for Aadhaar.
• Collect the acknowledgment slip that contains the 14-digit enrolment number and you can use it to check the status of your Aadhar card.

For some states and Union Territories in India, the Aadhaar enrolment is carried out by the Registrar General of India. The places include:

• Assam.
• Meghalaya.
• Arunachal Pradesh.
• West Bengal.
• Odisha.
• Tamil Nadu.
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
• Bangalore rural.
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Mizoram
• Lakshadweep

The process of applying for Aadhaar for the above places remains the same as it is for the rest of the country.

Documents that serve as proof of Identity

1. Ration/PDS Photocard
2. Voter ID
3. PAN card
4. Driving license
5. Passport
6. Government Photo ID Cards/service photo identity card issued by PSU
7. Pensioner Photo Card
8. Freedom Fighter Photo Card
9. NREGS Job Card
10. Photo ID issued by Recognized Educational Institution
11. Arms License
12. Photo Bank ATM Card
13. Photo Credit Card
14. Kisan Photo Passbook
15. CGHS/ECHS Photo Card
16. Address Card having Name and Photo issued by Department of Posts
17. Certificate of Identify having photo by Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar on letterhead

Documents that serve as proof of Address

1. Ration Card
2. Voter ID
3. Driving License
4. Passport
5. Bank Statement/Passbook
6. Post Office Account Statement/Passbook
7. Government Photo ID cards/service photo identity card issued by PSU
8. Electricity Bill (recent bill )
9. Water bill (recent bill)
10. NREGS Job Card
11. Arms License
12. Pensioner Card
13. Freedom Fighter Card
14. Kisan Passbook
15. CGHS/ECHS Card
16. Telephone Landline Bill (recent bill)
17. Property Tax Receipt (recent receipt)
18. Credit Card Statement (recent statement)
19. Insurance Policy
20. Signed Letter having Photo from Bank on letterhead
21. Gas Connection Bill (recent bill)
22. Signed Letter having Photo by Recognized Educational Instruction on letterhead
23. Passport of Spouse
24. Signed letter having photo by registeres company on letterhead.
25. Passport of Parents if the applicant is a minor.
26. Certificate of Address having photo by MP or MLA or Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar on letterhead
27. Certificate of Address issued by Village Panchayat head or its equivalent authority (for rural areas) Income Tax Assessment Order
28. Vehicle Registration Certificate
29. Registered Sale/Lease/Rent Agreement
30. Address Card having Photo by Department of Posts
31. Caste and Domicile Certificate having Photo by State Govt.
32. Disability ID Card/handicapped medical certificate issued by the respective State/UT Governments/Administration.

Documents that serve as proof of Date of Birth

1. SSLC Book/CertificatePassport
2. Certificate of Date of Birth issued by Group A Gazetted Officer on letterhead