How to Apply, Verify, and Understand Aadhaar card (2025)

The Aadhar Card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India. It uses biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans and demographic data (name, date of birth, address, etc.)) to uniquely verify each individual. It can be used for the following purposes:

• To avail of Government subsidies and schemes (e.g., LPG subsidies, scholarships)
• Income tax e-filing and linking PAN
• Bank account verification
• Mobile SIM card activation
• KYC (Know Your Customer) in financial institutions

Here are all the Aadhar card variants and what makes them unique:

• What is e-Aadhar Card? The e-Aadhar Card is a digital version of your Aadhaar, available as a password-protected PDF. You can download it from the UIDAI website by using your Aadhaar number or Enrollment ID (EID). It is equally valid as the physical card. It can be accessed anytime from anywhere for the same purposes as the physical card.
• What is PVC Aadhar Card? The PVC Aadhar Card is a durable, plastic version of the Aadhaar Card. It looks similar to an ATM card. You can order it online through the UIDAI website for a nominal fee of ₹50. It includes a QR code for easy verification.
• What is VID in Aadhar Card? The VID in the Aadhar Card stands for Virtual ID. It is a 16-digit temporary number that can be used instead of your Aadhaar number for authentication. It enhances your privacy by masking your Aadhaar number and can be generated via the UIDAI portal.

These variants and features make Aadhaar versatile and secure for various use cases.

Applying for an Aadhaar Card is simple and convenient through myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. it can be done online or offline according to your convenience. You can simply book an online appointment or go to any of the available authorized Enrollment Centres directly. Donot forget to carry your ID, address, and date of birth proofs for verification. Aadhaar is issued within 60-90 days.

For detailed steps, check our full guide: How to Apply for a New Aadhaar Card

You can track your Aadhaar application to know its expected delivery date. Here's how to check Aadhar Card status

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the UIDAI Website:
   • Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
   • Select "Aadhaar Services" and click "Verify Aadhaar Number."
2. Enter Aadhaar Details:
   • Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
   • Enter the CAPTCHA code.
3. Verify:
   • If the Aadhaar is valid, you’ll see details like the age bracket, gender, and state.
   • If your Aadhaar is shown as invalid, then contact UIDAI at 1947 for assistance.

Verification via QR Code

• Both e-Aadhar Card and PVC Aadhar Card have a QR code.
• Scan the QR code using a QR code reader or the mAadhaar app to verify details instantly.

Once your Aadhaar is processed, you can download it online in PDF format through the UIDAI website or mobile app. It works the same as the physical Aadhaar card. You only need your Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID, Virtual ID or your registered mobile number to download the Aadhaar card online. Here is how you can download your aadhar card online.

• Go to the official UIDAI Website.
• Enter your Aadhaar number/enrollment number.
• Authenticate yourself through the OTP.
• Download your Aadhaar in PDF format.

For a step-by-step guide, Check: How to Download Aadhar Card

You can track your Aadhaar application to know its expected delivery date. Here's how to check Aadhar Card status:

Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit the UIDAI Website:
   • Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and select "Check Aadhaar Status."
2. Enter Details:
   • Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and select "Check Aadhaar Status."
   • Enter the date and time of enrollment and the CAPTCHA code.
3. Check Status:
   • The portal will display your Aadhaar status, such as processing, generated, or dispatched.
   • If your Aadhaar is generated, then you can download your e-Aadhar Card online by using your Aadhaar number or EID.

Fees for Various Aadhaar Services

• Aadhaar Application: Free for first-time applicants.
• PVC Aadhar Card: ₹50 (can be ordered online via UIDAI).
• Updates /Corrections: ₹50 for demographic updates, ₹100 for biometric updates.
• Verification and Status Check: Free on the UIDAI website.

Always confirm fees at Enrollment Centres to avoid overcharges.

Everyone should keep their Aadhar card details, such as new address, name, or mobile number, updated to enjoy services uninterrupted. You can do it online and offline according to your convenience. You can change your details, such as address and mobile number, online, but to make biometric changes (e.g., fingerprints), you need to visit the Aadhaar Enrollment centre in person.

Get the full instructions at: How to Update or Change Details in Aadhar

It is very important to link your mobile number with your Aadhaar card. Through this, you can receive OTPs in real time and enjoy Aadhaar services flawlessly at your comfort.

Click here to know: How to Manage and Check Mobile Numbers Linked with Aadhar (2025)

Aadhaar can also be seamlessly integrated with other documents such as PAN card, Voter ID, bank account, or many other documents and services. In some cases, it is mandatory by the government to link Aadhaar with other documents. It helps you in filing taxes, availing LPG subsidy, and making big transactions.

Click here to learn: How to Link Aadhaar with Other Documents (2025)

This is a very important Aadhaar feature for people who are more concerned about their privacy. Virtual ID (VID) is a 16-digit temporary number issued by UIDAI. Virtual ID (VID) can be used for authentication instead of the real Aadhaar number to protect your personal information.

Learn how VID works and how to generate yours: What is Virtual ID (VID) in Aadhaar and How to Generate It (2025)

To ensure a smooth experience with your Aadhaar, follow these tips:

1. Keep Documents Ready: Carry original and photocopies of identity, address, and date of birth proofs for the application.
2. Use Official Channels: Apply, verify, and check status only through myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
3. Protect Your Aadhaar Number: Using VID in Aadhaar card for authentication gives you more privacy.
4. Track Application: Regularly check your Aadhar Card status using your EID on UIDAI.
5. Order PVC Aadhar Card: You can also get a PVC Aadhaar, which offers more durability

The Aadhaar Card is a unique 12-digit ID. It can be used for identity verification, accessing subsidies, filing taxes, and KYC processes

You can book an appointment and download the form online, but are required to visit to the Enrollment Centre to provide your biometric data.

As the name suggests, e-Aadhar Card is a digital, password-protected PDF version of your Aadhaar. You can easily download it from the UIDAI website.

PVC Aadhar Card is a durable, plastic version of Aadhaar, which can be ordered online for ₹50.

VID in Aadhar Card is a 16-digit Virtual ID used for authentication to protect your Aadhaar number.

You can easily verify your Aadhaar card by using the UIDAI website's "Verify Aadhaar Number" tool, or alternatively you can also scan the QR code on your e-Aadhar Card or PVC Aadhaar Card.

You can track your Aadhaar card application status by using your Enrollment ID on the UIDAI website.

It only takes from 60 to 90 days after enrollment to get an Aadhar Card. Alternatively, you can download the e-Aadhar Card sooner after it's generated.

Yes, any person living in India for more than 182 days can apply new Aadhar Card.