A Comprehensive Guide to the Aadhaar Card

If you are looking for information on Aadhaar cards, you have come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Aadhaar cards. We will discuss the different types of Aadhaar cards, how to apply for one, the benefits of having an Aadhaar card, and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Aadhaar cards. 

There is no charge for getting Aadhaar Cards. It can be quickly and affordably verified online. Each person is assigned a unique random number without considering caste, creed, location, or religion. 

The card is then linked to a central database that various government agencies and private entities can access. It is used for multiple purposes, such as verifying identity, accessing government benefits, and improving the delivery of services.

So, whether you are a first-time applicant or just want to learn more about the Aadhaar card, this guide has you covered. 

What is an Aadhaar card?

Every Indian citizen is given an Aadhaar Card.

It is a 12-digit unique identity number, which can be obtained at any of the government-approved Aadhaar Enrolment Centers. 

Every citizen, regardless of his or her age, occupation, or gender, must follow a thorough verification process. He/She will need to submit the bare minimum of personal demographic and biometric data in order to enrol, which is free of charge. 

Aadhaar cards are only valid for one application per person per lifetime. This identification evidence preserves transparency and allows individuals to take advantage of government programs designed to improve their well-being. Aadhaar was introduced with the intention of combating corruption, fraud, and duplication.

The 3 Types of Aadhaar Card

1. Aadhaar Card for Residents of India

All Indian citizens are eligible to obtain an Aadhaar card. In addition, the Indian government has already mandated that taxpayers link their PAN with their Aadhaar to complete their yearly Income Tax Return (ITR).

2. Aadhaar Cards for Non-Residents of India

NRIs with valid Indian passports, including minors and adults, are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card. With a stipulation of residing in India for at least a year are qualified.

3. Aadhaar Card for Minors, also known as Baal Aadhaar

In contrast to the voter identity card, children can enrol on an Aadhaar. To apply for a child's Aadhaar card, you must provide identification proof and the address of the parent. For babies, Aadhaar enrolment is also an option. They must, however, update their biometric data once they reach the ages of 5 and 15. Blue is the colour of the Baal Aadhaar card for children under the age of five.

Aadhaar Card Features

Features of Aadhaar Card Services include:

• The official Aadhaar card download page is located on the UIDAI website.
• An ID from a lost Aadhaar card can be easily recovered online.
• Through the UIDAI website, you may locate Aadhaar Enrolment or Update Centers and check your Aadhaar status.
• The service also allows users to verify another person's Aadhaar card.
• Financial transactions benefit from the connection of Aadhaar and bank accounts.
• You can also retrieve your Aadhaar Virtual ID for added security and verification.
• On the UIDAI portal, online address updating is free of charge.
• Online access is available for locking and unlocking Aadhaar biometrics.
• You may look up the past six months' worth of Aadhaar authentication history.

Benefits Of An Aadhaar card

An Aadhaar card offers a variety of advantages, including

1. Identity Document

Even though it is not a certificate of citizenship, Aadhaar is a valid and certified identity card that is accepted by all institutions, both governmental and non-governmental. This is the case even though it is not a citizenship document. It has a QR code that may be scanned in order to validate the data, in addition to various types of biometric information such as scans of the iris and fingerprints.

2. Jan Dhan Yojana

Jan Dhan Yojna acknowledges the number on your Aadhaar card as the sole acceptable form of identification required to establish a bank account. People who live in rural and outlying locations get major assistance from the programme, which enables them to take advantage of the banking services offered by conventional financial institutions.

3. Proof of Residency, Age, and Address

It is an acceptable form of identification, age, address, and date of birth evidence for purposes including but not limited to house loans, investments, financial and non-financial services, personal loans, the buying and selling of properties and assets, and even for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

4. Early Passport 

By using your Aadhaar card, UIDAI has made applying for a passport simple. You can apply for or renew a passport by submitting either the Aadhaar or the e-Aadhaar. The Aadhaar serves as both an identification and an address proof in this situation. Once you have an appointment, you can bring these two documents to the Passport Seva Kendra within three days to complete the remaining steps in the passport application procedure. The passport application process can be sped up using the Aadhaar card number, and you might even receive it in just 10 days. Additionally, the government mandates that all passport holders have an Aadhaar card.

5. Governmental Subsidy

You can receive LPG subsidy money that is instantly transferred into your bank account by using the 12-digit number on your Aadhaar card. PAHAL is the name of this DBTL (Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG Consumers Scheme). You must go to the distributor in your zone to link your Aadhaar number to your 17-digit LPG customer number. However, you can link your bank account to the LPG number and receive a direct reward transfer facility these days.

6. Accounts in Banks

For purposes of identity and authentication, you can use your Aadhaar Card as one of the important papers of KYC, or Know Your Customer. The Aadhaar Card is accepted by banks and other financial organizations as legitimate identification with a photo and proof of address when processing service requests like opening bank accounts.

7. Income Tax

Indian taxpayers must link their Aadhaar to their PAN numbers and submit ITR applications, according to the Income Tax Department.

8. Connection to Phone Service

All Indian telecom firms have made it mandatory to permit phone connections after tying each individual's Aadhaar as a confirmation of identity and address.

9. Connection to Gas

When applying for a new gas connection, individuals must provide their Aadhaar and complete the KYC form after linking their Aadhaar to a bank account.

10. Mutual Funds and Other Forms of Investing

It is crucial to provide an Aadhaar Card and adhere to the e-KYC procedure required by SEBI before making any market investments.

Aadhaar Card As Asset And As Drawback

Asset

• People who don't have an ID card can obtain one from the government to receive the benefits that the government offers.
• The perks listed under the benefits part of Aadhaar can be obtained with the card, making it the most sought-after one in the nation.
• Given that India is a democratic nation and providing personal information or data should be an option rather than a requirement, Aadhaar has been made voluntary.
• Digital identity system Aadhaar's uniqueness aids in the eradication of fraud and fraudulent identification.
• Aadhaar significantly lowers social costs as well as administrative expenses.
• Aadhaar also aids in identifying tax evaders, making it simple to identify and control them.

Drawbacks

• Since Aadhaar is connected to numerous databases, there is a possibility that the data could be compromised and used inappropriately. One of the biggest hazards associated with Aadhaar is this.
• The government, and thus the general public, may experience several problems due to data centralization.
• Many rural or distant locations have yet to receive Aadhaar services, and the populace is uninformed about this new digital identifying system.
• The fact that Aadhaar data is linked to several bank accounts makes it vulnerable to misuse.
• About 30% of Indians live in poverty and are illiterate, making up a sizable portion of the population that is unaware of Aadhaar or its implications. Obtaining an aadhaar is challenging for them. Therefore, even if individuals sign up for Aadhaar themselves, there is still a potential that their data or information will be misused.

Eligibility For Getting An Aadhaar Card

An individual of any age and gender can apply for an Aadhaar. An Indian citizen may apply for an Aadhaar card, as long as they meet other qualifying requirements. Children who are younger than 5 years old can use Baal Aadhaar. This service is also open to non-residents of India and foreigners who have been present in the country for at least a year.

What is An Aadhaar Enrolment Form?

People who are interested in applying for or upgrading their Aadhaar information can visit an Aadhaar enrollment centre with the form and submit a request for the information to be updated. It is of the utmost importance that the information contained in your Aadhaar card is accurate and current.

You won't be charged anything to obtain the Aadhaar enrollment form because it is free and optional for individuals. You need to include your name, UID, and the field specifics that need to be rectified if your information has to be modified. Within 96 hours, the form's adjustment will be completed.

How To Apply For An Aadhaar Card?

To apply for an Aadhaar Card online, you must follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: 

First, go to appointments.uidai.gov.in, the Unique Identification Authority of India's (UIDAI) official website.

Step 2: 

Fill out the Form and book an appointment for enrolment. 

Step 3:

Make sure you carry identity proof, address proof, and evidence of your date of birth.

Step 4: 

Once you arrive at the Center, ask the appropriate authority for an enrollment form, and fill it out with the necessary information.

Step 5: 

Complete the form with the necessary data, and submit it along with the necessary paperwork.

Step 6: 

A verification procedure will be performed on the paperwork and the form. Your Aadhaar Card will arrive at the provided address within 90 days of the successful verification.

Documents Required For Aadhaar Card

 The list of documents needed to apply for an Aadhaar Card is provided below.

1. I.D. Card

•  Voter ID
• Driving License
• Ration Card
• Pensioner Photo Card
• Photo Bank ATM Card
• Certificate of handicapped issued by the Union or the State Territory
• Passport
• Certificate of identity issued by a Gazetted Officer on a letterhead
• Certificate of identity issued by a Tehsildar on a letterhead
  

2. Address Proof

•  Water, Gas, and Electricity Bills
• Bank passbook or bank statement
• Property Tax receipt
• Government Photo ID cards
• Post office statement or passbook
• Marriage certificate
• Registered lease/sale/rent agreement
• NREGS Job Card
• Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Allotment letter of accommodation
  

3. Date of Birth Proof

• State or Central Pension Payment Order
• Government photo ID cards
• Passport
• PSU issued photo identity card
• PAN card
• Birth Certificate
• Certificate of date of birth issued by the Gazetted Officer
• Government University Board issued mark sheets

An introducer at the enrolling centre who has been designated by the Registrar and has a current Aadhaar number can help you if you still need to meet all of the aforementioned prerequisites.

How Can I Find The Local Aadhaar Card Enrollment Office?

Go to the UIDAI Online portal. 

Choose the 'Locate Enrollment centre' option from the menu on the page's left side.

A new page will open. Go to the State option.

Indicate your home state, your congressional district, and your neighbourhood or area. Following submission, the search results will be displayed beneath the search bar.

The search results provide the following information about the closest centre:

• A precise address.
• The name of the person to contact.
• Contact information.
• The centre's opening date.
• The centre's classification.

How To Check The Aadhaar Application Status?

If you have access to the Internet, finding out the status of your Aadhaar card is pretty simple. All you have to do is go to the official UIDAI website and adhere to the instructions listed below:

Check out the UIDAI website.

Click on the My Aadhaar section. And go to Aadhaar Status Check

Enter the enrollment number found on the enrollment sheet you received. Enter the time and date in the following formats: hh:mm:ss and dd/mm/yyyy. Put the security code in.

Finally, select the Check Status tab.

Your Aadhaar's most recent status will be shown on the screen. You can also use your phone number to check the Aadhaar card status of your UIDAI Aadhaar Card. 

How To Download An Aadhaar Card Online?

The steps listed below can be used by a user for Aadhaar card downloading:

Visit the Unique Identification Authority of India's official website.

There is a tab labelled "download Adhaar" when you click on the "My Aadhaar" section. 

When you click on it, a new page with three alternatives will open up for you. Choose one from the group.

After that, you must enter the provided captcha with your virtual ID, enrollment ID, or Aadhaar number. A one-time password will be emailed to your registered mobile number when you click "Send OTP."

Upon completing the verification, a PDF will be downloaded and saved to your downloads folder.

PVC Aadhaar Card

A new version of the Aadhaar, known as the Aadhaar PVC Card, was made available by UIDAI. The unique PVC card, in addition to being long-lasting and convenient to carry, comes with many safety features. You can use your Aadhaar number, Enrollment ID, or Virtual ID to make an online purchase for an Aadhaar PVC card. To submit an application for an Aadhaar PVC Card, a fee of fifty rupees (Rs.) would be required. The new card will be sent to the address that was registered for it by expedited mail.

a. Protection Measures Contained Within the Aadhaar PVC Card

The following is a list of the primary safety characteristics featured on the Aadhaar PVC Card:

• Embossed Aadhaar Logo
• Embossed Aadhaar Logo
• There will be a statement of the print date and the issue date.
• Spectre likeness
• Hologram of microscopic text
• Secure QR Code

b. Instructions for Filling Out an Online Application for a PVC Aadhaar Card

The following steps need to be taken in order to submit an online application for an Aadhaar PVC card:

• Visit https://uidai.gov.in/.
• You will discover the option to "Order an Aadhaar PVC Card" within the "My Aadhaar" section of the website. Make sure you click on it.
• You will need to input the EID, Virtual ID, or Aadhaar Number on the following screen.
• After that, you will need to enter the security code.
• To send the OTP, click the "Send OTP" button.
• Enter the one-time password (OTP) that was provided to the mobile number you registered with. Confirm that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions by clicking the "Submit" button.
• You can preview your Aadhaar Card and finish the verification procedure if your cell phone number is linked to your Aadhaar.
• Choose the "Make Payment" option. You can pay for the purchase with your UPI, net banking, debit card, or credit card.

Things to consider while Doing Aadhaar Card Updating

When upgrading your Aadhaar card, it's critical to pay close attention to even the most minor details. Below are some of the critical information: 

1. Always use Capital letters while filling out your application. 
2. Never disclose anything other than the Active mobile number. 
3. The address where your Aadhaar card will be sent should be listed in full. 
4. Only send accurate and accurate information. 
5. Use only one language—English or Hindi—when completing an Aadhaar application form. 
6. Finally, review every piece of news again to ensure it is accurate.

Why Update Your Aadhaar Card?

There are two reasons why anyone might want to modify the information on their Aadhaar card. 

• The first involves changing demographic data such as name, Aadhaar card address change, date of birth, etc., 
• And the second is for the reasons about Aadhaar's biometric information. 

How To Update The Details On The Aadhaar Card?

The steps to update the Aadhaar card online are as follows:

You must first visit the Unique Identification Authority of India's (UADAI) official website. Visit the "My Aadhaar" area where the "Update Your Aadhaar" tab is located.

Click the "Update Demographics Data Online" button to make changes to information such as your name, address, birth date, etc. The second tab is for biometric Aadhaar data. Next, click the "Proceed to update Aadhaar" icon.

Click "Send OTP" after entering the 12-digit unique Aadhaar number and completing the captcha. On the registered mobile number, you will receive a one-time password.

Make sure to complete all the fields and type your complete address correctly. Use the preview options to check your entry of information once more. Hit "Submit." Keep a record of the Update Request Number so you can verify the status of your request.

Is Aadhaar A Requirement To Purchase A Mobile SIM Card?

Aadhaar cards are not required to purchase a mobile SIM. The Center has ordered telecom firms to begin accepting substitute credentials such as driver's licences, passports, and voter ID cards.

What To Do If The Aadhaar Card Is Lost?

Aadhaar's implementation agency, UIDAI, has various safety measures for cardholders in the event of loss or misplacement. Aadhaar cards can be easily retrieved and downloaded from the UIDAI website.

Log in to the UIDAI website by visiting uidai.gov.in. Select the "My Aadhaar" tab.

Under "Aadhaar Services" in the drop-down menu, Choose the 'Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID' option from the following two selections.

Once more, you will have two choices: retrieve "Adhaar No (UID)" or retrieve "Enrolment ID (EID)". Pick one. Give your Aadhaar all the necessary details. Click "Send OTP" after entering the essential Captcha information for verification.

Put in your OTP, log in, and then double-check your identity. Utilize the data you receive, then download your e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website.

Is An Aadhaar Required To Receive A Pension?

An Aadhaar card is not required for central government employees to receive their pension. His claim has vital because there have been tales of retired employees having trouble accepting their pensions because their bank accounts are not linked to their Aadhaar.

How To Get The Aadhaar Link With A Pan Card?

To file an "Income Tax Return," the Indian government has made it essential to link Aadhaar with pan. The following is the way for Aadhaar link to PAN:

Step 1: The applicant goes to the Income Tax e-Filing website and selects the "Link Aadhaar" option under quick links.

Step 2: Key in your PAN and Aadhaar numbers.

Step 3: Type your name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card.

Step 4: Tick the box if your Aadhaar card only has your date of birth.

Step 5: Select "I accept to have my Aadhaar details verified with UIDAI."

Step 6: Enter the "Captcha Code" as shown in the image to complete the verification.

Step 7: Select the "Link Aadhaar" button.

Step 8: After the successful Aadhaar card pan card link, the applicant will see a pop-up message confirming this.

How To Link My Aadhaar With A Ration Card?

One must do the following actions in order to link an Aadhaar with a ration card:

• The applicant must go to the nearby PDS facility or ration store. 
• He must also provide a self-attested copy of the Aadhaar information for himself and his family. 
• Submit a ration card copy that has been self-attested. 
• It is necessary to submit information about bank accounts connected to Aadhaar.
• Finally, a fingerprint is needed for biometric authentication.

Aadhaar Link With Bank Account

According to the Reserve Bank of India, all bank accounts must now be linked to Aadhaar by law. Through Internet Banking, a bank's mobile application, a trip to a nearby branch, an ATM, an SMS service, or a mobile number, you can link your Aadhaar with your bank account.

Link Your Voter ID to Aadhaar Using the NVSP Portal

To achieve this, go to the official NVSP website and adhere to the instructions below:

1. Enter your information, including your name, district, state, and personal data like your father's name and birthdate.
2. After entering your information, click the search button. Your information will be displayed on the screen if the government database has validated it.
3. The option to "Feed Aadhaar No." will be on the left side of the screen.
4. Additionally, a screen will emerge requesting you to enter your name as it appears on your Aadhaar card, Aadhaar number, registered phone number, voter ID, and email address. Correctly enter each of these data.
5. Select the "Submit" button.
6. Your request to link your Aadhaar with the voter ID has been submitted, according to a notification that will appear on the screen.

How Can Your Biometrics Be Locked or Unlocked?

Aadhaar holders who use the Biometric Locking/Unlocking service can temporarily lock and unlock their biometrics. This facility intends to improve resident biometric data privacy and confidentiality.

The service ought to be accessible to any resident with a valid Aadhaar. If a UID invokes any authentication services employing a biometric modality (fingerprint or iris), biometrics are locked, and an error number of '330' is returned.

Once a resident activates the biometric locking system, it stays locked until the Aadhaar holder decides to:

1. Unlock it (temporarily) 
2. Turn off the locking mechanism.

In order to use this service, you must have a registered mobile number. Visit the closest Enrolment Center/Mobile Update Endpoint if your mobile number still needs to be registered with your Aadhaar.

What Conditions Render An Update Or Change To An Aadhaar Card Invalid?

If the requirements are satisfied and the following criteria are met, UIDAI will only update information on Aadhaar Cards. Otherwise, it will get rejected. The requirements are as follows:

1. The details of any proofs or documents sent for Aadhaar Card upgrading must have the same information necessary for a modification in the Aadhaar Card.
2. Appropriate Documents Should Be Attached Or Submitted.
3. All Documents Should Be Self-Attested.

An Aadhaar Card is an important document that all Indian citizens need. It's a unique 12-digit number that serves as your identity and proof of address. You can use it for various purposes, including applying for a passport, opening a bank account, and getting a driver's licence. You can visit the NoBroker site and get all the information you require regarding your Aadhaar Card.

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