Download e-Aadhaar Online: Step-by-Step
e-Aadhaar is the electronic, password-protected PDF version of your Aadhaar card. It is equally valid as the physical card for most purposes and can be downloaded free, any time, from UIDAI's myAadhaar portal. You can download the regular version or a masked version that hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number — safer for sharing.
What you need before you start
- Your 12-digit Aadhaar number, 16-digit Virtual ID (VID), or 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID with date-time stamp)
- Access to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar (for the OTP) — if your number is not registered, see our mobile update guide
How to download e-Aadhaar — step by step
Open the myAadhaar portal
Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and click Download Aadhaar.
Choose your ID type
Select Aadhaar Number, VID, or Enrolment ID, then enter the number and the on-screen captcha/security code.
Decide: masked or regular
Tick the masked Aadhaar option if you want the first 8 digits hidden (recommended when sharing the PDF with others). Leave it unticked for the full version.
Verify with OTP
Click Send OTP, enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number, and submit.
Download the PDF
Your e-Aadhaar downloads as a password-protected PDF. Save it securely — it is a digitally signed, valid document.
e-Aadhaar PDF password format
The PDF opens with an 8-character password: the first 4 letters of your name in CAPITAL letters (as printed on Aadhaar) followed by your birth year in YYYY format. Example: if your name is Suresh Kumar and you were born in 1985, the password is SURE1985.
What is masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar shows only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number (e.g. XXXX-XXXX-1234). It is issued by UIDAI itself, so organisations accept it, and it sharply reduces the risk if the PDF is forwarded or leaked. Choose the masked option whenever someone asks for “Aadhaar copy” but does not genuinely need the full number.
Common problems and fixes
- OTP not received: wait a few minutes and resend; make sure the registered mobile is active. If the number is outdated, update it first (see the mobile update guide).
- Name mismatch in password: use the name exactly as printed on your Aadhaar (first 4 letters, capitals, no spaces).
- EID download: if your Aadhaar is not yet generated, use the 28-digit Enrolment ID from your acknowledgement slip — this downloads the e-Aadhaar once issued.
- PDF won't open: use an up-to-date PDF reader; the file is digitally signed by UIDAI.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. e-Aadhaar downloaded from the myAadhaar portal is a digitally signed, password-protected PDF and is accepted as valid proof of identity and address wherever Aadhaar is accepted.
The first 4 letters of your name in capitals (as on Aadhaar) followed by your birth year — for example SURE1985 for Suresh Kumar born in 1985.
Masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits, showing only the last 4. It is issued by UIDAI and accepted by organisations. Use it whenever the full number is not genuinely needed — it is much safer to share.
The OTP goes to your registered mobile number, so you need access to it. If your number has changed, update it first via the new Aadhaar app or a Seva Kendra, then download.
No. e-Aadhaar download from the myAadhaar portal is completely free.