Documents like Aadhaar card cement an individual’s identity. Since they authenticate a person’s existence, they are required in every step of life, for example, while purchasing sim cards, buying property, traveling, getting school/college admissions, and more.
There is a list of identity proof documents like driving license, PAN card, ration card, passport, etc. In this article, we will highlight one of the most important identity proofs called the Aadhaar card. So, what is an Aadhaar card, and how is it different from all the other documents.
In simple words, Aadhaar can be referred to as a 12-digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India. Since this number is delivered to people on behalf of the Government of India, it serves as an identity proof of address and identity anywhere in India. Below we have mentioned some of the many features of an Aadhaar card that differentiates it from other identity proof documents:
- The basic idea behind an Aadhaar Card is to enhance the delivery of social security subsidies and benefits, improve accountability and transparency, eliminating duplicates, and more.
- The Aadhaar card offers nationwide portability since it is designed to be authenticated anywhere online. This proves helpful as several Indians continuously migrate from rural to urban areas.
- It is because of the extensive process of biometric de-duplication and demographic that the Aadhaar number is considered a unique identification number.
- Another key differentiating factor is that Aadhaar authentication only responds with a yes or no answer.
Key Takeaways
- Steps to apply for a new Aadhaar card
- How to track the status of a new Aadhaar card number.
- Steps to download an E-Aadhaar card
Steps to Apply for a New Aadhaar Card
A few decades ago, if someone lost an identity proof card or document, they had to reapply for it via a tedious procedure. However, today, with advanced technology, things can be done with a touch on the screen. Let us step-by-step walk you through the process of applying for a new Aadhaar card:
- Look for an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
If you want to avail a new Aadhaar card, do your research and locate the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre. There you can register yourself or any other family member free of cost.
You can spot the nearest centre by visiting the official UIDAI website and fill in your basic information like state and postal (PIN) code. Once this is done, you will get all the addresses of centres close to you.
In addition, you will also get accurate updates on whether they are permanent or temporary, when the information was last updated and the number of enrolments in the last 30 days.
- Collect Your Supporting Documents and Visit the Centre
After choosing your enrolment centre, make an online appointment and visit the centre with documents like:
- Identity proof documents like driving license, PAN card, voter ID, passport, and more.
- Address proof documents like electricity, gas, and water bills.
- If you are unable to meet the above-mentioned criteria, get in touch with the introducer at the enrolment centre. They are appointed by the Registrar and carry a valid Aadhaar number.
- Begin the process for a New Aadhaar Card Number
Often, people are clueless at government centres. However, if you have a handy guide on what to do, it gets a lot easier. Here are the steps to be followed once you reach the enrolment centre:
- Step 1: First, get the enrolment form available at the centre.
- Step 2: Fill in all the mandatory details like name, gender, DOB, mobile number, address, and more.
- Step 3: Now, the employed people at the centre will take your biometrics information which includes fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs. For children who are below 5, parents or guardians’ information will be required.
- Step 4: People tend to make minor errors in their forms which further delays the process of availing a new Aadhar card. Hence, ensure you double-check and review your form before submitting it.
- Step 5: Don’t forget to collect the acknowledgement slip. It has your new Aadhar card enrolment number, and other gathered details.
Population covered under Aadhaar in India from financial year 2017-2020
How to Check the Status of a New Aadhaar Card Number
Once you have completed all the above steps, ensure that you keep track of your new Aadhaar card number. Recently, as the government of India has digitized the generation of personal identity proofs, there are many ways to check the status of your new Aadhar card number:
- The first way is to use your enrollment ID. For this, you have to place an update request at an enrollment centre.
- However, if you don’t have access to your enrollment ID, you can retrieve it via your registered email or mobile number.
- You can also have an update on your new Aadhaar card number by using your URN. This is a 14-digit number you receive on your liked mobile number after updating your address.
- Lastly, if you need to check the status of your Aadhaar address validation letter, you can use your Service Request Number, which is similar to your URN.
- Did You know
The first UID number or Aadhaar card was issued on 29th September 2010.
Downloading Steps for an E-Aadhaar Card
Since we are rapidly moving towards a digitally advanced world, every government ID can be attained by following a simple online procedure. For instance, Meeta is a 34-year-old working woman.
Since she has to take care of work and house simultaneously, it is difficult for her to find time to reapply for her lost Aadhaar card. This is where the option of an E-Aadhaar card proves to be a blessing. Now, we will give you a glimpse into how she applied for a new Aadhaar card online:
- Before beginning the online process for her new Aadhaar card number, she kept her enrolment number and Aadhaar card ready along with the acknowledgement slip.
- Next, she logged in to the official UIDAI website, clicked on the Aadhaar online services section, and clicked on ‘download Aadhaar’. From here, she filled in her basic personal information like her name, Aadhaar number, pin code, and security code.
- After this, she requested an OTP, which she received within a few seconds and entered in the provided field.
- Now, in the last step, she downloaded her E-Aadhaar card after entering her password, which is the first four letters of her name with her birth year.
Words to Remember
Update Request Number (URN)
In layperson terms, URN is a unique number allocated to individuals when they apply for a correction in their personal Aadhaar data. Therefore, even if a person has not applied for a change, they receive an update request number that they can use in future.
Apply for a New Aadhaar Card and Verify Your Identity with Ease
We are sure that by now, you are equipped to navigate through government portals and websites. Thus, if you or any of your family members want a new Aadhar card number, you can confidently step ahead with this step-by-step guide and trump the situation in a calm and peaceful manner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
If you want to apply for a new Aadhar card, the first step is to visit your nearest Aadhar enrolment centre. Once reach the centre, get your enrolment form, give your biometric details and all the other required documents for thorough verification of your identity. Lastly, collect your acknowledgement slip and keep track of the new ID generation.
One of the best features of this identity proof is that Indians can apply for it regardless of their settled location. All you need is a valid Indian passport and visit the nearest Aadhaar, Kendra. Also, NRI’s can avail a digital copy of their Aadhaar card by applying for an E-Aadhaar card online.
No, the process of applying for a new Aadhaar card number is completely free of cost. All you need to do is follow the procedure that is set in place and provide correct personal information and documents.
Recently, people have been given an option to instantly download their E-Aadhaar card number by clicking on “Download Aadhaar” on the official UIDAI website. On the other hand, it usually takes 90 days for Aadhaar generation from the official date of enrolment.
A Smart Aadhaar card is a smart and compressed version of a paper-like Aadhaar card that can e quoted or submitted for multiple purposes. It includes features like micro text, QR code, ghost images, and more.
Also Read: Check Aadhaar Enrollment Status Online