How to Download Your e-Aadhaar
Download a fresh, government-signed e-Aadhaar PDF in minutes from the myAadhaar portal — exactly how to open the password-protected file and when an e-Aadhaar is treated as legally valid.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- uidai.gov.in ↗
The e-Aadhaar is a digitally signed PDF copy of your Aadhaar card. UIDAI treats it as legally equivalent to the printed card for identity verification, KYC, and government services — you don't need to carry the plastic card around.
Downloading takes a minute on the myAadhaar portal. The only catch is the password: first four letters of your name in UPPERCASE, then your four-digit birth year. So if your name starts with PARV and you were born in 1995, the password is PARV1995.
If you frequently share Aadhaar for KYC, download the Masked Aadhaar — it hides the first 8 digits and gives you a safer-to-share copy. Most KYC processes accept either.
Eligibility
- You hold an Aadhaar.
- You have an Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP.
Required documents
Aadhaar / Enrolment ID / VID
Any one of: 12-digit Aadhaar, 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID), or 16-digit Virtual ID (VID).
Aadhaar-linked mobile
Used to receive the download OTP.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Open the myAadhaar download page
Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and click 'Download Aadhaar'.
myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in ↗ - 2
Enter Aadhaar or VID
Type your 12-digit Aadhaar (or VID / EID) and the captcha shown.
- 3
Request OTP
Click 'Send OTP'. UIDAI sends a 6-digit one-time password to your registered mobile.
- 4
Verify and choose masked or full e-Aadhaar
Enter the OTP. Choose 'Masked Aadhaar' for sharing (hides the first 8 digits) or full e-Aadhaar.
- 5
Download the PDF
The signed PDF downloads immediately. The file is password-protected.
- 6
Open with the password
The password is the first four letters of your name in UPPERCASE + your birth year in YYYY. Example: name PARV, born 1995 → password PARV1995.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
uidai.gov.in
Common mistakes
- Trying to open the PDF with the wrong password format — name must be UPPERCASE, year must be 4 digits.
- Using a personal mobile that isn't linked to Aadhaar — the OTP never arrives.
- Downloading from non-UIDAI lookalike sites that ask for payment. Genuine e-Aadhaar download is always free from uidai.gov.in or myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
- Printing the masked e-Aadhaar when an organisation actually needs the full number — check before sharing.
Frequently asked questions
Is e-Aadhaar legally valid?▾
Yes. Under UIDAI regulations, e-Aadhaar (digitally signed PDF) is equivalent to the physical card for KYC and ID verification.
What's the password to open the e-Aadhaar PDF?▾
First four letters of your name in UPPERCASE + four-digit year of birth. Example: NEHA1992.
Can I download Aadhaar without a mobile-linked OTP?▾
No. The download flow requires OTP on the registered mobile. If your mobile isn't linked, visit an enrolment centre first to link it.
What's the difference between Masked Aadhaar and full Aadhaar?▾
Masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits and shows only the last 4 — safer for sharing where the full number isn't strictly required.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.