Your Complete Guide to Applying for a New Aadhaar Card Online in 2025
New Aadhar Card Apply Online Link The Aadhaar card, a 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has become an indispensable document for every resident of India. It serves as proof of identity and address, and is seamlessly linked to a myriad of services—from opening bank accounts and filing tax returns to availing government subsidies and verifying your identity for mobile connections.
If you are among the few who haven’t enrolled yet, or if you are a parent seeking an Aadhaar for your newborn, the process is now more streamlined than ever. While physical enrollment centres remain crucial, UIDAI has significantly enhanced its online ecosystem, allowing you to initiate and manage much of the process from the comfort of your home. This guide will walk you through every step of applying for a new Aadhaar card online, providing you with the official links and expert insights to ensure a smooth experience.
Part 1: Understanding the Aadhaar Enrollment Process
Before diving into the online steps, it’s vital to understand the hybrid nature of Aadhaar enrollment. Due to the necessity of capturing biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan) and verifying original documents in person, the process is split into two phases:
- Online Phase: Pre-registration/Booking an appointment (Optional but recommended). This is the part you can do from your computer or smartphone.
- Offline Phase: Visiting a Permanent Enrollment Centre (Aadhaar Seva Kendra) to submit biometrics and documents.
The official online portal is designed to expedite the in-person visit by letting you fill out your demographic details in advance.
Part 2: Step-by-Step Guide to Pre-register & Apply for a New Aadhaar Online
Eligibility: Any resident of India, regardless of age (newborns and children included), is eligible for an Aadhaar number.
Prerequisites:
- A valid mobile number (will be linked to your Aadhaar for OTP verification).
- Scanned copies of your Proof of Identity (PAN, Passport, Voter ID, etc.), Proof of Address (Bank Statement, Utility Bill, Passport, etc.), and Date of Birth document (Birth Certificate, SSLC Marks Card, Passport, etc.). For children under 5, a birth certificate and parent’s Aadhaar are mandatory. Children between 5 and 15 must visit for a biometric update when they turn 15.
The Official Online Application Link & Portal
All online processes must begin at the official UIDAI website to ensure security and authenticity.
Primary Portal: https://uidai.gov.in/
Direct Link for Appointment Booking: https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/
Step 1: Locate the Nearest Enrollment Centre
- Go to the UIDAI homepage (uidai.gov.in).
- Click on ‘My Aadhaar’ in the top menu and select ‘Locate an Enrollment Centre’ from the dropdown. Alternatively, use the direct link: https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/easearch.aspx
- Enter your State, District, Sub-district, Village/Pincode, and search.
- You will see a list of permanent centres with their address and working hours. Note down the centre most convenient for you.
Step 2: Pre-register & Book an Appointment (Highly Recommended)
- From the ‘My Aadhaar’ dropdown or the appointments portal, select ‘Book an Appointment’.
- Log in using your mobile number (the one you wish to link) via OTP.
- Select the Enrollment Centre you located earlier, choose a date and time slot from the available options.
- You will receive an appointment confirmation on your mobile via SMS. Save this SMS.
Why book an appointment? It guarantees you a slot, reduces waiting time, and is often facilitated at dedicated counters in Aadhaar Seva Kendras.
Step 3: Fill the Aadhaar Enrollment Form Online (Save Time at Centre)
This is the most significant online step. You can fill the entire demographic form in advance.
- On the UIDAI homepage, under ‘My Aadhaar’, find and click on ‘Book an Appointment’. During the booking flow, or separately, look for the option to “Fill the Enrollment Form Online.”
- You will access the Aadhaar Enrollment Form.
- Carefully fill in all details:
- Full Name (as per proof document).
- Gender, Date of Birth, Age.
- Address Details (as per your proof of address).
- Parent/Guardian details (mandatory for minors).
- Select the documents you will be submitting from the dropdown lists for PoI, PoA, and DoB.
- Review all information meticulously. There is no provision to edit the name online after submission without visiting the centre again.
- Submit the form. You will receive an Enrollment ID (EID) or can print a copy of the filled form. Take this printout to the centre.
Step 4: Visit the Aadhaar Enrollment Centre
On your scheduled date and time:
- Carry the printout of your pre-filled form/Appointment SMS.
- Carry ORIGINAL documents (for verification) and their photocopies.
- The executive will:
- Verify your original documents.
- Capture your photograph.
- Capture your biometrics (10 fingerprints, iris scan of both eyes). For children below 5, only a photograph is taken; biometrics are linked from the parent/guardian.
- After successful capture, you will be given an Acknowledgment Slip. This slip contains your 14-digit Enrollment Number (EID) and the date of enrollment. GUARD THIS SLIP WITH YOUR LIFE. It is your only proof of enrollment and is needed to check status and download your Aadhaar later.
Step 5: Track Status & Download e-Aadhaar
- After 2-4 weeks, track your status online: Go to ‘My Aadhaar’ > ‘Check Aadhaar Status’ or visit: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus
- Enter your 14-digit EID and the captcha code.
- Once the status shows “Your Aadhaar has been generated,” you can download it.
- Download e-Aadhaar: Go to ‘My Aadhaar’ > ‘Download Aadhaar’ or visit: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricDownloadAadhaar
- You will need your EID or Aadhaar Number and the linked mobile number for OTP.
- The downloaded file is a password-protected PDF. The password is your pin code (without spaces) or your year of birth (YYYY format).
- This e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical card and can be printed on plain paper for all purposes, as per UIDAI guidelines.
Part 3: The mAadhaar App – Your Aadhaar in Your Pocket
UIDAI’s official mAadhaar app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store) is a powerful companion. You can order a PVC Aadhaar card, share a secure QR code for verification, lock/unlock your biometrics for privacy, and update your address online directly through the app. Once you receive your Aadhaar number, it is highly recommended to register your profile on the mAadhaar app for easy management.
Part 4: Important Points to Remember
- No Fees: Aadhaar enrollment is absolutely free.
- Mobile Number is Key: The mobile number you provide becomes the primary channel for all OTP-based verifications and communications from UIDAI.
- Document Validity: Ensure your supporting documents are valid and the name/address matches across them as closely as possible.
- Biometrics for All: Every resident aged 5 and above must provide biometrics. For children below 5, biometrics are deferred.
- Update at 15: A biometric update is mandatory when a child turns 15.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for New Aadhaar Applicants
FAQ 1: I have lost my Aadhaar enrollment slip (EID). How can I check my status or download my Aadhaar?
This is a common issue. Don’t panic. If you have registered your mobile number, you can retrieve your EID or Aadhaar number online.
- Retrieve EID/Aadhaar Number: Visit the ‘Retrieve Lost UID/EID’ page on the UIDAI website under ‘My Aadhaar’. You will need your full name, registered mobile number, and the captcha code. An OTP will be sent to your mobile, and upon verification, your EID or Aadhaar number will be displayed or sent via SMS.
- Virtual ID (VID): You can also generate a 16-digit temporary Virtual ID (VID) via the UIDAI portal or mAadhaar app. This VID can be used in place of your Aadhaar number to check status or download your e-Aadhaar, adding an extra layer of security.
FAQ 2: Can I apply for an Aadhaar card for my newborn baby completely online?
No, a 100% online application is not possible for anyone, including newborns, due to the mandatory biometric/photograph capture. However, the process is simplified:
- You can pre-fill the enrollment form online by providing the child’s details and selecting the parent’s Aadhaar as the supporting document.
- You must visit an enrollment centre with the newborn.
- Carry the birth certificate (mandatory) and the parent’s Aadhaar card.
- Only a photograph of the child is taken. No biometrics are captured until the child turns 5.
- The registered mobile number of the parent will receive all updates.
FAQ 3: What is the difference between the ‘blue’ Aadhaar download and the ‘physical’ Aadhaar card? Which one is valid?
- Downloaded e-Aadhaar (Blue/Black & White): This is the digital, password-protected PDF you download from the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app. You can print it on any paper and use it for all verification purposes. It is free.
- Physical Aadhaar Letter (White): This is the original letter printed by UIDAI and dispatched via India Post to your registered address. It can take several weeks to arrive.
- PVC Aadhaar Card: This is a latest, paid, durable plastic card that you can order online via the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app for a nominal fee (₹50). It is compact, water-resistant, and convenient to carry.
All three forms—e-Aadhaar, the physical letter, and the PVC card—are equally valid.
FAQ 4: How long does it take to receive the Aadhaar after enrollment? What if I don’t receive it?
- Typically, it takes 60 to 90 days for the physical Aadhaar letter to be delivered to your registered address via post.
- However, you can download your e-Aadhaar within 30 days (often sooner) of enrollment. It is the fastest way to get your Aadhaar.
- If you don’t receive the letter: First, download the e-Aadhaar. If you specifically need the letter, you can check the dispatch status using your EID on the UIDAI website. If it shows as dispatched but not received, you can request a reprint of the letter online for a small fee.
FAQ 5: I don’t have any proof of address (PoA) documents in my name. Can I still apply for Aadhaar?
Yes, UIDAI provides a mechanism for this through an Introducer system, but it is rarely used now. More practical solutions include:
- Head of Family (HoF) Certificate: You can submit a certificate issued by the Tehsildar or a similar competent authority along with the HoF’s Aadhaar and proof of relationship.
- Address Verification Letter: A letter from a Gazetted Officer, MP, MLA, or Village Panchayat Head on official letterhead.
- Bank/Post Office Passbook: If you have a bank account but no statement, a passbook with your address can sometimes be used.
- Manually by Verifier: At the enrollment centre, if you have no documents, the operator can initiate a process where a local verifier (like a postman or village official) can confirm your address, which is then verified before Aadhaar is generated. This process takes longer.
It is always best to carry any available document, even if it’s not a standard PoA, to the enrollment centre. The operator can guide you on the best course of action.
Conclusion
Applying for a new Aadhaar card has been streamlined by UIDAI’s robust online infrastructure. By leveraging the official online appointment system and pre-filling the enrollment form, you can drastically reduce the time and effort spent at the enrollment centre. Remember, the key to a hassle-free experience lies in having your original documents ready, your mobile number accessible for OTP, and carefully safeguarding your Enrollment Acknowledgment Slip. Your Aadhaar is more than just a card; it’s the key to a digital identity, and obtaining it is the first step towards accessing a seamless and authenticated life in India’s digital ecosystem.
Start your journey today at the official portal: https://uidai.gov.in/

