Aadhaar Card Complete Guide (2025): Apply, Update, Download, Correction and Link Aadhaar

The Aadhaar Card has become one of the most essential identity documents in India, used for everything from bank verification to accessing government services and digital platforms. In 2025, the importance of keeping your Aadhaar details accurate and updated is greater than ever, as more services rely on it for seamless authentication.

This blog provides a complete and easy-to-understand guide on everything related to the Aadhaar Card including how to update your details, download your Aadhaar in different formats, correct errors, check status, order PVC cards, and fix common issues.

What is an Aadhaar Card?

The Aadhaar Card is a unique identification document issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It contains a 12-digit unique Aadhaar number that serves as proof of identity and address for Indian residents. Aadhaar captures both demographic details like name, address, date of birth and biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans, making it one of the most reliable ID systems in the country.

How Aadhaar Works (UIDAI Database)

Aadhaar functions using a highly secure central database managed by UIDAI. When an individual enrolls for Aadhaar, their biometric and demographic information is encrypted and stored in UIDAI’s Central Identity Data Repository (CIDR).
Whenever Aadhaar is used for verification (KYC, bank accounts, SIM activation, etc.), the database instantly confirms the identity through biometric or OTP authentication, ensuring accuracy and preventing duplicate or fake identities.

Why Aadhaar Is Important Today

In 2025, Aadhaar plays a crucial role in almost every identity-related process. It is widely used for:

Government subsidy and welfare schemes
Banking and financial services
Income tax and PAN linking
Mobile number verification
Digital eKYC for apps and online services
Travel, passport, and identification checks

With most essential services connected to Aadhaar, having updated Aadhaar details ensures smooth and hassle-free access to daily services.

Benefits of Having an Aadhaar Card

Serves as a universal ID proof across India
Enables quick and paperless eKYC for banks, SIM, and financial services
Required for accessing government subsidies and benefits
Easy address, identity, and document verification
Supports digital services through OTP and biometric authentication
Helps eliminate duplicate or fake identities in government records

Types of Aadhaar Cards

Type of Aadhaar	Format	Features	Validity	Best For
Regular Aadhaar Letter	Paper (laminated letter)	Contains Aadhaar number, demographic details & QR code	Fully valid across India	Those who want the original Aadhaar issued by UIDAI
Aadhaar PVC Card	PVC/Plastic card	Secure QR code, hologram, micro text, durable, wallet-friendly	Fully valid	Daily use, wallets, long-term durability
eAadhaar (Digital)	PDF (digitally signed)	Downloadable, password-protected, same validity as physical Aadhaar	Fully valid	Online use, quick access, paperless KYC
mAadhaar App	Mobile app version	Store Aadhaar digitally, offline QR code, biometric locking, update services	Fully valid	Mobile-first users, travel, easy anytime access

Aadhaar Card Features & Key Benefits

The Aadhaar Card comes with several powerful features that make it one of the most trusted identity documents in India. It simplifies verification, supports digital services, and ensures easy access to multiple government and private-sector benefits.

Lifetime Validity

Once issued, the Aadhaar Card remains valid for life. There is no need for renewal, and the 12-digit Aadhaar number stays the same permanently. You only need to update your details if any personal information changes.

Reliable Identity Verification

Aadhaar is widely accepted as a single proof of identity and address across India.
Verification is quick and secure through:

OTP authentication
Fingerprint biometrics
Iris scan
QR code scanning

This makes Aadhaar one of the most trusted and accurate ID systems.

Benefits Across Banking, SIM, Travel, Subsidies & More

Aadhaar plays a key role in accessing essential services, including:

Banking & Finance: Fast eKYC, account opening, loan processing, money transfers
Mobile SIM Activation: Instant verification using Aadhaar OTP or biometrics
Travel & Passport: Identity verification at airports, faster passport services
Government Subsidies: LPG subsidy, ration benefits, pension schemes, PM-Kisan, scholarships
Digital Services: eSign, DigiLocker, online verifications, UPI authentication

Aadhaar ensures convenience, reduces paperwork, and makes identity-based processes faster and more secure.

Aadhaar Card Enrolment 2025

Enrolling for an Aadhaar Card is a free and straightforward process handled by UIDAI. The enrolment steps for 2025 are more organized and secure, ensuring accurate identity verification for all age groups.

Who Can Apply?

Any resident of India
NRIs with a valid Indian Passport who have stayed in India for 182 days (Approx 6Months) or more in 12 months
Newborns and children through Baal Aadhaar
Individuals without standard documents can enroll via the Introducer or Head of Family method

Documents Required

Document Type	Examples
Proof of Identity (POI)	PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID, Photo Passbook, Ration Card with photo
Proof of Address (POA)	Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Rent Agreement, Passport, Bank Statement, Ration Card
Date of Birth (DOB)	Birth Certificate, Passport, SSLC Certificate, Board Marksheet, PAN Card (with valid DOB)

How to Apply for Aadhaar (Step-by-Step)

1. Booking Appointment

Go to the official UIDAI website
Select the Aadhaar Enrolment Appointment option
Choose your nearest centre, date, and time

2. Visit the Enrolment Center

Carry original documents
Fill out the Aadhaar enrolment form
Documents will be verified at the centre

3. Biometrics & Verification

Fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph are captured
Details are checked and confirmed
You receive a 14-digit Enrolment ID (EID) to track your Aadhaar status

Aadhaar for Children (Baal Aadhaar)

Aadhaar can be issued to children of all ages, including newborns.

Key Points:

Issued in blue colour for children below 5 years
No biometrics required for children under 5
Parent’s Aadhaar and child’s birth certificate are needed
Biometrics must be updated after the child turns 5 and again at 15
Useful for school admissions and government schemes

How to Update Aadhaar Card Details in 2025

Updating your Aadhaar Card is essential to keep your identity information accurate. UIDAI allows both online updates and offline updates at Aadhaar centres, depending on the type of detail you want to change.

Details You Can Update Online

You can update these details through the myAadhaar portal without visiting a centre:

Address
Document updates (uploading or re-uploading supporting documents)

Note: Online updates can be done only if your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar.

Details That Require Aadhaar Centre Visit

You must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for the following updates:

Mobile number update or change
Biometric updates (fingerprint, iris, photo)
Name correction
Date of Birth correction
Gender update

These updates require physical verification and biometric authentication.

Step-by-Step Guide for Online Update

1. Visit the myAadhaar Portal

Go to the official UIDAI myAadhaar website and log in using your Aadhaar number and OTP.

2. Choose “Update Aadhaar Online”

Select the detail you want to update mainly Address or Document Update.

3. Upload Supporting Documents

Provide valid POA (Proof of Address) or necessary documents as required. Ensure the documents are clear and readable.

4. Preview and Submit

Review the updated details, confirm, and submit your request.

5. Track Update Status

Use your Update Request Number (URN) to check the progress on the myAadhaar portal.

Charges & Timeline for Aadhaar Update

Online update fee: ₹50 per update
Aadhaar centre update fee: ₹50–₹100 depending on the type of update
Processing time:
- Online updates: 3–7 working days
- Centre-based updates: 7–15 working days

Why Aadhaar Update May Fail (Common Reasons)

Blurry or incorrect documents uploaded
The document does not match the details being updated
File format or size not supported
Mobile number not linked with Aadhaar
Multiple previous update attempts
Name or DOB changes exceeding UIDAI’s allowed limits
Technical mismatch in biometrics during verification

Aadhaar Card Download Guide

UIDAI provides multiple ways to download your Aadhaar Card using your Aadhaar Number, Enrolment ID, Virtual ID, or even without a registered mobile number. You can also choose between regular eAadhaar, masked Aadhaar, or order a PVC Aadhaar card.

Download Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number (UID)

Visit the myAadhaar website.
Select Download Aadhaar.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number.
Verify using OTP sent to your registered mobile.
Download the PDF, which is password-protected.

Password format: First 4 letters of your name (CAPS) + birth year.
Example: RAJA1998

Download with Enrolment ID (EID)

If you don’t have your Aadhaar number yet:

Choose Download Aadhaar.
Select Enrolment ID (EID) option.
Enter your 14-digit EID + timestamp.
Enter the captcha and request OTP.
Download your eAadhaar after verification.

This is useful if Aadhaar is still being generated.

Download Aadhaar Without Mobile Number

If your mobile number is not linked:

Visit UIDAI’s Enrolment Centre locator.
Request Aadhaar Printout Service (Letter or PVC).
Verification will be done using biometrics (fingerprint/iris).
A print or PVC card can be issued without mobile OTP.

You cannot download eAadhaar online without OTP, but you can get a physical copy from any Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Download Masked Aadhaar

Masked Aadhaar shows only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number.
Steps:

Go to Download Aadhaar.
Select Masked Aadhaar option.
Verify via OTP.
Download the partially masked PDF for added privacy.

Ideal for sharing Aadhaar for verification without exposing the full number.

How to Order Aadhaar PVC Card

You can order a smart, wallet-sized PVC Aadhaar card online.

Steps to Order PVC Aadhaar:

Visit the myAadhaar portal.
Click on Order Aadhaar PVC Card.
Enter Aadhaar Number / EID / Virtual ID.
Verify using OTP.
Make the payment and download the acknowledgment.

Price:

₹50 (inclusive of printing, delivery, and GST)

Delivery Timeline:

Dispatch within 2–3 working days
Delivered via Speed Post
Total delivery time: 5–12 days, depending on location

Aadhaar Card Correction Guide 2025

If any detail in your Aadhaar Card is incorrect or outdated, UIDAI allows you to update or correct your information both online and at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, depending on the type of correction. Keeping your Aadhaar accurate is essential for smooth verification across banks, SIM services, travel, and government benefits.

Name Correction

You can update or correct your name by visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
Corrections allowed include:

Spelling errors
Name change after marriage
Adding or removing initials
Updating full name

A valid Proof of Identity (POI) document is required.

Date of Birth Correction

DOB correction is allowed only once unless valid documents prove the need for further correction. You must visit a centre and provide valid Date of Birth (DOB) proof.
Common issues: incorrect year, day/month mismatch, or missing DOB.

Address Correction

Address can be updated online or at a centre. For online updates, upload a valid Proof of Address (POA).
Examples: electricity bill, rent agreement, passbook, or ration card.

This is the most commonly updated Aadhaar detail.

Mobile Number Correction

Mobile number updates cannot be done online.
Visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra to link or update your mobile number.
Biometric verification (fingerprint/iris) is required.

This is necessary to:

Receive OTP for Aadhaar services
Download eAadhaar
Use online update features

Photo Update

To update your Aadhaar photo, you must visit a centre. The operator will capture a new photograph, and it will replace your old image in the UIDAI database.

A photo update is helpful when the old photo is unclear or outdated.

Document Requirements for Each Correction

Correction Type	Document Required
Name Correction	POI such as PAN, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID
Date of Birth	Birth Certificate, Passport, SSLC certificate, Board Marksheet
Address Correction	Electricity Bill, Bank Statement, Rent Agreement, Ration Card
Mobile Number Update	No document required, but biometric verification is mandatory
Photo Update	No document required

How to Check Aadhaar Status

UIDAI allows you to track the status of your Aadhaar enrolment, update requests, and PVC card delivery through the myAadhaar portal. Each service has a different tracking method.

Aadhaar Enrolment Status

You can check your Aadhaar generation status using your Enrolment ID (EID).
Steps:

Visit the UIDAI – Check Aadhaar Status page.
Enter your 14-digit EID along with the date and time.
Fill in the captcha and submit.
The screen will display whether your Aadhaar is generated or still under process.

If Aadhaar is generated, you will also get an option to download eAadhaar.

Update Status

For checking updates (address, name, DOB, mobile, etc.):

Go to myAadhaar portal.
Click Check Update Status.
Enter your Update Request Number (URN) or SRN (Service Request Number).
Submit and view the status successful, in progress, or rejected.

If rejected, you can reapply with correct details or documents.

PVC Card Delivery Status

When you order the Aadhaar PVC card:

Visit myAadhaar → PVC Card Status.
Enter your Aadhaar number and OTP.
You will see the AWB/Tracking Number for Speed Post.
Track delivery status directly on the India Post website.

Delivery usually takes 5–12 days depending on location.

Aadhaar Linking Guide

Linking Aadhaar to different services helps with faster verification and access to government benefits. Here are the most important links required in 2025.

Aadhaar PAN Linking

Aadhaar and PAN linking is mandatory for filing income tax returns.
How to link:

Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
Select Link Aadhaar.
Enter PAN, Aadhaar Number, and your name.
Pay the required fee (if applicable).
Submit and verify through OTP.

Once linked, your PAN becomes active for e-KYC and tax services.

Aadhaar Bank Account Linking

Most banks require Aadhaar for KYC and government subsidy credits.
Methods to link:

Through Net Banking
Via ATM
Using SMS service (bank-specific)
At any bank branch with Aadhaar + passbook

Once linked, LPG subsidy and government benefits are credited directly to the bank account.

Aadhaar Mobile Number Linking

This is necessary for:

Using Aadhaar OTP services
Downloading eAadhaar
Online Aadhaar updates
SIM activation and KYC

How to link:

Visit the nearest telecom store.
Share Aadhaar number.
Biometric verification (fingerprint/iris).
Number gets linked after verification.

For SIM re-verification, Aadhaar is still the fastest method.

Aadhaar Security & Safety Tips

Keeping your Aadhaar safe is extremely important, especially as more digital services rely on Aadhaar-based authentication. UIDAI provides strong security features, but users must also follow safe practices.

Lock/Unlock Biometrics

If you want to prevent misuse of your Aadhaar biometrics:

Visit the UIDAI myAadhaar portal.
Use the Biometric Lock/Unlock feature.
When locked, no one can use your fingerprints or iris data for verification.
You can unlock biometrics anytime when needed.

This is useful for those who frequently share Aadhaar for verification.

What Not to Share

Your Aadhaar can be misused if shared carelessly. Avoid sharing:

Full Aadhaar number publicly
OTPs received on your registered mobile
Enrolment ID or Update Request Number screenshots
Photocopies of Aadhaar unless absolutely required

Always use Masked Aadhaar when sharing documents for KYC.

UIDAI Safety Features

UIDAI has built multiple layers of security, including:

Encrypted QR code for offline verification
Virtual ID (VID) to use instead of full Aadhaar number
Biometric lock/unlock option
Masked Aadhaar for partial number display
OTP-based authentication for all online services

These ensure your data remains protected even if your Aadhaar is shared.

Detecting Aadhaar Fraud

Be alert for fraud attempts related to Aadhaar. Common red flags include:

Calls asking for your Aadhaar number or OTP
Fake links claiming to update or verify Aadhaar
Messages asking for Aadhaar under the name of UIDAI
Emails with suspicious attachments or forms

Always use only the official UIDAI website and never share OTP with anyone.

Common Aadhaar Problems & Solutions

Here are some frequently faced Aadhaar issues and how to solve them easily.

OTP Not Received

Reasons: network issues, mobile not linked, or server delay.
Solution:

Check if your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar.
Try after a few minutes.
For mobile update, visit an Aadhaar centre.

Update Request Rejected

Reasons: unclear documents, incorrect data, mismatched details.
Solution:

Upload clear and valid documents.
Ensure name, address, or DOB exactly match your proof.
Reapply via online portal or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Photo Too Old

If your Aadhaar photo is outdated or unclear:
Solution:

Visit an Aadhaar centre and request a photo update.
A new photograph will be captured and updated in UIDAI records.

Biometrics Mismatch

Biometric mismatch happens when fingerprints or iris scans fail.
Solution:

Update your biometrics at an Aadhaar centre.
This is common for manual labourers, elderly, or people with worn fingerprints.

Mobile Not Linked

Without a linked mobile, you cannot use most Aadhaar online services.
Solution:

Visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Provide Aadhaar number.
Complete biometric verification to link the new number.

FAQs for Aadhaar Card 2025

1. Is Aadhaar mandatory in 2025?

Ans: Aadhaar is not legally mandatory for everything, but it is required for services like bank KYC, mobile SIM verification, government subsidies, and PAN linking. Without Aadhaar, many essential services may not work smoothly.

2. How can I update my Aadhaar details in 2025?

Ans: You can update your address and documents online using the myAadhaar portal. For name, gender, date of birth, mobile number, and biometrics, you must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

3. Can I download my Aadhaar without a registered mobile number?

Ans: No, online download requires OTP verification. However, you can get a physical Aadhaar print or PVC card from an Aadhaar centre using biometric verification.

4. What is Masked Aadhaar?

Ans: Masked Aadhaar hides the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number and shows only the last four. It is useful when you need to share your Aadhaar without revealing the full number.

5. How long does it take to get the Aadhaar PVC card?

Ans: UIDAI dispatches the PVC card within 2–3 days. Total delivery time is usually 5–12 days, depending on your location.

6. What documents are needed for Aadhaar update?

Ans: Documents depend on what you update:

Name: POI documents like PAN, Passport, Voter ID
Address: POA documents like electricity bill, passbook, rent agreement
DOB: Birth certificate, school certificate, passport
Mobile Number/Photo: No document needed (biometrics required)

7. Can NRIs apply for Aadhaar in 2025?

Ans: Yes. NRIs with a valid Indian passport can apply for Aadhaar. If staying in India for more than 182 days, Aadhaar is highly recommended for smoother access to services.

8. Is Aadhaar secure?

Ans: Yes. Aadhaar uses strong security layers like encrypted QR codes, biometric lock/unlock, OTP authentication, and Virtual ID. Users should avoid sharing OTPs or full Aadhaar numbers.

9. How do I check Aadhaar status?

Ans: You can check enrolment status, update status, or PVC card delivery through the myAadhaar portal using your EID, URN, or Aadhaar number.

10. What should I do if my Aadhaar update request is rejected?

Ans: Review the rejection reason, upload clear and valid documents, and correct any mismatches in the form. You can reapply online or visit a Seva Kendra for support.

Conclusion

The Aadhaar Card has become one of the most important identity documents in India, essential for smooth access to banking, mobile services, travel, government schemes, and digital verification. As we move through 2025, keeping your Aadhaar details accurate, updated, and secure is more important than ever.

This guide walked you through everything from enrolment and updates to downloading, corrections, linking, safety tips, and common problem solutions. With the right steps and proper documents, managing your Aadhaar becomes simple and hassle free.
Whether you’re updating information, checking status, or ordering a PVC card, the UIDAI portal and Aadhaar centres make the process easier than before. Stay informed, stay secure, and ensure your Aadhaar is always up to date for a seamless experience across all services.