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Identity

Aadhaar — Update, Download, Lock and Verify

Aadhaar is a 12-digit identity number issued by UIDAI. This guide covers what you can do online, what needs an enrolment centre, and how to protect it.

Issued by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

Last updated

Official source last verified 9 August 2026

At a glance

Issued by
UIDAI, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Format
12-digit number, verifiable by its check digit
Online self-service
myAadhaar portal — myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
Helpline
1947, listed on uidai.gov.in
Cost of e-Aadhaar download
Free
UIDAI official website — uidai.gov.inThe official portal for this document.https://uidai.gov.in/(opens the official website in a new tab)

What you can do online, and what you cannot

A good deal of Aadhaar servicing is now self-service, but the split between what works online and what needs a physical visit is not obvious, and getting it wrong wastes a trip.

What you can do online, and what you cannot
TaskWhere it can be done
Download e-AadhaarOnline, free, on myAadhaar
Update addressOnline on myAadhaar with valid proof of address
Update name, date of birth or genderOnline in limited cases; usually requires an enrolment centre
Update mobile number or emailEnrolment centre only — biometric authentication is required
Update biometrics (fingerprints, iris, photo)Enrolment centre only
Lock or unlock biometricsOnline on myAadhaar
Check authentication historyOnline on myAadhaar
Verify an Aadhaar numberOnline on the UIDAI website

How to download e-Aadhaar

  1. Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
  2. Choose the download option and enter your Aadhaar number, virtual ID or enrolment ID.
  3. Enter the captcha and request an OTP, which is sent to your registered mobile number.
  4. Enter the OTP and download the PDF.
  5. The PDF is password protected. The password is the first four letters of your name in capitals followed by your year of birth — for example, a person named Rajesh born in 1990 would use RAJE1990.

How to update your address online

  1. Log in to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in with your Aadhaar number and an OTP.
  2. Choose the address update option.
  3. Enter the new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document.
  4. Upload a scanned copy of a valid proof of address from the UIDAI list of accepted documents.
  5. Pay the applicable update fee online, where one is charged.
  6. Note the update request number and use it to track the request. Updates are not instant — allow the processing time UIDAI states.

Protecting your Aadhaar

  • Use a Virtual ID instead of your Aadhaar number where a service accepts it. A VID is a temporary 16-digit number that maps to your Aadhaar without revealing it, and you can regenerate it at any time.
  • Use a masked Aadhaar where you must share a copy. It hides the first eight digits while remaining a valid UIDAI-issued document.
  • Lock your biometrics on myAadhaar when you are not actively using them. Unlock temporarily when a biometric authentication is needed.
  • Check your authentication history on myAadhaar periodically. It shows every authentication made against your Aadhaar, which is how you would spot misuse.
  • Never share your Aadhaar OTP. UIDAI does not ask for it, and no legitimate caller from a bank, gas agency or government office will either.

Frequently asked questions

How do I change the mobile number linked to my Aadhaar?
You must visit an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre in person. Biometric authentication is required, so it cannot be done online, by phone or through any app. Carry your Aadhaar and the fee prescribed by UIDAI. Any service offering to change it remotely is not legitimate.
What is the password for the e-Aadhaar PDF?
The first four letters of your name in capital letters, followed by your year of birth in four digits. For a person named Sunita born in 1985, that is SUNI1985. If your name is shorter than four letters, use the letters available followed by the year.
Is a masked Aadhaar valid?
Yes. Masked Aadhaar is issued by UIDAI itself and hides the first eight digits of the number while remaining a valid document for identification. It is the safer version to share when a copy is being taken.
How many times can I update my Aadhaar details?
UIDAI sets limits on how often certain fields can be changed — name, date of birth and gender in particular are restricted, with date of birth generally allowed only once. Address updates are less restricted. Check the current limits on uidai.gov.in before applying.
Can I check who has used my Aadhaar?
Yes. The authentication history on myAadhaar lists every authentication carried out against your Aadhaar over a selected period. If you see an entry you do not recognise, raise a complaint with UIDAI on 1947 or through the portal.
Is Aadhaar proof of citizenship?
No. UIDAI states explicitly that Aadhaar establishes identity and residency, not citizenship. It cannot be used as proof of being an Indian citizen for any purpose that requires that specifically.

Official sources

Every figure on this page is traceable to the official source below. If a source has changed since the date shown, please tell us and we will correct it.