How to Obtain an Aadhaar in India?

The Aadhaar system is designed to provide a unique identity to all the residents of India irrespective of their gender, socio-economic status, race, or religion. It is based on biometric and demographic data, such as fingerprints, iris scan and photographs – all of which are recorded as part of the Aadhaar registration process.

What is an ‘Aadhaar Card’?

An Aadhaar is a 12 digit unique identification number allotted by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The UIDAI issues a unique identification number for each citizen of India once they have successfully completed the Aadhaar registration process and submitted all the relevant documents required. It is the largest biometric ID system in the world with over 1.5 billion enrolled members.

Apart from the traditional Aadhaar card issued to registered users, there are three other types of Aadhaar: e-Aadhaar, Masked Aadhaar and Baal Aadhaar.

• e-Aadhaar: It is an electronic copy of the Aadhaar card. It can also be considered a password-protected duplicate copy that can be downloaded from the UIDAI website.
• Masked Aadhaar: The masked Aadhaar card conceals the first 8 digits of your unique Aadhaar number, while the last four digits are visible and can be used for identification purposes. In addition, the name, photograph and date of birth of the Aadhaar holder is visible as well.

Note: This type of card holds equal legitimacy.

• Baal Aadhaar: This type of Aadhaar card is issued to newborn babies and children under the age of 5 years old.

Note: The minimum age requirement for biometric verification of Aadhaar is 5 years.

Aim of Introducing Aadhaar in India

The Aadhaar system was first introduced in India in 2010 by former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

There were numerous documents available for the purpose of identification of an individual, such as PAN (Permanent Account Number) card, ration card, passport, driving license, etc. However, these documents were not apt enough to be used to create a national database when attempting to increase the administrative efficiency of the country.

The goal of introducing this scheme was to help the marginalized and rural people avail state services that were not available to them under the old system. Thus, the basic aim of the card is the identification of citizens and giving them the benefits of the government schemes.

Advantages of Aadhar Card

Apart from being used as an identification document of an individual, there are several other benefits of an Aadhaar card as well.

• Helps eliminate fake documents and any similar kind of fraud in the financial distribution system.
• After registering with biometrics, a unique identity of the individual is created.
• It can be used for official purposes like opening a bank account, applying for a PAN card, applying for a driving license, etc.
• It is used for passport applications and helps individuals avail of government subsidies.

Are You Eligible to Apply for an Aadhaar Card?

As per Section 3 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, all residents are entitled to get an Aadhaar card after submitting their biometric and demographic details.

NRI and OCI can also apply for Aadhaar cards. However, the mandatory condition is that they must prove that they have resided in India for more than 182 days in the last 12-months before applying for Aadhaar.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card

The following types of identity proofs shall be required during Aadhaar enrollment process:

Type of Document	Valid Documents
Identity Proof	Voter ID, PAN Card, Ration Card, Passport, Driving License, etc.
Proof of Residence	Ration Card, Bank Passbook, Utility Bills, Insurance Documents, Arms License, etc.
Proof of Birth	Birth Certificate, Passport, SSC Certificate, Marksheet issued by College/University, etc.
Relationship Proof	PDS Card, Pension Card, Passport, MNREGA Job Card, etc.

Aadhaar Application Process

Aadhar Enrollment is completely free of cost.

Following steps must be followed to obtain an Aadhaar in India:

1.    Visit the UIDAI website (www.uidai.gov.in) and go to ‘My Aadhaar’ section to book an appointment.

2.    Visit the nearest authorized Aadhaar card enrollment center with all the documents required for verification.

3.    The documents should include proof of identity and proof of residence (a set of photocopies of these documents must be carried as well).

4.    At the enrollment center, fill up the application form accurately with all the necessary details.

5.    Give your biometric details, i.e., fingerprints and iris scan (this shall be taken as part of the exam).

6.    After completing all the formalities, a temporary acknowledgement slip shall be given for enrolling. The enrollment number shall be required to track the status of the Aadhaar card application.

7.    The application shall be sent for central verification. If accepted, the generated Aadhaar card number shall be emailed to the applicant.

8.    The Aadhaar card shall be sent via post to your house within 60-90 days.

Aadhar Application Process for Non-Resident Indians

Although the enrollment process is majorly the same, NRIs must follow the steps below to apply for an Aadhaar card:

NRIs must carry a valid Indian Passport when applying for an Aadhaar Card.

1.    Visit the  UIDAI website (www.uidai.gov.in) and go to ‘My Aadhaar’ section to book an appointment or visit an Aadhaar enrolment center.

2.    Fill in the application form.

3.    Show the Indian passport as proof of identity (it can be used for both proof of identity and proof of residence).

4.    It is mandatory for NRIs to provide their Email IDs.

5.    Provide the required biometric details and give declaration.

6.    After submitting the application, collect the acknowledgement slip that has your enrollment ID, date and time stamp.

Enrollment of Children

Children under the age of 5 years shall be enrolled by providing the Aadhaar card and biometric details of the parent/guardian.

Is it Mandatory to Link PAN with Aadhaar Card?

The Central Government of India deemed it mandatory for all taxpayers to link their Aadhaar card to their PAN Card before 31 March 2023. However, the following categories are exempted from this requirement:

• Individuals who are not citizens of India.
• Individuals who are more than 80 years old.
• Individuals residing in Jammu and Kashmir and Meghalaya.
• Individuals who are deemed as a non-resident under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Note: Failing to link PAN with Aadhaar before 1 July 2023 can result in the PAN being inoperative, which means you may not be able to carry out banking services, file for income tax returns or perform any NSE or BSE transactions.

Ensuring Privacy and Preventing Misuse of Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar card holders who have registered their mobile number may lock their biometrics. This facility aims to strengthen privacy and confidentiality of Resident's Biometrics Data.

Visit the UIDAI website, go to Aadhaar Services and select ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’.

Conclusion

Individuals can obtain an Aadhaar through a relatively simple and straightforward process that involves a few easy steps. The enrollment process is easily available for everyone on the UIDAI website, which allows you to book an appointment at the Aadhaar enrollment center nearest to you.