How to apply for new Aadhaar card — step-by-step (2026, UIDAI)

• Resident in India (any nationality) for 182+ days in last 12 months
• No age limit — newborns can be enrolled (re-enrolment at age 5 + 15 mandatory)

1. Locate a centre — Search at appointments.uidai.gov.in or call 1947. Centres are at India Post offices, banks, BSNL offices, and dedicated ASKs.
2. Book an appointment (optional) — Online slot booking at book.uidai.gov.in. Walk-ins accepted but expect waiting.
3. Carry original documents — PoI + PoA + PoDOB (one each from UIDAI list). Originals only — photocopies rejected.
4. Fill the enrolment form — Available at the centre. Mention name as on documents. Add mobile number for OTP services.
5. Biometric capture — Operator captures 10 fingerprints, both iris scans, and a photo. Children under 5: photo only.
6. Verify your data — Operator shows screen for confirmation. Check spelling, DoB, address before signing.
7. Collect the acknowledgement — You get a printed slip with EID (Enrolment ID) — 14 digits + 14-digit timestamp. Keep this safe.
8. Track and download — Status at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/check-aadhaar-status. Download e-Aadhaar (PDF) once generated — equivalent to physical card.

• Online portal: UIDAI myAadhaar
• Offline: Any Aadhaar Seva Kendra, India Post Aadhaar centres, designated banks. Use the centre locator at uidai.gov.in.
• Fee: Free for first enrolment. Biometric updates ₹100. Address-only updates online ₹50.
• Timeline: 7–30 days typically for Aadhaar generation after biometric capture. Some QC holds take longer.

See our complete checklist: Documents required for aadhaar — covers mandatory + optional + size/format specs.

• QC hold — biometrics quality flagged. Visit the same centre for re-capture (free within 90 days).
• Name mismatch — fix via myAadhaar online (Rs 50) or in-person (Rs 100).
• Centre denial — UIDAI cannot deny enrolment to a resident. If denied, file complaint at 1947 or RTI.
• Slow generation (>30 days) — file RTI to UIDAI Regional Office; cite Aadhaar Act §7.

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. The name + designation of the dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. The reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. The likely date of issuance of my certificate / approval.

Auto-fill the PIO details + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

Or browse state-wise scheme procedures: All state portals + RTI templates

Track your application status: How to check status guide

No — biometric capture must be in person. Online booking is only for appointment slots.

For most welfare schemes (PDS, LPG, MGNREGA, scholarships), yes. For PAN linking, mandatory. SC has held it cannot be made mandatory for school admission, exam registration, or basic services.

Use the Introducer route — a registered Introducer at the centre can vouch for you. Or get a gram-sabha letter (rural) / municipal letter (urban).

Equivalent to physical card from day one. Govt offices, banks, telecoms must accept it (UIDAI gazette 2018).

File RTI to UIDAI Regional Office for status + reason. Use our AI Drafter for ready-to-send wording.

• How to check status — 25 high-traffic services
• Documents required — 30 checklists
• All state RTI portals
• Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios

• Official portal: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
• Citizen feedback collected via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).
• Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.