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Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number, specific to each individual,1 issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to the residents of India after satisfying a verification process based on demographic information and biometric information.2 You will be assigned an Aadhaar number on a card with your personal details such as name, date of birth, address, etc., usually in English as well as the language of the State where you have your permanent address.
It is possible to download your Aadhaar Card, termed as e-Aadhaar, which is a valid and secure password-protected electronic document as good as a physical Aadhaar.3
Your identity information and personal details are confidential and have to be kept secure by the Authority,((Section 28, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016))
which is restricted from sharing this information unless for certain legally authorized purposes.4 For more information, refer to the Aadhaar (Data Security) Regulations, 2016 and the Aadhaar (Sharing of Information) Regulations, 2016 here.
An Aadhaar number is generated at random.5 It is a unique number which eliminates the possibility of duplicate identities. In effect, the Aadhaar number is a portable proof of identity, applicable throughout India. However, merely having an Aadhaar does not mean that you are a citizen of India.6
Aadhaar may be used as a primary identifier without any other documentation to avail the benefits of several Government welfare schemes, programmes, various subsidies, benefits and services.7 An Aadhaar Card can be used as a proof of identity, proof of address, as well as proof of age to avail various services.
Any individual, irrespective of age and gender, who is a resident of India, may voluntarily enrol to obtain an Aadhaar number. You are considered a ‘resident’ if you have resided in India for a period amounting in total to at least 182 days in the twelve months immediately before the date of application for enrolment.8
An Aadhaar number is permanently associated with one specific individual and does not require any renewal. You can get a new Aadhaar or update your Aadhaar. It is also possible to retrieve a lost Aadhaar. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.
Virtual Aadhar ID
VID(Virtual ID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped with the Aadhaar number. VID can be used intead of Aadhaar number whenever authentication or e-KYC services are performed. To read more on VID, see here.
Read this Government website to know more about Aadhar
- Section 4(1), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. [↩]
- Section 3(3), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. [↩]
- Ministry of Electronics & IT, Unique Identification Authority of India, Validity of e-Aadhaar as Proof of Identity, https://uidai.gov.in/images/uidai_om_on_e_aadhaar_validity.pdf [↩]
- Section 29, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. [↩]
- Section 4(2), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. [↩]
- Section 9, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. [↩]
- Section 7, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. [↩]
- Section 2(v), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. [↩]
