The Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is a key identity document for Indian residents in 2025, enabling access to government services and benefits.
This article explores the streamlined process for Aadhaar enrolment, providing a concise guide to navigate this essential procedure efficiently.
Complete Aadhaar Enrollment Guide
Official UIDAI process for getting your Aadhaar card
Who Can Apply for Aadhaar (Official UIDAI Rules):
- All Residents of India: Both citizens and non-citizens residing in India
- Children of All Ages: Including newborns and infants
- Resident Foreign Nationals: Who have resided in India for 182+ days in the 12 months preceding enrollment
- NRIs: Non-Resident Indians with valid Indian address
- Important: Aadhaar enrollment is voluntary and free of cost
Required Documents (UIDAI Verified List)
Proof of Identity (POI) - Any ONE Document:
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Ration Card
- Voter ID Card (must be displayed online on Election Commission website)
- Driving License
- Government Employee ID Card
- Student ID from recognized institution
- Arms License
- Certificate of Identity with photo issued by Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar
Proof of Address (POA) - Any ONE Document:
- Passport
- Bank Account Statement (last 3 months)
- Post Office Account Statement
- Ration Card
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
- Electricity Bill (last 3 months)
- Water Bill (last 3 months)
- Telephone/Landline Bill (last 3 months)
- Property Tax Receipt
- Rent Agreement
- Certificate with photo issued by MP/MLA/Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar
- Village Panchayat head certificate (for rural areas)
Proof of Date of Birth (POB) - Any ONE Document:
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Driving License
- 10th Class Certificate/Marksheet
- Insurance Policy
- Government Employee ID
Document Update July 2025:
UIDAI has revised the list of acceptable documents via "Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) First Amendment Regulations, 2025" effective July 3, 2025. Voter ID cards are now only acceptable if details are displayed online on Election Commission websites.
Two Enrollment Approaches (Official UIDAI)
1. Document-Based Enrollment (Standard Method)
- Submit one valid POI document
- Submit one valid POA document
- Most common enrollment method
2. Head of Family (HoF) Based Enrollment
- For family members without individual documents
- Head of Family enrolls first with valid documents
- HoF can introduce other family members
- Requires Proof of Relationship (PoR) documents
- Name must exist in family entitlement documents
Find Authorized Enrollment Centers
Visit UIDAI Center Locator
Use the official UIDAI portal to find authorized enrollment centers near you
Find Enrollment CentersSelect Center Type
Centers are categorized based on services:
- All enrollment (including 18+) and Update
- All enrollment (excluding 18+) and Update
- Only child enrollment and mobile update
- Only child enrollment
Book Appointment (Optional)
Some centers offer online appointment booking to avoid waiting. Visit UIDAI Appointment Portal
Enrollment Process at Center (UIDAI Official Steps)
Visit Enrollment Center
Go to your selected enrollment center with all required original documents. Remember: You must visit in person as biometrics will be captured.
Fill Enrollment Form
Complete the Aadhaar enrollment form with accurate demographic information:
- Name, Date of Birth/Age, Gender
- Complete Address
- Mobile Number (optional for Indian residents)
- Email ID (optional for Indian residents, mandatory for NRI/Foreign nationals)
Document Verification
Submit original documents for verification. The operator will scan/verify your documents and return the originals to you immediately.
Biometric Data Capture
Provide the following biometric data:
- Photograph: Face photo capture
- Fingerprints: All 10 fingers (if possible)
- Iris Scan: Both eyes (if possible)
Receive Acknowledgment Slip
Collect your enrollment acknowledgment slip containing:
- 14-digit Enrollment ID (EID)
- Date and time of enrollment
- Applicable charges (enrollment is free)
Verify All Details
Check all printed information on acknowledgment slip for accuracy before leaving the center. Keep this slip safe for status tracking.
Special Cases & Exceptions (UIDAI Regulations)
Child Enrollment (Under 5 Years) - Baal Aadhaar
- Blue colored Aadhaar card issued
- No biometric data captured - only photograph
- Parent/Guardian Aadhaar required for authentication
- Birth certificate mandatory for children born after October 1, 2023
- Free of cost enrollment
- Mandatory updates: Biometric update required at age 5 and 15
Critical Child Update Requirements (UIDAI 2025):
- Age 5-7: First biometric update is FREE
- After Age 7: ₹100 fee applies for biometric updates
- Age 15: Second mandatory biometric update is FREE
- Warning: Aadhaar may be deactivated if updates not done by age 7
Persons with Disabilities & Biometric Exceptions
- Missing Fingerprints: Only iris scans will be collected
- No Biometric Capability: Exception process with supervisor authentication
- Special Assistance: Available at all enrollment centers
- Alternative Methods: Photo of missing fingers/iris for exception marking
Foreign Nationals & NRIs
- Residence Requirement: 182+ days in India within 12 months
- Additional Documents: Valid passport and Indian visa/OCI/LTV required
- Email Mandatory: Email ID is required for foreign nationals
- Validity: Aadhaar valid until passport/visa expiry
Enrollment Fees (Official UIDAI Structure)
Complete Fee Structure:
- First-Time Enrollment: Completely FREE for all residents
- Child Enrollment: FREE for all children (any age)
- Child Biometric Update (Age 5-7): FREE
- Child Biometric Update (Age 15): FREE
- Child Biometric Update (After Age 7): ₹100
- Adult Biometric Update: ₹100 (including GST)
- Demographic Update: ₹50 per update (including GST)
- Download & Print Service: ₹30 at centers
After Enrollment - What to Expect
Processing Timeline (Official UIDAI):
- Adults (18+ years): Up to 180 days from enrollment
- Children (0-18 years): Up to 30 days from enrollment
- Quality Standards: 90% service standard maintained
- Verification: May involve state authority verification
Track Your Status
Use your EID to check enrollment status: Check Status
Receive Your Aadhaar
Once processed, download e-Aadhaar from UIDAI website or wait for physical delivery to your registered address
Important Guidelines (UIDAI Official)
Critical Points to Remember:
- Original Documents Only: Photocopies not accepted
- One-Time Enrollment: Multiple enrollments will be rejected
- No Online Enrollment: Physical presence mandatory for biometrics
- No Postal Enrollment: Cannot send documents by post
- Mobile/Email Optional: Not mandatory for Indian residents
- Free Service: No payment required for enrollment
- Keep Acknowledgment Safe: Required for status checking for 180 days
Data Capture Details (UIDAI Specifications):
- Demographic Data: Name, DoB, Gender, Address, Mobile, Email
- Biometric Data: Face photo, 10 fingerprints, 2 iris scans
- For Children Under 5: Only photo, parent's biometrics linked
- Document Scanning: Supporting documents digitally scanned