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 Card Enrolment Guide 2025
Official UIDAI process for getting your Aadhaar card - Step by step guide with latest requirements
What is Aadhaar Card?
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all residents of India. It serves as a proof of identity and address, and is linked to biometric and demographic data. Since its launch in 2009, over 1.4 billion Indians have enrolled for Aadhaar, making it the world's largest biometric ID system.
Table of Contents
Who Can Apply for Aadhaar Card?
Eligibility Criteria (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 enrolment
- NRIs: Non-Resident Indians with valid Indian address
- Important: Aadhaar enrolment is voluntary and free of cost
Required Documents for Aadhaar Enrolment
UIDAI accepts specific documents as proof of identity, address, and date of birth. You need to bring original documents to the enrolment center - photocopies are not accepted.
- Passport: Most preferred document
- PAN Card: Permanent Account Number card
- Ration Card: State-issued ration card
- Voter ID Card: Valid voter ID card
- Driving License: Valid driving license
- Government Employee ID Card: Central/State government employee ID
- Student ID: From recognized educational institution
- Arms License: Valid arms license
- Certificate of Identity: With photo issued by Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar
- Passport: Current valid passport
- Bank Statement: Last 3 months from scheduled bank
- Post Office Account Statement: Recent statement
- Ration Card: State-issued ration card
- Voter ID Card: Valid voter ID card
- Driving License: Current driving license
- Electricity Bill: Last 3 months utility bill
- Water Bill: Last 3 months water utility bill
- Telephone Bill: Landline bill from last 3 months
- Property Tax Receipt: Municipal property tax receipt
- Rent Agreement: Registered rent agreement
- Certificate with Photo: Issued by MP/MLA/Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar
- Village Panchayat Certificate: For rural areas, issued by village head
- Birth Certificate: Government-issued birth certificate
- Passport: Valid passport
- PAN Card: Permanent Account Number card
- Driving License: Valid driving license
- 10th Class Certificate: School leaving certificate or marksheet
- Insurance Policy: Life insurance policy document
- Government Employee ID: Government employee ID card
Latest Document Updates (July 2025)
UIDAI has revised the acceptable documents list via "Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) First Amendment Regulations, 2025" effective July 2, 2025. Key changes include:
- Enhanced verification process for all identity documents
- Stricter validation of address proof documents
- Updated supporting document requirements
Aadhaar Enrolment Methods
UIDAI offers two primary enrolment approaches to accommodate different document availability situations:
1. Document-Based Enrolment (Standard Method)
- Identity Proof: Submit one valid POI document
- Address Proof: Submit one valid POA document
- Date of Birth Proof: Submit one valid POB document (if required)
- Processing Time: Faster verification process
- Recommended For: Individuals with valid government-issued documents
2. Head of Family (HoF) Based Enrolment
- Primary Enrolment: Head of Family enrolls first with valid documents
- Family Introduction: HoF can introduce other family members during enrolment
- Relationship Proof: Requires Proof of Relationship (PoR) documents
- Family Document: Name must exist in family entitlement documents like ration card
- Ideal For: Children, elderly, or family members without individual documents
- Verification: Additional verification steps may be required
How to Find Aadhaar Enrolment Centers
UIDAI operates thousands of authorized enrolment centers across India. Here's how to locate the nearest center:
Visit UIDAI Center Locator
Use the official UIDAI portal to find authorized enrolment centers near your location. The portal provides real-time information about center availability and services.
Find Enrolment Centers Near YouUnderstanding Center Types
Enrolment centers are categorized based on the services they provide:
- All enrolment (including 18+) and Update: Full-service centers for all age groups
- All enrolment (excluding 18+) and Update: Centers for children and updates only
- Only child enrolment and mobile update: Specialized for children under 18
- Only child enrolment: Exclusive child enrolment services
Book Appointment (Recommended)
While walk-ins are accepted, booking an appointment can significantly reduce your waiting time. Some centers offer online appointment booking through the UIDAI portal.
Book Appointment OnlineStep-by-Step Aadhaar Enrolment Process
The enrolment process includes visiting Enrolment Centre, filling the enrolment form, getting demographic and biometric data captured, submitting proof of Identity and address documents, before collecting acknowledgement slip containing Enrolment ID.
Prepare for Your Visit
Before heading to the enrolment center, ensure you have all required original documents and clean hands for clear fingerprint capture.
Complete the Enrolment Form
Fill out the Aadhaar enrolment form with accurate demographic information including name, address, date of birth, and contact details.
Document Verification Process
Submit your original documents for verification. The operator will scan documents digitally and return originals immediately.
Biometric Data Capture
Provide biometric data including photograph, fingerprint scanning of all 10 fingers, and iris recognition of both eyes.
Receive Enrolment Acknowledgment
Collect your enrolment acknowledgment slip containing 14-digit Enrolment ID (EID) for tracking status.
Special Cases and Exceptions
UIDAI has specific procedures for different categories of applicants and special circumstances:
Child Enrolment (Under 5 Years) - Baal Aadhaar
- Blue Colored Card: Distinct blue Aadhaar card issued for children under 5
- No Biometric Data: Only photograph captured, no fingerprints or iris scans
- Parent/Guardian Link: Parent's or guardian's Aadhaar required for authentication
- Birth Certificate: Mandatory for children born after October 1, 2023
- Completely Free: No enrolment fee for children of any age
Foreign Nationals and NRIs
- Residence Requirement: Must have resided in India for 182+ days within the 12 months preceding enrolment
- Additional Documents: Valid passport, Indian visa, OCI or LTV required
- Email Mandatory: Email ID is compulsory for all foreign nationals
- Validity Period: Aadhaar remains valid until passport or visa expiry date
Complete Aadhaar Fee Structure 2025
UIDAI maintains a transparent fee structure for various Aadhaar services:
Enrolment and Update Fees (Official UIDAI Rates)
- First-Time Enrolment (All Ages): Completely FREE for all Indian residents
- Child Enrolment (Any Age): FREE for all children without exception
- Demographic Data Update: ₹50 per field update (including GST)
- Download & Print at Centers: ₹30 per copy
- Online e-Aadhaar Download: FREE from UIDAI website
- PVC Aadhaar Card: ₹50 (including GST and delivery charges)
After Enrolment - What Happens Next?
Once you complete your enrolment, UIDAI begins the verification and processing of your Aadhaar application.
Processing Timeline (Official UIDAI Standards)
- Children (0-18 years): Normally up to 30 days from the date of enrolment
- Adults (18+ years): Normally up to 180 days from the date of enrolment
- Quality Assurance: UIDAI maintains 90% service delivery standards
- Verification Process: May involve additional verification by state authorities
Track Your Enrolment Status
Monitor your Aadhaar enrolment progress using your 14-digit EID (Enrolment ID) on the UIDAI website.
Check Enrolment StatusDownload Your e-Aadhaar
Once processing is complete, download your digital Aadhaar card from the official UIDAI website.
Download e-AadhaarImportant Guidelines and Best Practices
Follow these critical guidelines to ensure a smooth Aadhaar enrolment experience:
Critical Enrolment Guidelines
- Original Documents Only: Photocopies, scanned copies, or mobile photos are strictly not accepted
- One-Time Enrolment: Multiple Aadhaar enrolments are illegal and will be rejected
- Physical Presence Mandatory: Online or postal enrolment is not available due to biometric requirements
- No Proxy Enrolment: Cannot send someone else for your enrolment
- Voluntary Service: Aadhaar enrolment is voluntary, not mandatory
- Free First Enrolment: No payment required for first-time enrolment at any age
- Acknowledgment Safety: Keep enrolment slip safe for 180 days for status tracking
Data Capture Specifications
- Demographic Data: Name, date of birth/age, gender, complete address, mobile number (optional), email ID (optional for Indians, mandatory for foreigners)
- Biometric Data: Facial photograph, all 10 fingerprints, both iris scans
- Children Under 5: Only photograph captured, linked to parent's/guardian's Aadhaar
- Supporting Documents: Digital scanning and storage of submitted documents
- Data Security: All data encrypted and stored in secure UIDAI servers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Information: Ensure all form details match your documents exactly
- Poor Quality Biometrics: Clean hands and clear fingers for better fingerprint capture
- Document Mismatch: Verify that all documents show consistent information
- Incomplete Address: Provide complete address with correct PIN code
- Mobile Number Errors: Double-check mobile number for SMS updates
- Leaving Without Verification: Always verify acknowledgment slip before leaving center
Getting Help and Support
- UIDAI Helpline: 1947 (toll-free) for enrolment and update queries
- Email Support: help@uidai.gov.in for technical issues
- Regional Offices: Visit nearest UIDAI regional office for complex issues
- Online Portal: Complete self-service options on official UIDAI website
- Social Media: Official UIDAI Twitter and Facebook for updates