Aadhaar Card Complete Guide 2026: Aadhaar is an essential identity proof for numerous government and financial institutions in India. You can download your Aadhaar Card, rectify your personal facts, update your address or get a PVC card. There are many services that you can access on the official UIDAI portal.
This tutorial gives you a look at the key Aadhaar services, their prices, how to update them, and security advice, so you can handle your Aadhaar information effectively.
Aadhaar Card Complete Guide 2026: Overview
- Issuing Authority: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
- Aadhaar Number: 12-digit unique identification number
- New Enrolment Fee: Free
- Application Mode: Online and at authorised Aadhaar centres, depending on the service
- e-Aadhaar: Available for free download
- PVC Card: Available for online ordering
- Official Website: uidai.gov.in
Aadhaar Card Services Available Online
UIDAI provides several online services to help residents manage their Aadhaar details without visiting a centre for every request.
| Download Aadhaar: Get your e-Aadhaar PDF |
| Address Update: Update your address through supported services |
| Aadhaar Update Status: Track a submitted update request |
| PVC Card: Order a durable physical card |
| Masked Aadhaar: Download a copy showing only the last four digits |
| Biometric Lock: Restrict fingerprint and iris authentication |
| Authentication History: Review recorded Aadhaar authentication activity |
| Aadhaar Status: Check enrolment status |
Some services require a registered mobile number for OTP verification. Other services, including biometric updates and certain corrections, require a visit to an authorised Aadhaar centre.
How to Update Aadhaar Card Details
If your Aadhaar contains incorrect information or your details have changed, you can request an update through the available UIDAI services.
The process depends on the information you want to change.
- Address: Online, where eligible, or at an Aadhaar centre.
- Name: Through available UIDAI services or at an Aadhaar centre.
- Date of Birth: Follow UIDAI’s prescribed procedure, usually at a centre.
- Gender: Online where supported or at an Aadhaar centre.
- Mobile Number: Through an authorised service or Aadhaar centre, as applicable.
- Photograph: At an Aadhaar centre.
- Fingerprints and Iris: At an Aadhaar centre.
- Supporting Documents: Online through myAadhaar or at a centre, depending on the service.
Note: Online availability depends on the service and the applicant's circumstances. Check the current UIDAI instructions before submitting an update request.Documents Required for Aadhaar Updates
Depending on the type of correction, you may need:
- Proof of Identity (PoI)
- Proof of Address (PoA)
- Proof of Date of Birth, where required
- Other supporting documents accepted by UIDAI
The documents must meet UIDAI’s prescribed requirements. Carry original documents when visiting an Aadhaar centre, where required.
Aadhaar Card Update Fees 2026
UIDAI prescribes charges for different Aadhaar services. The following fees are based on its published service-charge information available in October 2026.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Aadhaar Enrolment | Free |
| Demographic Update at a Centre | ₹75 |
| Biometric Update | ₹125, subject to exemptions |
| Document Update at a Centre | ₹75 |
| Online Document Update | Free until 14 June 2027 |
| Aadhaar PVC Card | ₹75 |
Fee exemptions: Certain mandatory or age-based biometric updates are free. UIDAI has also extended the waiver for biometric updates for children aged 7–15 until 30 September 2027. Applicable conditions and charges may vary by service. Always check the official UIDAI website before paying, as fees and exemptions can change.
How to Download Aadhaar Card Online
You can download your electronic Aadhaar, also called e-Aadhaar, through the official myAadhaar portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the UIDAI myAadhaar portal.
- Select the Aadhaar download option.
- Enter your Aadhaar number or another accepted identification reference.
- Complete the required OTP verification.
- Download your e-Aadhaar PDF.
The PDF is password-protected. The password generally consists of the first four letters of your name in capital letters followed by your birth year in YYYY format.
Important: e-Aadhaar is digitally signed by UIDAI and is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card.How to Check Aadhaar Update Status
After submitting an update request, you can check its progress online.
- Open the myAadhaar portal.
- Select the relevant status-check service.
- Enter the required enrolment or update reference details.
- Complete any requested verification.
- Review the status displayed on the portal.
Keep your acknowledgement slip or update request number safe until the process is complete.
Note: A submitted request does not guarantee approval. UIDAI may require additional verification or reject a request if the supporting information does not meet its requirements.How to Order an Aadhaar PVC Card
An Aadhaar PVC Card is a compact physical version of your Aadhaar that is convenient to carry.
To order one:
- Visit the myAadhaar portal.
- Open the Aadhaar PVC Card ordering service.
- Enter the required Aadhaar or enrolment details.
- Complete the prescribed verification.
- Pay the applicable fee and save the acknowledgement.
UIDAI’s current published fee for the PVC card service is ₹75, including applicable taxes and delivery charges. Use only the official ordering service to avoid unofficial websites and unnecessary charges.
What Is Masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar is the electronic copy of your Aadhaar where the first eight numbers are masked and only the last four digits are seen. It helps to preserve your Aadhaar number when sharing a copy for verification purposes.
Before sharing Masked Aadhaar, confirm with the organization if they allow it for your purpose. Do not disclose your Aadhaar OTP or any other authentication data with any unknown person.
Baal Aadhaar: Aadhaar for Children
Baal Aadhaar is granted to children below the age of 5 years. Parents can visit any authorized Aadhaar center with the birth certificate of the kid and the relevant documentation of the parent or guardian.
Children need biometric updates at the required ages. To know about the latest requirements and fee exemptions applicable, visit the official UIDAI website.
Aadhaar Card Safety Tips
Protect your Aadhaar details by following these basic precautions:
- Download Aadhaar only through official UIDAI services.
- Use Masked Aadhaar when showing the full number is unnecessary.
- Never share your Aadhaar OTP with unknown callers or agents.
- Use biometric locking when you want to restrict fingerprint and iris authentication.
- Review your authentication history for unfamiliar activity.
- Avoid uploading Aadhaar documents to untrusted websites.
- Keep your registered mobile number up to date where possible.
Note: If you suspect misuse, review the available UIDAI security services and report the issue through the appropriate official channel.Important Links
| UIDAI Official Website: Click Here |
| myAadhaar Portal: Click Here |
| UIDAI Help Centre: 1947 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aadhaar enrolment free?
Yes. UIDAI does not charge for new Aadhaar enrolment.
Can I download Aadhaar online?
Yes. The e-Aadhaar can be downloaded upon completing the necessary verification on the official myAadhaar portal.
Is e-Aadhaar valid like a physical card?
Yes. UIDAI confirms that a digitally signed e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card.
Can I update my Aadhaar address online?
Address updates are available online where the applicant meets the applicable requirements. Check the official portal for current instructions.
Can I change my Aadhaar mobile number online?
The available method depends on the service and current UIDAI rules. A visit to an authorised centre may be required. Check the latest instructions before applying.
How much does an Aadhaar PVC Card cost?
The fee provided by UIDAI is inclusive of all relevant taxes and delivery charges.
What is Masked Aadhaar?
It is a replica of Aadhaar that masks the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number and shows only last 4 digits.
Where can I get help with Aadhaar services?
Refer to the official UIDAI website, or call the UIDAI helpline at 1947.
Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only. Aadhaar update methods, service charges, exceptions and online services may change from time to time. Before applying or paying any costs, please visit the official UIDAI website for the current instructions to ensure that you have accurate and up-to-date information.
