How can I Get my Original Aadhar card?

The Aadhar card is a unique identity card that is a crucial document for every Indian citizen. Here’s an article that highlights all you need to know about the Aadhar card.

Aadhar card has become a major change agent since the beginning. Introduced by the government, this unique identity card uses biometric authentication to store a person's details in the government database. In simple terms, it is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the UIDAI.

• Every identity card has a specific purpose. For instance, the purpose of a PAN card is to track income and financial transactions. Voter card identifies a legitimate voter in a particular constituency. However, Aadhaar does not have any specific purpose like these. On the contrary, it is an identity card that can be used for multiple purposes. It can be used as proof of address, identity or age. It can also be used to apply for other identity cards.
• Moreover, it can be used by the government to identify the right people for various welfare schemes and subsidies. For example, Aadhar card can be used to link the bank account and receive direct benefits of healthcare schemes. Similarly, it can be linked to the gas connection to enjoy LPG subsidies. This initiative has helped in giving help to the right people. Moreover, since it is linked to bank accounts, it helps in curbing misappropriation of funds.
• Another major benefit is the ease it brings in obtaining a new passport. If you have ever gone through the tedious process of passport application, you would know the time it takes for the authorities to validate your residence and identity. Now with an Aadhar card, this process can be expedited. You can simply attach your Aadhar card as the single document for the proof of residence and identity. The process has become so easy that now you can get it within ten days of your application.
• The government has also made it mandatory to link your EPFO with the Aadhar card. Pensioners can get their pension only after they have submitted their Aadhaar details. Similarly, the provident fund of an employee will be released only after the Aadhaar details have been furnished.
• The Human Resource Development Ministry offers several scholarships to students under government-sponsored schemes. However, students cannot avail these benefits unless they provide the details of their Aadhar cards. Besides, students who aspire to become doctors and are appearing for the NEET examination also have to share the details at the time of filling out the entrance form.
• Digi locker is another useful facility offered by the government. It is an electronic space where people can store scanned copies of their important documents like educational certificates, bank account details, ID proofs etc. Each user gets a 1 GB storage space for storing these documents. You can use Digi Locker only if you link it with your Aadhar card.

The best thing about the Aadhar card is that it is extremely easy to apply and receive. The first step of the application process will require you to visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre. The next steps of the process are available online, and you can check it from the comfort of your home.

If you are wondering how to check the Aadhaar status, you can log into the UIDAI official website. Once you have completed the application process, you will receive the Aadhaar Acknowledgement Slip. Keep it safe as this will come handy in checking the status of your Aadhar card. However, you can even check the status offline by calling on the status enquiry number, 1947. There is yet another option to check the status of your Aadhar card through the post. You can write to UIDAI along with the details of your enrollment number, and they will send you a response via post.

Don't worry if you have misplaced your enrollment number; you can see it online by giving the details of your name, email ID and registered online number. The entire process has been well thought out for greater convenience of the general public. Once your Aadhaar number has been generated, you can download your Aadhar card online through the UIDAI website.

To download your e-Aadhar card, you can give your details like the Aadhaar number or your enrollment number. Once you enter your details and submit it, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. By entering this OTP on the website, you will be able to download your Aadhar card. If you do not have any of these numbers and it is an emergency, you can enter your name, date of birth and registered mobile number. An OTP will be sent to your mobile number so that you can download your Aadhar card.

UIDAI also provides the option of downloading a masked Aadhar card. If you follow this process, you will get an Aadhar card where only the last four digits or your Aadhaar number will be visible. This feature has been provided for instances where you may not want to disclose the details to avoid any misuse. This masked Aadhar card is equally valid as the original version.

Usually, your Aadhar card is sent to your home address within 60 days of your enrollment. However, you may expect some delay due to various reasons. For instance, there could be a technical issue or a heavy backlog at the UIDAI centre. In such cases, you can still use your e-Aadhar card or your Aadhaar number as your ID proof to get government benefits.

UIDAI has carefully imagined all the scenarios to give us a fool-proof system. If you happen to lose your Aadhar card, getting a copy is no daunting task. You can download the e-Aadhar card by following the same steps as above. To get it offline, you can call at UIDAI's helpline at 1947 and request for a duplicate card.

Recommended Read: How to Unlock Biometric in Aadhaar Permanently?