Aadhaar Card: How to get 12-digit unique identification number and apply for Aadhaar card to avail government benefits

The Aadhaar data is collected by UIDAI, a statutory authority established on 12 July 2016 by the Government of India.The World Bank Chief Economist Paul Romer described the Aadhaar card programme as "the most sophisticated ID programme in world".

New Delhi, Apr 18: Aadhaar card is slowly becoming a must have documents for all the Indians. Though it is not mandatory to have Aadhaar card, the government has linked various schemes wherein Aadhaar card or Aadhaar number is mandatory. With Aadhaar based payment app also launched, the benefits of having Aadhaar card have increased manifold.

The 12-digit unique identity number has become a matter of importance across the nation. The Government seems completely committed to making Aadhaar the most potent identification instrument for Indian citizen, just like social security number (SSN) in US. With time, the Aadhaar card has become one of the vital documents to live in India. In a bid to make Aadhaar Card the single identity proof, the government has made all efforts to make sure that the Aadhaar number is linked to bank accounts and tax payments. Aadhaar card has become a basic necessity and its need is increasing with each passing day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government are all set to make Aadhaar Card the single identity proof which is linked to everything from bank accounts and tax payments and has become the basic identity. The government is all set to make Aadhaar compulsory for an array of processes and instruments, right from PAN to Education institutions and mobile SIM cards. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley recently said in the Lok Sabha said that efforts are being made to make Aadhaar the only card required to identify a person, replacing Voter ID and PAN. “The unique identification number Aadhaar may become the single identity card in future”, he added.

Aadhaar card might be mandatory to book domestic airline tickets

As the need for Aadhaar Card increases every day for basic daily activities, it is important to know how to apply for Aadhaar Card. The 12-digit unique identity number issued under Aadhaar Card is the Indian version of the social security number. It provides a database of Indians based on their biometric and demographic data.

For you to have an Aadhaar Card you need to know how to apply for Aadhaar Card and what documents are required.  The actual process of getting the card will go from you applying for an appointment to visiting the centre to submit the information, to getting the number, verifying the details and actually getting the Aadhaar card. So let’s take a look at the registration process, to begin with.

What is Aadhaar card?

An Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number. It is issued by the government of India to every individual citizen of the country. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UDAI), which functions under the Planning Commission of India, is responsible for managing Aadhaar numbers and Aadhaar identification cards.

How to get Aadhaar card:

The enrollment for an Aadhaar Card is free and voluntary for all the residents of India. An individual may apply for Aadhaar Card at any location across the country. The Aadhaar card is not a proof of citizenship but a very effective proof of identity. The Aadhaar card helps citizens to avail various facilities and schemes like Direct Benefit Transfer of Government Subsidies like in Domestic Gas, Ration, etc. or for passport applications, the opening of bank account.

How to get Aadhaar Card online:

A citizen of India can only download the Aadhaar Card form and can take the appointment online for Aadhaar card enrollment. One has to be physically present at Aadhaar Card centre to get done with the enrollment process. Once the individual is physically present, there will be biometric scanning containing iris scan and fingerprints.

An individual needs to go to the centre since the biometric scanning, which is required for the Aadhaar card cannot be done at home.

From where to apply for Aadhaar card:

A resident of India can apply for the Aadhaar number and card by submitting the existing proof of identity. The identity proof includes passport, PAN card, driving license, etc. and address proof which may include the individual’s phone bill/ power bill, bank statements, etc. and by undergoing biometric profiling (fingerprints and iris scan) at any Aadhaar centre.

An Aadhaar enrollment form is easily verifiable in an online, cost-effective way.  The Aadhaar card is a Unique and robust enough to eliminate a large number of duplicate and fake identities in government and private databases. The 12-digits that are being generated are devoid of any classification based on caste, creed, religion and geography.

How to apply for Aadhaar card:

The individual should make sure that he has all the documents with him.  The first step is to find an enrollment centre near you and book an appointment online.  If you do not wish to book an appointment, you can directly go to the centre. Going to the Aadhaar centre and then enrolling will consume a lot of time.

Follow the steps:

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

1. You need to fill out the enrolment form before you go for the appointment too since it is available online.
2. It is advisable to download, take a print out and go to the Aadhaar card centr with the already filled application form(s) to save time.
3. Once you have filled up the form, submit it along with the supporting documents which include proof of identity and a proof of address.
4. After the documents are submitted and they are accepted, you will have to submit biometric data too. This will include an impression of your fingerprints and your iris.
5. They will also take a photograph of you for the records.
6. After the details are collected, make sure you collect the acknowledgement slip of your enrollment form.
7. This will have your 14 digit enrollment number on it which will help you keep a check on the status of your application.

What documents are required to apply for an Aadhaar Card?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has a list of documents which are considered valid for Aadhaar approval. Common documents for proof of photo ID and address include PAN card, Ration card, Passport, Election ID card with photo or Driving license. This means that any citizen can submit a PAN card and Government ID cards as a photo ID proof while they can submit the relevant documents of electricity, water, telephone bills of last three months for address proof.

Aadhaar Card – Driving Licence

When do I receive my Aadhaar card after the enrollment?

1. The citizen will be given an acknowledgement slip which will have a temporary enrolment number. One has to secure this enrolment number for further communication or details on their Aadhaar card.
2. Moreover, the details captured during the enrolment will also be available on the acknowledgement slip.
3. On successful enrolment or Aadhaar Card Online Registration, the applicant receives a printed copy of Aadhaar in the form of a card through post.
4. Additionally one can anytime download the electronic copy of Aadhaar details known as e-Aadhaar from the Resident portal of the Aadhar website.
5. On successful verification, you will first receive an SMS and/or email notification and later after a few days your Aadhaar number will be printed and sent to your address through post.
6. The delivery of Aadhaar card takes 60 to 90 days from the day of enrolment. You can also track your Aadhaar approval by using the enrolment number.

What if the details on my Aadhaar card are not correct?

If the details on your Aadhaar card are not correct, do no panic. All you need to do is send a request to update or correct your details through online or postal means or download the form and post the request to update/correct your Aadhaar card details.

What documents do I require to submit for the Aadhaar card?

Identity proof:  Photo ID card, Ration card, Passport, PAN Card, Driving License.

Address Proof: Water, Electricity, Telephone bills from the last 3 months.

If the applicant doesn’t have any of the above documents for whatever reasons, the proof of relationship with the head of the family can be produced which includes the Birth Certificate, PDS Card, MNREGA Job Card, ESIC Medical Card, Pension Card.

Documents Required for Changing Aadhaar Card Address

If any applicant wishes to change his/her address on Aadhaar Card, here are the list of documents required:

Proof of Identity (PoI)

The document must contain your name and photo. You can submit any of the following documents as identity proof:

• Ration Card or PDS Photo Card.
• PAN Card.
• Driving License.
• Voter ID.
• NREGS Job Card.
• Government Photo ID Cards or PSU Issued Service Photo Identity Card.
• Arms License.
• Photo ID Issued by a Recognised Educational Institution.
• Photo Credit Card.
• Photo Bank ATM Card.
• Kissan Photo Passbook.
• Pensioner Photo Card.
• Freedom Fighter Photo Card.
• ECHS/ CGHS Photo Card.
• Certificate of Identity that has photo issued by Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar on a letterhead.
• Address Card that has name and photo issued by the Department of Posts.
• Disability ID Card or handicapped medical certificate that is issued by the respective State or Union Territory Government or Administrators.
• Marriage Certificate.
• Gazette Notification.
• Proof of Marriage document that has been issued by the Registrar.

Proof of Address (PoA)

The document must contain your name and address. You can submit any of the following documents as address proof:

• Bank Statement or Passbook.
• Ration Card.
• Post Office Statement or Passbook.
• Voter ID.
• Government Photo ID Cards or PSU Issued Service Photo Identity Card.
• Driving License.
• Water Bill (It should not be more than 3 months old).
• Electricity Bill (It should not be more than 3 months old).
• Property Tax Receipt (It should not be more than 1 year old).
• Landline Telephone Bill (It should not be more than 3 months old).
• Credit Card Statement (It should not be more than 3 months old).
• Signed Letter that has Photo from the Bank on a letterhead.
• Insurance Policy.
• Signed Letter that has Photo and is issued by a Recognised Educational Institution on a letterhead.
• Signed Letter that has Photo and is issued by a registered Company on a letterhead.
• Arms License.
• NREGS Job Card.
• Pensioner Card.
• Kissan Passbook.
• Freedom Fighter Card.
• Income Tax Assessment Order.
• ECHS/ CGHS Card.
• Certificate of Address that issued by the head of Village Panchayat or an equivalent authority (for rural areas).
• Certificate of Address that has photo and is issued by a MLA or MP or Tehsildar or Gazetted Officer on a letterhead.
• Vehicle Registration Certificate.
• Registered Lease/ Sale/ Rent Agreement.
• Caste and Domicile Certificate that has photo and is issued by the State Government.
• Address Card that has photo and is issued by the Department of Posts.
• Gas Connection Bill (It should not be more than 3 months old).
• Disability ID Card or handicapped medical certificate that is issued by the respective State or Union Territory Government or Administrators.
• Passport of Parents (in case of minors).
• Passport of Spouse.

What to do if I have not received my Aadhaar Card

The first thing that you need to do is check the online Aadhaar status. This reveals that the card is ready and dispatched. If you have not received your card even after 60 to 90 days from the day of enrolment, do not worry. The card may not have been printed due to backlog or technical reasons, or it may have been lost in transit at the post office. Even if your Aadhaar card has not been delivered, you will be able to get all the benefits under the Aadhaar programme, as long as the Aadhaar number has been generated.

Before you think of lodging a complaint, you must understand that it can take up to 3 months for the card to reach the right person. In order to find a solution to this problem, you can seek help from the Government helpline numbers or the portal. Some of the important contact information is provided below:

Fax number – 080 2353 1947

Call Center – 1800 180 1947

Postal Address – Post Office Box 1947, GPO – Bangalore – 560001

Email – help@uidai.gov.in

How to get a duplicate Aadhaar Card

If you have lost or misplaced your Aadhaar Card, you can apply for a duplicate card. The UIDAI has made it possible for all residents to acquire a duplicate card through a simple procedure. In case you do not know or are unsure of your Aadhaar number, or if you have lost or misplaced your acknowledgement slip that you acquired at the time of registration, then you can download a duplicate copy of your Aadhaar card by visiting the UIDAI’s website www.uidai.gov.in

Follow the following steps to  get a duplicate Aadhaar card if have misplaced your Aadhaar card

Go to the official UIDAI website. At the bottom right corner of your screen click on the link that says ‘Aadhaar Services. You will then be directed to the Aadhaar Kiosk page.

• Among the links at the top of the page, click on the link that says ‘Get Aadhaar’
• A page will pop up where you will be required to fill in information in order to acquire a duplicate Aadhaar Card. You will be asked to choose the relevant option at the first instance:
• ‘You want to receive your lost – Aadhaar Number (UID) or Enrolment Number (EID)
• Next fill in your relevant personal details:
• Enter the 4 digit security that is displayed on the screen and click on the OTP button
• After this, you will receive an OTP (One Time Password) at the Email ID or the mobile number you provided
• Enter the OTP in the space provided and click on the ‘Verify OTP’ button
• Your duplicate Aadhaar card will then be downloaded in the form of a PDF document
• You can access the document by entering your Pin Code as the password

Applicants also face a problem when their Aadhaar cards are rejected. Your Aadhaar application could be rejected by the UIDAI for any of the reasons mentioned below:

• Incorrect information in the form
• Lack of supporting documents
• Failure to register your biometrics such as fingerprints and iris scans
• Failure to verify the supporting documents

To re-apply for an Aadhaar card, you need to follow the same procedure as applying for a new Aadhaar. The applicant will be rejected if the UID database already has an enrolment with your demographic or biometric data.

The Narendra Modi government is serious about making Aadhaar card mandatory because each week a new scheme is added to the three dozen schemes. Reports state that all the 84 schemes under the direct subsidy benefit transfer programme are expected to follow suit.  According to the government’s latest estimate, 112, 01, 12,468 Aadhaar cards have been issued since January 2009, when the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was set up under the Planning Commission. (ALSO READ: Aadhaar card initiative a watershed event in development story of India: President Mukherjee Aadhaar card initiative a watershed event in development story of India: President Mukherjee)

The Unique Identification project was launched by the Planning Commission to ensure that each resident of India would receive a unique form of identification. The main aim of the project was to provide better welfare services to the residents of the country and also to monitor a wide range of governmental schemes and programs.

The data is collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) which is a statutory authority established on 12 July 2016 by the Government of India. UIDAI is the world’s largest biometric ID system, with over 1.123 billion enrolled members as of 28 February 2017. The World Bank Chief Economist Paul Romer described it as “the most sophisticated ID programme in the world”.

The government has already proposed to make Aadhaar card compulsory for filing income tax return and applying for Permanent Account Number (PAN) while ‘Aadhaar’ enabled biometric attendance will soon become mandatory for teachers and other employees in all the government offices and schools. So if you are an adult Indian resident without an Aadhaar card, you are in a two percent minority as 98 per cent adults have already been covered.