Aadhaar Card: Its Need, Documents Required and How to Apply For a New One
The Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It contains biometric information, such as fingerprints and iris scans, along with demographic information, including individuals’ addresses and date of birth.
The Aadhaar card serves as proof of identity and is valid anywhere in India for any identification purposes. Having an Aadhaar card is compulsory while applying for a new PAN card or filing Income tax returns.
Read the following sections to learn more about its usage, documents required to apply, enrolment procedure, and more.
Essential Facts about the Aadhaar Card
- Indians and NRIs can apply for an Aadhaar Card. However, according to the Aadhaar act 2016, any individual must stay in India for 182 days or more in the year immediately preceding the date of enrolment application.
- The UID number of the Aadhaar card is unique for each individual and remains valid for them for a lifetime.
- With its introduction, the Indian government has set up a robust and well-organised system which is able to eliminate duplicate and fake identities in government databases.
- Aadhaar enrolment is completely free from any charges.
- In the case of multiple enrolments, only one Aadhaar number is generated, while others are dismissed as duplicates.
- UIDAI offers several online services like checking Aadhaar enrolment status, updating address, locking/unlocking biometric details, etc.
- Cardholders can download a digital copy of their Aadhaar card to use for various government verifications.
Why Is Aadhaar Card Needed ?
The Indian government introduced the Aadhaar card in 2010 with the aim to provide every Indian citizen with a unique identification number. Over the years, this document has become integral for various government and private services. The following are some of its uses:
1. Proof of identity
The Aadhaar Card is a government-issued ID proof containing your name, date of birth and address and is universally accepted in the country. Therefore, you can use it as a proof of identity and address for any services and benefits.
2. Availing government subsidies
It is also mandatory for availing of welfare schemes of the Central Government and State Governments. For example, you can get an LPG subsidy provided by the Indian Government once you link your Aadhaar to the LPG connection.
3. For KYC
It is necessary for KYC (Know Your Customer) norms in banks, financial institutions, telecom services and several government services.
4. For other processes
With an Aadhaar Card, you can easily apply for a new savings account or a new passport.
5. Income Tax returns
It is mandatory to link your PAN number to your Aadhaar Card to file Income Tax returns. Once you do this, you can verify your tax returns with an OTP.
6. For mutual fund investment
Fund houses need to obtain a customer’s Aadhaar number and link the same to their accounts before they starts investing in mutual funds.
Eligibility Criteria for Aadhaar Card
- Any Indian resident irrespective of his/her gender and age can enrol for an Aadhaar card.
- As per the Aadhaar Act 2016, Indian citizens need to reside in the country for 182 days or more in the year preceding the date of enrolment.
- Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are not eligible for an Aadhaar card. If NRIs and foreigners satisfy the minimum duration of stay as per the aforementioned Act, they can apply for an Aadhaar card.
- Minors, too, can apply for the Aadhaar Card. Children under the age of 5 will get the Blue Colour Aadhaar, which needs to get updated after they become 5 years old.
Documents Required to Enroll for Aadhaar Card
You will need to provide proof of identity, address, age and relationship to apply for an Aadhaar Card. The following is a list of documents you can use for the enrolment process:
1. Proof of identity
Voter ID card, Ration card, passport, PAN card, driving license, disability ID card, pensioner’s photo ID card, certificate of identity issued by a gazetted officer or Tehsildar.
2. Proof of address
Bank account statement, property tax receipt, gas connection bill, electricity bill, telephone bill, water bill, passbook, voter ID card, ration card, driving license, government or PSU-issued photo ID card.
3. Age proof
PAN card, passport, SSC certificate, Birth certificate, government university issued mark sheet.
4. Proof of relationship
Passport, PDS card, family entitlement document, MNREGA job card, pension card, CGHS/ECHS/ESIC medical card.
How to Find an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre?
There are many authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centres and Permanent Enrolment Centres under UIDAI all over the country. Here is a list of steps that detail how you can enrol for Aadhaar at one of these places.
- Step 1: Go to UIDAI’s homepage and click on ‘Locate Enrolment and Update Centres’ under ‘Aadhaar Online Services’.
- Step 2: On the new page, enter the details asked for, such as state, city, district name etc.
- Step 3: After submission, the page will display a list of both permanent and camp-mode centres.
- Step 4 : Click on the name of the nearest enrolment Centre to find out its full address.
How to Apply for a New Aadhaar Card?
- Step 1: After locating a nearby enrolment Centre, visit there with the necessary original documents and their photocopies.
- Step 2: Get a copy of the Aadhaar enrolment form from the Centre or UIDAI’s website. Fill it out and submit it after checking that there are no mistakes.
- Step 3: Now, you will have to complete the biometric scans, including fingerprint scans and iris scans. Moreover, the executive will take your photograph.
- Step 4: Make sure to collect your enrollment slip before leaving the Centre.
- Step 5: You will receive the Aadhaar card by post within 90 days of enrolling for it. You can use the enrolment ID provided in the slip to track the status of your application.
Final Word
The Aadhaar card offers a portable identification method that is universal and can be used nationwide. It serves as an identity and address proof for all sorts of private and government services. Moreover, its online services ensure that you can download the Aadhaar card from the official website if you lose it.
FAQs
Ans: Yes, The Government of India has made it mandatory to link your PAN Card with Aadhaar for filing your income tax returns. Recently, they have extended the deadline to do so from 31 March 2021 to 31 March 2022.
Ans: UIDAI has introduced a new PVC Aadhaar Card, which is more durable and easy to carry. You can apply for it online using your Aadhaar Number and Enrolment ID. It costs Rs. 50 and will be delivered to your doorstep via speed post.
Ans: No, you can only add a new mobile number to your Aadhaar card via a two-factor authentication where an OTP will be sent to your registered number. To link a new mobile number with your Aadhaar card, you will have to visit a Permanent Aadhaar Centre and submit an application.
Ans: The eAadhaar is an electronic copy of the Aadhaar card, which is universally acceptable in lieu of the physical copy. It is password-protected and saved in PDF format. The mAadhaar is UIDAI’s mobile application for Android devices. It allows you to connect up to 3 profiles and avail a wide variety of services.
Ans: As long as you have a registered mobile phone number, you can update demographic information like name, address, date of birth etc., through the website/app. To update/change any other details, you will have to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
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This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information, and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.
