Aadhaar Enrolment 2026 – Complete Guide by UIDAI

Aadhaar enrolment is a straightforward and voluntary process to register demographic and biometric information to generate a unique 12-digit Aadhaar number. This secure ID helps residents access government schemes, subsidies, banking services, and financial inclusion programs, while maintaining data privacy and security.

Enrolling is done at authorized Aadhaar centres, and all residents of India, regardless of age or nationality, can participate in the process.

What is Aadhaar Enrolment?

Aadhaar enrolment involves collecting demographic information like name, date of birth, gender, and address, along with biometric data including fingerprints, iris scans, and a photograph. Once registered, individuals receive either a digital e-Aadhaar or a physical Aadhaar card, which can be used as proof of identity and address across India.

The process is free, voluntary, and available to all residents of India. Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship, but serves as a unique identity for residents.

Who Can Enrol for Aadhaar?

Aadhaar enrolment is open to:

  • Residents of India: Indian citizens, NRIs, and foreign nationals residing in India with valid proof of address.
  • All Age Groups: From newborns to senior citizens. Children under 5 receive a Baal Aadhaar with only a photograph, requiring biometric updates between ages 5–15.
  • No Citizenship Requirement: Aadhaar is available to residents, irrespective of nationality.

Prerequisites for Aadhaar Enrolment

Before visiting a centre, ensure the following:

  • Proof of Identity (PoI): PAN card, passport, voter ID, driving license, ration card, or other government-issued IDs.
  • Proof of Address (PoA): Utility bills, bank/post office passbooks, rental agreements, voter ID, driving license, passport.
  • Proof of Date of Birth (DoB): Birth certificate, passport, PAN card, SSLC certificate, or self-declaration if unavailable.
  • Registered Mobile Number: Optional, but recommended for OTP-based verification and future Aadhaar services.
  • Internet Access: Required if booking an appointment online.

If documents are unavailable, the Introducer System or Head of Family (HoF) method can be used for enrolment.

Required Documents

UIDAI accepts a wide range of documents for enrollment:

Proof of Identity (PoI)

  • PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License
  • Ration Card, Government-issued ID
  • Marriage Certificate, School Leaving Certificate

Proof of Address (PoA)

  • Utility bills (≤3 months old)
  • Bank/Post Office Passbook
  • Ration Card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport
  • Property Tax Receipt, Rent/Lease Agreement

Proof of Date of Birth (DoB)

  • Birth Certificate, SSLC Certificate, Passport, PAN Card
  • Government Hospital/School Certificate
  • Self-declaration if no document is available

Proof of Relationship (PoR) – HoF-Based Enrolment

  • Ration Card, Marriage Certificate, PDS Card, MNREGA Job Card
  • Birth Certificate for children

Notes:

  • Children <5 years require only a photograph.
  • Foreign nationals must carry a valid passport, visa, or OCI/PIO card.
  • Introducer or HoF method is used if documents are missing.

Methods of Aadhaar Enrolment

Aadhaar enrolment is done through multiple channels including Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs), Permanent Enrolment Centres (PECs), and special provisions for individuals without valid documents.

1. Enrolment at ASK or PEC

Locate a Centre:

Book Appointment (Optional):

  • Select state/city, choose a time slot, verify with OTP, and confirm.
  • Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments reduce waiting time.

Visit the Centre:

  • Carry original and photocopies of PoI, PoA, and DoB.
  • For children, bring parent/guardian Aadhaar and PoR documents.

Fill Enrolment Form:

  • Available at the centre or downloadable online.
  • Include name, gender, date of birth, address, mobile number, email, and parent/guardian details.
  • Consent for linking Aadhaar with government schemes is optional.

Document Verification:

  • Operator verifies documents and uploads details to UIDAI.
  • Originals are returned after verification.

Biometric Data Collection:

  • Photograph, fingerprints of all 10 fingers, & iris scans.
  • Children <5 years: only photograph captured.

Acknowledgement Slip:

  • Receive a 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID), including date and centre details.

Track Aadhaar Status:

  • Check status online via myAadhaar Portal.
  • Aadhaar generation takes 10–30 days, sometimes up to 90 days.

2. Enrolment Without Documents (Introducer System)

Who is an Introducer?

  • An authorized person (government official, NGO worker, or community leader) vouches for identity and address.

Process:

  • Visit ASK/PEC with an Introducer.
  • Verify details and provide biometric data.
  • Receive acknowledgement slip with EID.

Availability:

  • Limited to specific centres. Contact UIDAI (1947) for details.

3. Head of Family (HoF) Based Enrolment

Who is HoF?

  • Parent, spouse, or family member with valid Aadhaar.

Process:

  • HoF submits Aadhaar number and PoR documents.
  • Fill enrolment form for applicant.
  • Provide biometrics and receive EID.

Note: HoF must be present during enrolment.

4. Enrolment for Children (Baal Aadhaar)

Below 5 Years:

  • Parent/guardian Aadhaar + PoR + child photograph.
  • Only photograph captured; no fingerprints or iris scans.
  • Valid until age 5; biometric update required after age 5.

Age 5–15 Years:

  • Biometrics: fingerprints, iris scans, photograph.
  • PoI/PoA documents or parent Aadhaar with PoR.
  • Biometric update free until age 15.

5. Enrolment for NRIs and Foreign Nationals

Eligibility:

  • Residing in India for ≥182 days in past 12 months.

Documents:

  • Passport, visa, OCI/PIO card, and Indian address proof.

Process:

  • Same as standard enrolment. Biometric + demographic data collection.
  • Aadhaar valid for duration of stay; not proof of citizenship.

Special Enrolment Drives

  • Rural/Remote Areas: Mobile Aadhaar vans or temporary camps.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Homeless, orphans, or shelter residents via Introducer System.
  • Schools & Anganwadis: Child enrolment drives coordinated locally.

Check the UIDAI website for announcements of special drives.

Post-Enrolment Steps

Track Status:

aadhaar enrollment and update status

Download e-Aadhaar:

  • Once generated, download PDF.
  • Password: First four letters of name (uppercase) + birth year (e.g., RAVI1990).
download aadhaar

Order PVC Card:

  • Request online for Rs. 50. Delivery ~5 working days.

Update Details:

  • Update address, mobile number, or other details free via portal.
  • Biometric updates at centres may cost Rs. 50–100.

Security Tips and Important Notes

  • Enrolment is free, except PVC or biometric updates.
  • Only visit UIDAI-authorized centres.
  • Protect personal data: do not share Aadhaar number, OTPs, or biometrics publicly.
  • Use Masked Aadhaar for privacy online.
  • Verify acknowledgment slip details before leaving the centre.
  • Contact UIDAI at 1947 or help@uidai.gov.in for support in multiple languages.

FAQs

Q1: Can I complete Aadhaar enrolment online?

No, you must visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. Online booking is only for appointments.

Q2: Is Aadhaar enrolment free?

Yes, first-time enrollment has no fee.

Q3: How to create Aadhaar for a child?

Book appointment, visit centre with child’s birth certificate and parent’s Aadhaar. Children <5 receive Baal Aadhaar.

Q4: Can I link my mobile number with Aadhaar?

Yes, update at Aadhaar centre to receive OTP for Aadhaar services.

Q5: How long does Aadhaar enrolment take?

Typically 5–15 working days. Maximum up to 90 days in special cases.

Q6: How to check enrolment status?

Use your Enrollment ID (EID) on the UIDAI website to track progress.