Aadhaar Enrolment - Unique Identification Authority of India

Aadhaar enrolment is a simple, voluntary process to collect biometric (fingerprint, iris scan) and demographic (name, address, date of birth) details to issue this secure, universally accepted ID. It enables access to government services, subsidies, and financial inclusion while ensuring privacy and data security.

Visit an authorized Aadhaar enrolment center with required documents to begin the process.

Aadhaar Enrolment

Book your Aadhaar enrolment appointment online. Find nearby centers and schedule your visit for new Aadhaar registration.

What is Aadhaar Enrolment?

Aadhaar enrolment is the process of registering an individual’s demographic (name, address, date of birth, gender, etc.) and biometric (fingerprints, iris scans, and photograph) information with UIDAI to generate a unique 12-digit Aadhaar number.

The process is free, voluntary, and open to all residents of India, regardless of nationality. Once enroled, individuals receive an e-Aadhaar (digital copy) or a physical Aadhaar card, which can be used for identity verification across various services.

Eligibility for Aadhaar Enrolment

Aadhaar enrolment is available to:

  • Residents of India: Any individual residing in India, including Indian citizens, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and foreign nationals with valid residency proof.
  • All Age Groups: From newborns to senior citizens. Children below 5 years receive a Baal Aadhaar (blue card) with no biometric data, which requires updating after age 5.
  • No Citizenship Requirement: Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship but a unique identity for residents.

Prerequisites

Before enroling, ensure you have the following:

  • Valid Proof of Identity (PoI): Documents verifying your name, such as PAN card, passport, voter ID, or ration card.
  • Valid Proof of Address (PoA): Documents confirming your address, such as utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements.
  • Proof of Date of Birth (DoB): Birth certificate, SSLC certificate, passport, or PAN card. If unavailable, a self-declaration is acceptable.
  • Registered Mobile Number: For OTP-based verification during future Aadhaar services (optional during enrolment but highly recommended).
  • Stable Internet (for Online Booking): If scheduling an appointment online via the UIDAI website.

If you lack valid documents, you can use the Introducer System or Head of Family (HoF)-based enrolment (explained below).

Documents Required

UIDAI accepts a wide range of documents for enrolment. Ensure documents are valid, legible, and in your name. Below is a list of commonly accepted documents:

Proof of Identity (PoI)

  • PAN card
  • Passport
  • Voter ID
  • Driving license
  • Ration card
  • Government-issued ID card
  • Marriage certificate (with name)
  • School leaving certificate (SLC)

Proof of Address (PoA)

  • Utility bills (electricity, water, gas) not older than 3 months
  • Bank or post office passbook with address
  • Ration card
  • Voter ID
  • Driving license
  • Passport
  • Property tax receipt (not older than 1 year)
  • Rent/lease agreement

Proof of Date of Birth (DoB)

  • Birth certificate
  • SSLC certificate
  • Passport
  • PAN card
  • Certificate from a government hospital or school
  • Self-declaration (if no document is available)

Proof of Relationship (PoR) for HoF-Based Enrolment

  • Ration card
  • Marriage certificate
  • PDS card
  • MNREGA job card
  • Birth certificate (for children)

Additional Notes

  • Children Below 5 Years: Only a photograph is required; no biometrics are collected. A parent/guardian’s Aadhaar number is linked.
  • Foreign Nationals: Valid passport, visa, or OCI/PIO card is mandatory.
  • Incomplete Documents: Use the Introducer System or HoF-based enrolment (see below).

For the latest list of accepted documents, visit “Documents Required.”

Methods of Aadhaar Enrolment

Aadhaar enrolment can be done through multiple channels, including Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs), Permanent Enrolment Centres (PECs), and special provisions for those without documents. Below are the detailed processes:

1. Enrolment at Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Permanent Enrolment Centre (PEC)

Aadhaar Seva Kendras are UIDAI-managed centres, while PECs are set up at banks, post offices, or government offices. Both offer walk-in and online appointment options.

  • Locate a Centre:
  • Book an Appointment (Optional):
    • Go to the UIDAI appointment portal, select your state/city, and choose an available slot.
    • Enter your mobile number for OTP verification and confirm the appointment.
    • Walk-ins are allowed, but appointments reduce waiting time.
  • Visit the Centre:
    • Carry original and photocopies of PoI, PoA, and DoB documents.
    • For children, bring the parent/guardian’s Aadhaar and PoR documents.
  • Fill the Enrolment Form:
    • Obtain the Aadhaar enrolment form (available at the centre or downloadable from the UIDAI website).
    • Fill in details: name, gender, date of birth, address, mobile number, email (optional), and parent/guardian details (for children).
    • Indicate if you consent to linking your Aadhaar with government schemes or subsidies.
  • Document Verification:
    • The operator verifies your documents and enters the details into the UIDAI system.
    • Original documents are returned after verification.
  • Biometric Data Collection:
    • Photograph: A facial photograph is taken.
    • Fingerprints: All 10 fingerprints are scanned.
    • Iris Scans: Both eyes are scanned for biometric authentication.
    • For children below 5 years, only a photograph is taken (Baal Aadhaar).
  • Receive Acknowledgement Slip:
    • After data collection, you receive an acknowledgement slip with a 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID) (14-digit enrolment number + 14-digit timestamp).
    • The slip includes your name, date of enrolment, and centre details.
  • Track Aadhaar Status:

Processing Time: Aadhaar generation typically takes 10–30 days, though it may take up to 90 days in some cases. You’ll receive an SMS or email (if provided) once your Aadhaar is ready.

2. Enrolment Without Documents (Introducer System)

For individuals without valid PoI or PoA documents (e.g., homeless persons, those without formal records), UIDAI allows enrolment through an Introducer or Head of Family (HoF).

  • Who is an Introducer?: A person authorized by UIDAI, such as government officials, NGO representatives, or community leaders, who can vouch for your identity and address.
  • Process:
    1. Visit an ASK or PEC with an authorized introducer.
    2. The introducer verifies your identity and address on the enrolment form.
    3. Provide biometric data (photograph, fingerprints, iris scans).
    4. Receive an acknowledgement slip with the EID.
  • Availability: Limited to specific centres. Contact UIDAI (1947) to locate one.

Head of Family (HoF)-Based Enrolment

  • Who is HoF?: A family member (e.g., parent, spouse) with a valid Aadhaar number.
  • Process:
    1. The HoF submits their Aadhaar number and PoR document (e.g., ration card, marriage certificate).
    2. Fill the enrolment form with your details, verified by the HoF.
    3. Provide biometric data.
    4. Receive the EID on the acknowledgement slip.
  • Note: HoF must be present during enrolment.

3. Enrolment for Children (Baal Aadhaar)

Children of all ages can enrol for Aadhaar. The process varies by age group:

Below 5 Years (Baal Aadhaar)

  • Documents: Parent/guardian’s Aadhaar number, PoR (e.g., birth certificate), and child’s photograph.
  • No Biometrics: Only a facial photograph is captured.
  • Process:
    1. Visit an ASK/PEC with the parent/guardian.
    2. Submit the enrolment form with the child’s details and parent’s Aadhaar.
    3. Photograph is taken; no fingerprints or iris scans.
    4. Receive the EID.
  • Validity: Baal Aadhaar is valid until age 5. Biometric updates are mandatory between ages 5–15.

5–15 Years

  • Documents: Same as adults (PoI, PoA, DoB) or parent’s Aadhaar with PoR.
  • Biometrics: Fingerprints, iris scans, and photograph are collected.
  • Process: Follow the standard enrolment process at an ASK/PEC.

Biometric Update After Age 5

  • Visit an ASK/PEC to update biometrics (fingerprints, iris scans).
  • Carry the child’s Baal Aadhaar and parent’s Aadhaar.
  • Update is free until age 15; mandatory to maintain validity.

4. Enrolment for NRIs and Foreign Nationals

  • Eligibility: NRIs and foreign nationals residing in India for 182 days or more in the 12 months preceding enrolment.
  • Documents:
    • NRIs: Passport, visa, or OCI/PIO card, and Indian address proof.
    • Foreign Nationals: Valid passport, visa, and address proof (e.g., rental agreement, utility bill).
  • Process: Same as standard enrolment, with biometric and demographic data collection.

Note: Aadhaar for foreign nationals is valid only for their stay in India and cannot be used for citizenship-related purposes.

Special Enrolment Drives

UIDAI conducts special enrolment drives for:

  • Rural and Remote Areas: Mobile Aadhaar vans or temporary enrolment camps.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Homeless individuals, orphans, or those in shelters, using the Introducer System.
  • Schools and Anganwadis: For children, often coordinated with local authorities.

Check the UIDAI website or local administration for announcements about such drives.

Post-Enrolment Steps

After enrolment, follow these steps to access your Aadhaar:

Aadhaar Status Check
Download Aadhaar

Important Tips and Security Measures

  • Enrolment is Free: No fees are charged for enrolment or updates (except PVC card or biometric updates at centres).
  • Use Official Centres: Enrol only at UIDAI-authorized ASKs or PECs to avoid fraud.
  • Protect Your Data: Do not share biometrics, OTPs, or Aadhaar numbers publicly.
  • Masked Aadhaar: Use the Masked Aadhaar (showing only the last four digits) for privacy when sharing digitally.
  • Verify Details: Check the acknowledgement slip for accuracy before leaving the centre.

Contact 1947 or email [email protected] for assistance in multiple languages (Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, etc.).