Aadhaar Enrolment – Unique Identification Authority of India
Aadhaar enrolment is a simple and voluntary process where your basic personal details and biometrics are collected to issue a secure and widely accepted identity document. To start Aadhaar enrolment, you need to visit an authorized Aadhaar enrolment centre with required documents. The entire process is handled by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and is safe, transparent, and free.
What is Aadhaar Enrolment?
Aadhaar enrolment is the process of registering a person’s demographic details (such as name, address, date of birth, and gender) and biometric details (fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph) with UIDAI. After successful enrolment, UIDAI issues a unique 12-digit Aadhaar number.
This process is free of cost, voluntary, and open to all residents of India. Once enrolment is complete and approved, you can download e-Aadhaar (digital Aadhaar) or receive a physical Aadhaar card, which can be used as identity and address proof across many services.
Eligibility for Aadhaar Enrolment
Aadhaar enrolment is available to:
- Residents of India: Indian citizens, NRIs, and foreign nationals living in India with valid residence proof
- All age groups: From newborn babies to senior citizens
- Children below 5 years: Get Baal Aadhaar (blue card) without biometrics, which must be updated after age 5
- No citizenship requirement: Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, only a resident identity
Prerequisites
Before enrolling for Aadhaar, make sure you have:
- Proof of Identity (PoI): PAN card, passport, voter ID, ration card, etc.
- Proof of Address (PoA): Utility bill, bank passbook, rental agreement, etc.
- Proof of Date of Birth (DoB): Birth certificate, passport, PAN card, school certificate
- Mobile number: Optional during enrolment but strongly recommended for OTP-based services
- Internet access: Only needed if you book an appointment online
If you do not have valid documents, you can still enrol using the Introducer system or Head of Family (HoF) method, explained below.
Documents Required
UIDAI accepts many documents for Aadhaar enrolment. All documents should be valid, clear, and in your name.
Proof of Identity (PoI)
- PAN card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Driving licence
- Ration card
- Government-issued photo ID
- Marriage certificate (with photo/name)
- School leaving certificate
Proof of Address (PoA)
- Electricity, water, gas bill (not older than 3 months)
- Bank or post office passbook
- Ration card
- Voter ID
- Driving licence
- Passport
- Property tax receipt
- Rent or lease agreement
Proof of Date of Birth (DoB)
- Birth certificate
- SSLC certificate
- Passport
- PAN card
- Certificate from school or government hospital
- Self-declaration (if no document is available)
Proof of Relationship (PoR) for HoF-Based Enrolment
- Ration card
- Marriage certificate
- MNREGA job card
- Birth certificate (for children)
Additional Notes
- Children below 5 years: Only photograph is taken, linked with parent’s Aadhaar
- Foreign nationals: Passport, visa, OCI/PIO card are mandatory
- No documents: Introducer or HoF method can be used
For updated document list, always check UIDAI official documents required guidelines.
Methods of Aadhaar Enrolment
Aadhaar enrolment can be done through multiple official channels like Aadhaar Seva Kendras, Permanent Enrolment Centres, and special options for people without documents.
1. Enrolment at Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Permanent Enrolment Centre (PEC)
Aadhaar Seva Kendras are run by UIDAI, while PECs are available at banks, post offices, and government offices.
Step-by-Step Process
Locate a Centre
You can find the nearest ASK or PEC using UIDAI appointment portal or by calling helpline 1947.
Book an Appointment (Optional)
You may book an online appointment to save time. Walk-ins are also allowed.
Visit the Centre
Carry original documents and photocopies. For children, parent or guardian’s Aadhaar is required.
Fill Enrolment Form
Provide details like name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile number, and email (optional).
Document Verification
Operator checks your documents and enters details into UIDAI system.
Biometric Data Collection
- Photograph is taken
- All 10 fingerprints are scanned
- Iris scan of both eyes is done
For children under 5, only photograph is captured.
Receive Acknowledgement Slip
You get a slip with 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID). Keep it safe.
Track Aadhaar Status
After enrolment, you can track status online https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus/en. Once Aadhaar is generated, you can download e-Aadhaar or order PVC card.
Processing Time
Usually 10–30 days, but in some cases up to 90 days.
2. Enrolment Without Documents (Introducer System)
If you do not have valid documents, UIDAI allows enrolment through an Introducer.
Who is an Introducer?
An authorized person like NGO worker, government official, or community leader approved by UIDAI.
Process
- Visit ASK or PEC with the introducer
- Introducer confirms your identity and address
- Biometrics are captured
- Acknowledgement slip with EID is issued
This option is available only at selected centres.
Head of Family (HoF)-Based Enrolment
Who is HoF?
A family member with valid Aadhaar (parent, spouse, etc.).
Process
- HoF provides Aadhaar number and PoR document
- Your details are verified using family relationship
- Biometrics are captured
- HoF must be present during enrolment
3. Enrolment for Children (Baal Aadhaar)
Below 5 Years
- Only photograph is taken
- Parent’s Aadhaar and PoR required
- No fingerprints or iris scan
- Aadhaar is blue in colour
5 to 15 Years
- Biometrics (fingerprints, iris, photo) are taken
- Documents similar to adults or parent’s Aadhaar can be used
Biometric Update After Age 5
Mandatory biometric update is required and is free until age 15.
4. Enrolment for NRIs and Foreign Nationals
Eligibility
NRIs and foreign nationals staying in India for 182 days or more.
Documents Required
- Passport and visa
- OCI/PIO card (for NRIs)
- Indian address proof
Process is same as normal enrolment. Aadhaar is valid only during stay in India and is not proof of citizenship.
Post-Enrolment Steps
After completing enrolment, follow these steps:
Track Status
Check enrolment status online using EID.
Download e-Aadhaar
Once generated, download e-Aadhaar PDF using OTP.
Order PVC Card
You can order Aadhaar PVC card online. Delivery usually takes about 5 working days.
Update Details (If Needed)
Demographic updates are available online. Biometric updates are done at centres with applicable fees.
Important Tips and Security Measures
- Aadhaar enrolment is completely free
- Enrol only at UIDAI-authorized centres
- Never share OTP, biometrics, or Aadhaar details publicly
- Use Masked Aadhaar for safer sharing
- Verify details on acknowledgement slip before leaving the centre
- For help, call 1947 or email help@uidai.gov.in
FAQs for Aadhaar Card Enrolment
Can I do Aadhaar enrolment online?
No. You can only book an appointment online. Biometrics must be submitted in person at an enrolment centre.
s new Aadhaar enrolment free?
Yes. First-time Aadhaar enrolment is completely free.
How can I create my child’s Aadhaar card?
You must visit an enrolment centre with the child and parent’s Aadhaar for Baal Aadhaar registration.
Can I link my mobile number with Aadhaar?
Yes. Mobile number can be added or updated at Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
How many days does Aadhaar enrolment take?
Aadhaar is usually generated within 5–15 working days, but may take longer in some cases.
How can I check Aadhaar enrolment status?
You can check Aadhaar enrolment status online using your Enrollment ID (EID) printed on the acknowledgement slip.
