Apply for New Aadhar Card 2025: Complete Guide

Aadhar card is one of the most important identity documents in India. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or need to get an Aadhar card for a family member, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process.

What is Aadhar Card?

Aadhar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all Indian residents. It serves as proof of identity and address, recognized across India for various purposes including opening bank accounts, filing income tax returns, and availing government schemes.

Who Can Apply for a New Aadhar Card?

Any resident of India, regardless of age or financial status, is eligible to apply for an Aadhar card. This includes:

Indian citizens
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) staying in India for more than 182 days in the 12 months preceding the application
Foreign nationals residing in India
Children and infants (with parental documents)

Documents Required for New Aadhar Card Enrollment

To apply for a new Aadhar card, you need to provide the following documents:

Proof of Identity (Any One)

Passport
PAN Card
Ration Card
Voter ID
Driving License
Government Photo ID Card
Bank Passbook with photograph
School/College Photo ID Card

Proof of Address (Any One)

Passport
Bank Statement
Post Office Account Statement
Ration Card
Voter ID
Driving License
Electricity Bill
Water Bill
Telephone Bill (not more than 3 months old)
Property Tax Receipt
Rent Agreement

Date of Birth Proof (Any One)

Birth Certificate
SSLC Certificate
Passport
PAN Card
Driving License
Matriculation Certificate

Note: For children below 5 years, parents’ Aadhar card is mandatory.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for New Aadhar Card

Method 1: Apply Online Through UIDAI Website

Step 1: Visit the Official UIDAI Website

Go to https://uidai.gov.in
Click on “Book an Appointment” or “Get Aadhar” option
Select “Online Appointment System”

Step 2: Book Your Appointment

Select your state and city
Choose the nearest Aadhar enrollment center
Pick a convenient date and time slot
Enter your mobile number to receive appointment confirmation

Step 3: Fill the Enrollment Form

Download the Aadhar enrollment form from the UIDAI website
Fill in all required details accurately:
Full name (as per documents)
Date of birth
Gender
Address details
Mobile number
Email address (optional)

Step 4: Visit the Enrollment Center

Arrive at the scheduled time with original documents
Carry photocopies of all required documents
Submit your documents for verification

Step 5: Biometric Data Collection

Your photograph will be captured
Fingerprints of all 10 fingers will be scanned
Iris scan will be conducted

Step 6: Receive Acknowledgement Slip

After enrollment, you’ll receive an acknowledgement slip
This slip contains a 14-digit Enrollment ID (EID)
Keep this slip safe to track your application status

Method 2: Walk-in Application at Aadhar Enrollment Center

Step 1: Locate Nearest Enrollment Center

Visit https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/easearch.aspx
Enter your state, district, and sub-district
Find the nearest enrollment center

Step 2: Visit the Center

Walk into any Aadhar enrollment center
Carry all original documents and photocopies
Be prepared for potential waiting time

Step 3: Fill the Enrollment Form

The operator will help you fill the form at the center
Verify all details before confirming

Step 4: Complete Biometric Process

Provide biometric data as instructed
Review all captured information

Step 5: Get Acknowledgement Receipt

Collect your acknowledgement slip with EID
Note down the EID for future reference

How to Track Your Aadhar Card Application Status

Online Tracking:

Visit https://uidai.gov.in
Click on “Check Aadhar Status”
Enter your 14-digit Enrollment ID
Enter the security code
Click on “Check Status”

Via SMS:

Send SMS: “UID STATUS <14-digit EID>” to 51969

Via Phone:

Call UIDAI toll-free number: 1947

Aadhar Card Delivery Timeline

Once your enrollment is successful:

Aadhar generation typically takes 60-90 days
You’ll receive an SMS on your registered mobile number
Aadhar card will be delivered to your registered address via India Post
You can also download e-Aadhar from the UIDAI website

How to Download e-Aadhar

Visit https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
Enter your 12-digit Aadhar number or 14-digit EID
Enter security code
Click on “Send OTP”
Enter OTP received on registered mobile number
Download your e-Aadhar PDF
Password to open PDF: Your PIN code (first 4 letters of name in CAPITAL + Year of Birth)

Important Points to Remember

Aadhar enrollment and card generation is completely FREE
Never pay any agent for Aadhar services
Ensure all details are accurate during enrollment
Update your Aadhar immediately if you find any errors
Keep your Aadhar number confidential and secure
Link your Aadhar with PAN, bank accounts, and mobile number

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Biometric Rejection

Solution: Visit the enrollment center again for re-enrollment. Clean your fingers before fingerprint scanning.

2. Document Rejection

Solution: Ensure documents are clear, valid, and match UIDAI’s accepted document list.

3. Delayed Aadhar Card

Solution: Check status online. If more than 90 days have passed, contact UIDAI helpline or visit the enrollment center.

4. Address Proof Issue

Solution: Use alternative address proof documents. For those without address proof, use relationship proof with family member’s Aadhar.

Aadhar Enrollment for Special Categories

For Children Below 5 Years (Blue Aadhar)

Parents’ Aadhar is mandatory
Only facial photograph required (no biometrics)
Must be updated with biometrics at age 5 and 15

For Senior Citizens

If biometrics are difficult due to age, special provisions available
Can use alternative identity proofs
Home visit facility available in some areas

For Persons with Disabilities

Special assistance provided at enrollment centers
Alternative biometric options available
Exemptions for those unable to provide fingerprints

Aadhar Card Fees and Charges

First-time enrollment: FREE
Aadhar update: FREE (once in 10 years)
Reprinting Aadhar: ₹50
Duplicate Aadhar: ₹50
Aadhar PVC card: ₹50 (optional)

Benefits of Having an Aadhar Card

Universal identity proof across India
Mandatory for filing income tax returns
Required for opening bank accounts
Essential for getting mobile SIM cards
Needed for LPG subsidy
Required for government schemes and subsidies
Useful for digital signature
Enables paperless KYC
Facilitates instant verification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Aadhar card mandatory in India?

While not legally mandatory, Aadhar has become essential for most government services, banking, and tax-related matters.

Q2: Can I apply for Aadhar without address proof?

Yes, you can use an introducer (someone with a valid Aadhar) to vouch for your identity and address.

Q3: How long is Aadhar card valid?

Aadhar card is valid for lifetime. However, biometric updates are required for children at ages 5 and 15.

Q4: Can NRIs apply for Aadhar?

Yes, NRIs staying in India for more than 182 days in 12 months can apply for Aadhar.

Q5: What if I lose my acknowledgement slip?

You can retrieve your EID using your registered mobile number on the UIDAI website.

Conclusion

Applying for a new Aadhar card is a straightforward process when you have all the required documents ready. Whether you choose to book an appointment online or walk into an enrollment center, the entire process is designed to be citizen-friendly and free of cost. Make sure to track your application status regularly and download your e-Aadhar once it’s generated. Having an Aadhar card will make your interactions with government services, banking, and other essential services much smoother.

For any assistance or queries, you can always contact UIDAI’s toll-free helpline at 1947 or visit their official website at uidai.gov.in.

Govt ID(PAN, Aadhaar, Voter Card) and KYC Help

How to Apply for New Aadhar Card

What is Aadhar Card?

Who Can Apply for a New Aadhar Card?