Applying For Aadhaar Card? Check Step-By-Step Guide

Aadhar card is one of the most important pieces of documents and proof of identification in India. It serves as proof of identity and address, and is essential for availing various government services and benefits, including opening a bank account, obtaining government benefits, and being a part of various government schemes. This 12 digit Unique Identification number is a crucial document in India and each and every individual is mandated to obtain one. It should be noted that Aadhaar enrollment is free of charge. However, any updates made after enrollment will incur a fee. Demographic updates cost Rs.50, while biometric updates cost Rs.100. Applying for an Aadhaar card is a straightforward process that requires some basic documents and biometric data. By following these steps below, you can easily apply for an Aadhaar card and enjoy the benefits it offers.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Aadhaar enrollment can generally be done in two ways, depending on the availability of essential documents with the individual.

Document based Enrolment

The first and foremost step in procuring an Aadhar card Is keeping all the major documents handy mentioned below:

• Proof of Identity (POI): Passport, PAN card, voter ID, driving license, or government-issued ID cards
• Proof of Address (POA): Passport, voter ID, driving license, electricity bill, water bill, or bank statement
• Date of Birth (DOB) Proof: Birth certificate, passport, or PAN card

Head Of Family (Hof) Based enrollment:

If an individual does not have any of the above mentioned proof of identity documents, they can still apply for an Aadhaar card using the Head of Family method. The Head of Family mentioned in the entitlement document must first enroll with valid proof of identity (PoI) and proof of address (PoA). Once the Head of Family is enrolled, they can introduce other family members during their enrollment process, establishing their Proof of relationship (PoR). The following documents are valid for this method:

• Birth certificate
• Valid Indian Passport
• Document to provide legal guardianship

Step 2: Visit Your Nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Center

The government of India has established multiple Aadhar enrolment centers throughout the country for convenience of the general public. Your nearest Aadhar enrollment centers can be navigated on the UIDAI website((www.uidai.gov.in). In the website you can find the UIDAI's enrollment center locator tool which can provide the list of enrollment centers in or near your place of residence. One can also contact the local authorities and municipal corporation if that method is not easy for them. These enrollment centers can be in various locations, including government offices, post offices, and private agencies authorized by the UIDAI

Step 3: Fill the Enrollment Form

Once you Reach the enrollment center you need to duly fill up the enrollment form which will require some major demographic information like your Name, date of birth, address, and contact details. Additionally Biometric Information will also be fed in the system like your Fingerprints and iris scans. The document like POI, POA, and DOB proof provided by you will be scrutinized and verified for any discrepancies.

Step 4: Review and Submit the Application

This is a major step to avoid any incorrect data in the system. You should make sure that all the information submitted is true and accurate and there is no error in any of it. After checking carefully, submit the Application.

Step 5: Receive Your Aadhaar Card

Once the application is submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment slip. Keep your acknowledgment slip safe, as it contains your Unique enrollment ID. You can use this ID to track the status of your application. After the successful processing of the application, your Aadhaar card will be sent to your registered address.

Additional Info: PVC Aadhaar

The UIDAI website offers the option of ordering a PVC Aadhaar card, a durable, easy-to-carry card made of PVC with multiple security features that is equally valid as the regular Aadhaar card. Aadhaar holders can obtain their PVC card by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 50/- (inclusive of GST and speed post charges). Existing Aadhaar holders can request a PVC card on the UIDAI website by providing their Aadhaar details and registered mobile number. After verifying the details and successful payment of Rs. 50/- (which can be made via any channel such as Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI payment), a SRN (Service Request Number) will be provided to track the progress of the request.