Aadhar Enrollment: Aadhar Apply Online and Offline

Aadhar enrollment is the first step to getting your unique identity in India. Issued by UIDAI, Aadhaar is a 12-digit number that verifies both your identity and address. Whether you want to access government subsidies, open a bank account, or get a SIM card, Aadhaar is essential. Till May 2025, approximately 1.419 billion people enrolled for UIDAI Aadhaar card.

This guide explains how to enroll easily and correctly.

What is Aadhar Enrollment?

Aadhar Enrollment is the process by which residents of India can obtain their unique Aadhaar number by providing their demographic and biometric information along with all the valid identity proofs at an authorized Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Enrollment Can Be Done with two Approaches

There are two main approaches to enroll: Document-Based and Head of Family (HoF)-Based.

Document-Based Enrolment:

In the Document-Based method, people must show valid Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA). PoI can be a PAN card, passport, or voter ID. PoA can be a recent electricity, water, or landline bill from the last three months. These documents are checked during enrollment to ensure the person's identity and address are correct.

Head of Family (HoF)-Based Enrolment:

The Head of Family (HoF)-Based enrollment method is designed for individuals who do not have valid PoI or PoA documents. Enrollment is carried out using a family entitlement document that includes the individual's name.

The Head of the Family must be listed in the same document and must first enroll using their valid PoI and PoA documents. Once enrolled, the HoF can introduce other family members for enrollment. A Proof of Relationship (PoR) document, such as a ration card or marriage certificate, is required to verify the relationship and must be approved by UIDAI.

Who can enroll for Aadhar

Category Eligibility Criteria
Indian Citizens Any Indian citizen residing in India is eligible for enrollment.
Children Even newborns are eligible for a Baal Aadhaar card. After the age of 5 years, biometrics can be updated.
NRIs NRIs with a valid Indian passport are also eligible for an aadhar application.
Foreign Nationals Some foreign nationals living in India on specific types of visas may be allowed to use Aadhaar temporarily for certain services.
Residency Requirement A residency of 182 days in India within the last year is generally required for Aadhaar enrollment, but not applicable for NRIs.

Checklist Before Visiting the Enrollment Center

  • Valid Proof of Identity document (e.g., PAN card, passport, voter ID).
  • Valid Proof of Address document (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).
  • Filled Aadhaar Enrollment form (available at centers or download aadhar enrollment form here).
  • For children below 5 years, birth certificate and Aadhaar details of one parent.
  • Make Sure to carry Original documents for verification; photocopies are not accepted.

Steps for New Aadhar Card Apply

    Step 1: Use the Bhuvan portal to search for "Aadhar enrolment center near me" or Aadhar Seva Kendra.

    Step 2: Visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra for a new aadhar card application during working hours. You can book an online appointment to avoid waiting time.

    Step 3: Ask the operator for the Aadhar enrollment form. Fill out all the required details accurately.

    Step 4: Submit the form along with original supporting documents.

    Step 5: The operator will take your biometric data: Fingerprints, Iris scan, and photograph.

    • For Children below 5 Years: The operator will capture a photo and collect a birth certificate and Parent's aadhar card.
    • For Children Above 5 Years: The center operator will take biometric data such as fingerprints and Iris scans.

    Step 6: Collect the acknowledgment slip containing the Enrollment ID (EID) for future use.

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Note: EID will help you with the Aadhar Enrollment Status check. After approval you can also use it for Aadhar Card Download.

Steps for Aadhaar Enrollment for NRI, NRI Children, and LTV

  1. Visit a nearby Aadhaar card enrollment center with the required documents on your appointment date.
  2. Request the operator to enroll you as an NRI or Long Term Visa (LTV) Holder.
  3. Submit a valid Indian passport as a mandatory Proof of Identity (PoI).
  4. Provide other mandatory demographic details such as Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, and Email (Mobile number is optional).
  5. For NRI children, the Aadhaar number of one or both parents or a legal guardian must be provided; the parent or guardian must authenticate on the child's behalf and give written consent by signing the enrollment form.
  6. Note that the residency requirement of 182 days does not apply to NRIs.
  7. Collect back your enrollment acknowledgment slip for Aadhar status tracking.

How to Book an Appointment for Aadhar Enrollment

    Step 1: Visit the UIDAI official website and choose your preferred language.

    aadhar card status 1

    Step 2: Go to 'MyAadhaar' → 'Get Aadhaar' → 'Book An Appointment' section or directly Visit the UIDAI appointment portal.

    book appointment for aadhar update and enrollment 2

    Step 3: You can book an appointment for the following things:

    • Fresh Aadhaar Enrollment
    • Name Update
    • Address Update
    • Mobile Number Update
    • Email Update
    • Date Of Birth Update
    • Gender Update
    • Biometric (Photo + Fingerprints + Iris) Update

    Step 4: Select your city and click 'Proceed to Book Appointment.'

    select city for aadhar enrollment appointment booking

    Step 5: On the next page, choose the 'New Aadhaar' option and Enter your mobile number.

    Step 6: Enter the Captcha code and Click the 'Generate OTP' button. Then, complete OTP verification.

    book appointment for aadhar update and enrollment 3

    Step 7: Next, fill in accurate information in the following steps:

    • Appointment Details
    • Personal Details (Personal & Address details)
    • Time Slot Details (Select Time Slot)
    • Appointment Details (Review Appointment Details)
    book appointment for aadhar update and enrollment 4

    Step 8: Click the 'Submit' button to confirm appointment booking.

    Step 9: Click the 'Application Form' button on the next page to download the pre-filled application form.

    book appointment for aadhar update and enrollment 5

    Step 10: Visit the selected center at the scheduled time with all the required documents.

Things You Must Consider While Applying for New Aadhaar Card
  • Ensure all details in the Aadhaar Enrollment form are accurate and match your supporting documents.
  • Carry original documents. Photocopies are not accepted at the Aadhaar service centre.
  • For children below 5 years, Aadhaar is linked to one parent's Aadhaar.
  • Biometric data is mandatory for individuals aged 5 years and above.
  • Enrollment is free of cost; no fees are charged at the center.
  • Keep the acknowledgment slip safe for future reference and Aadhar Enrollment status.