How to Download e-Aadhaar and Print It Safely from Home

Published on 20th January 2026

Who needs this service?

Any Indian resident who has lost their physical Aadhaar card and needs an immediate legal ID proof.
Citizens requiring a safe “Masked Aadhaar” (hidden numbers) for banking, hotel check-ins, or KYC to prevent fraud.

Required documents:

Aadhaar Number (12 digits) OR Enrolment ID (EID) (28 digits from your acknowledgement slip).
Registered Mobile Number: Mandatory for receiving the OTP.
Note: If your mobile number is NOT linked, you cannot download e-Aadhaar online. You must visit a permanent enrolment centre.

Step-by-Step Online Download Process

Follow this exact process to download the official PDF from the government portal.

1. Go to the Official Portal

Visit the official Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) portal: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
Security Tip: Always check for the lock icon (🔒) in the browser address bar.

2. Select ‘Download Aadhaar’

On the homepage dashboard, scroll down and click on the “Download Aadhaar” icon.

3. Enter Your Details

Select one option: Aadhaar Number, Enrolment ID, or Virtual ID.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
Enter the Captcha code exactly as shown on the screen.

4. Choose ‘Masked Aadhaar’ (Recommended for Safety)

Crucial Step: You will see an option: “Do you want a masked Aadhaar?”
- Tick this box (✅) if you are giving this copy to a hotel, cinema hall, or non-banking private entity. It hides the first 8 digits (e.g., XXXX-XXXX-1234) for your safety.
- Leave unchecked if you need it for official government schemes or direct bank KYC where the full number is required.

5. Verify with OTP

Click “Send OTP”.
You will receive a 6-digit code on your linked mobile number.
Enter the OTP and click “Verify & Download”.

6. Open the Password-Protected PDF

The file will automatically download. It is password-protected.
Your Password Format: First 4 letters of your name in CAPITAL + Year of Birth (YYYY).
- Example Name: Ravi Kumar
- Year of Birth: 1990
- Password: RAVI1990
- Example Name: S.K. Nair (Year 1985) → Password: S.K.1985

Offline Process (If you have no internet/printer)

If you cannot download it at home, you can visit an official centre.

Where to go: Nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Common Service Centre (CSC).
What to bring: Your Aadhaar number and registered mobile phone.
Process: The operator will download the file for you.
Cost: The government-authorized charge for a black-and-white printout is typically ₹10 to ₹20.
Find a centre: https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/bookappointment.aspx

How to Check Application Status

If you recently updated your details or enrolled for a new card, check the status before trying to download.

Go to: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/check-aadhaar-validity
Enter your Enrolment ID (EID) or SRN (Service Request Number).
The screen will show if your Aadhaar is “Generated,” “Rejected,” or “Under Process.”

Common Problems and Solutions

1. “Signature Not Verified” (Question Mark ‘?’ on PDF)

Issue: When you print, the digital signature shows a yellow ‘?’ instead of a green tick.
Solution:
1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader (not Chrome/Edge browser).
2. Right-click the ‘?’ signature -> Select “Validate Signature”.
3. Click “Signature Properties” -> “Show Signer’s Certificate”.
4. Go to the “Trust” tab -> Click “Add to Trusted Certificates”.
5. Click OK. The signature will turn into a green tick (✅).

2. “Invalid Password” Error

Solution: Ensure you are typing the first 4 letters in CAPS. If your name has only 3 letters (e.g., RIA), use the full name + year (RIA1990). If your name is initials (e.g., A. Kumar), include the dot (A.KU1990).

3. “Mobile Number Not Registered”

Solution: You cannot fix this online. You must physically visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to link your mobile number. No online workaround exists for this.

4. “UIDAI Website Not Loading / Timeout”

Solution: The site often faces high traffic. Try accessing it early morning (before 9 AM) or late at night. Clear your browser cache or try “Incognito Mode.”

5. PDF Downloaded but won’t print

Solution: Some printers require the file to be “unlocked” first. Open the PDF with your password, then use the “Print to PDF” option to save a new, unlocked version properly before printing.

Official Helplines

If you face technical issues or fraud, contact UIDAI directly.

Toll-Free Number: 1947 (24×7 support in 12 languages)
Email Support: help@uidai.gov.in
Direct Complaint Portal: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/grievance-feedback

This information is from official sources (UIDAI) as of January 2026. Always verify on the official portal for the latest updates.

Would you like me to guide you on how to order a durable PVC Aadhaar card (plastic card) delivered to your home for ₹50?

How to Download e-Aadhaar and Print It Safely from Home