Aadhaar Enrolment – Unique Identification Authority of India

The Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is one of the most essential identity documents for Indian residents. It serves as valid proof of identity and address, and is often required to access government benefits, subsidies, and various services.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Aadhaar enrolment process — from eligibility and documents to step-by-step instructions.

What is Aadhaar Enrolment?

Aadhaar enrolment is the process of registering with UIDAI to receive a unique 12-digit Aadhaar number. It’s completely free and involves submitting your demographic and biometric details for verification.

Who Can Enrol for Aadhaar?

Eligibility

• Indian Residents: Any Indian resident, including infants and senior citizens, can apply.
• NRIs & Foreign Nationals: NRIs and foreigners living in India may also enrol, subject to residency requirements.

Documents Required for Enrolment

You’ll need to provide:

• Proof of Identity (PoI) – e.g. PAN card, passport, voter ID
• Proof of Address (PoA) – e.g. recent utility bills (water, electricity, landline)
• Date of Birth (DoB) – mandatory only for applicants above age 5

Tip: List of supporting documents can be referred here.

Note:
Don’t have standard documents?
You can submit a Certificate of Identity issued by a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar. For address proof, documents issued by local authorities like MPs, MLAs, Village Panchayat heads, or government officials are also accepted.
If you’re applying as part of a family unit, the Head of Family (HoF) can enrol first and introduce others using a Proof of Relationship (PoR) document.

Enrolment Methods

1. Document-Based Enrolment

This is the most common method used for Aadhaar enrolment. In this process, the applicant is required to submit original documents that serve as both Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) at the time of registration. These documents help UIDAI verify who you are and where you live.

Accepted PoI documents typically include:

• PAN card
• Passport
• Voter ID
• Government-issued photo IDs

Accepted PoA documents may include:

• Recent utility bills (electricity, water, gas, or landline – within the last 3 months)
• Bank passbook with photograph
• Property tax receipt
• Lease or rent agreement

At the enrolment center, these documents are scanned and verified by the operator before your biometric details are recorded. It’s important to bring originals, as photocopies are not accepted.

2. Head of Family-Based Enrolment

This method is designed for individuals who do not have their own valid ID or address documents — such as elderly family members, dependents, or minors. Instead of submitting PoI/PoA, they can enrol through a Head of Family (HoF) who already has a verified Aadhaar.

Here’s how it works:

1. The Head of Family first enrols using standard PoI and PoA documents.
2. Other family members whose names are listed on the same entitlement document (e.g. ration card) can then be enrolled under the HoF’s reference.
3. During their enrolment, a Proof of Relationship (PoR) document is required — this could be a:
   • Marriage certificate
   • Ration card
   • Birth certificate
   • Any other UIDAI-accepted document linking the applicant to the HoF

Both the HoF and the enrolling family member must be physically present during the process, and the HoF’s Aadhaar number will be referenced for verification.

This method ensures that individuals with limited documentation are still able to obtain a valid Aadhaar number through familial linkage.

Where to Enrol for Aadhaar

Aadhaar enrolment is done at authorized UIDAI centres, which are commonly located in:

• Banks
• Post offices
• Government offices

Use the UIDAI portal to locate the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center.

Step-by-Step Aadhaar Enrolment Process

1. Visit an authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Center
2. Book an Appointment
   • Use the UIDAI portal for online booking
   • Or walk in (availability depends on the center)
3. Bring the Following:
   • Aadhaar enrolment form
   • Original PoI, PoA, and DoB documents
   • A valid mobile number for OTPs (optional but recommended)
   • Appointment confirmation (if booked online)

4. Fill Out the Form
   Include your full name, address, DOB, and gender.
5. Document Verification
   The operator will scan and upload your original documents.
6. Biometric Capture (For Adults)
   • Fingerprints (all 10 fingers)
   • Iris scans (both eyes)
   • Photograph
   For children under 5: Only a photograph is taken. Biometrics must be updated at ages 5 and 15.

7. Review and Confirm
   Double-check all entered information before submission.
8. Receive Acknowledgment Slip
   You’ll be given an acknowledgement with your Enrolment ID (EID) — used to track the application status.

Note: You can check your Aadhaar status anytime using the EID at the UIDAI Status Portal.

Important: It may take up to 180 days for your Aadhaar to be processed after submission. The data is handled by UIDAI’s Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR).

Form Filling Instructions (Adults, 18+ Years)

Resident Foreigners
Foreign nationals must use a separate form for Aadhaar enrolment and carry valid passport-based PoI.

List of Accepted Documents
To view the most current list of valid documents for Aadhaar enrolment or update, please visit the official UIDAI website. Make sure the document you submit matches the criteria outlined by UIDAI to avoid delays or rejections during processing.

Important Notes for All Applicants

• Free of Cost: Aadhaar enrolment is always free.
• Accuracy Matters: Double-check all information to avoid issues later.
• Mobile Linking: Provide a mobile number to receive OTPs for Aadhaar services.
• Biometric Updates for Kids: Children must update their biometrics at ages 5 and 15 with a visit to an enrolment center.

How to Locate an Aadhaar Enrolment Center

1. Visit: https://appointments.uidai.gov.in
2. Navigate to My Aadhaar → Get Aadhaar → Locate Enrolment Center

3. Choose your search method:
   • By State
   • By PIN Code
   • By Center Name
4. Enter your details and click “Locate Center”
5. You’ll see a list of centers with addresses and contact info

Tip: Some centers may require prior appointments. Always confirm before visiting.

Note: Need help? Reach UIDAI at their toll-free number 1947 or email help@uidai.gov.in.