Aadhaar - a 12-digit unique identification number - is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to the residents of the country. This card can be produced to serve as proof of identity, proof of address and proof of date of birth. One of the most important uses of Aadhar card is that it permits the holder to avail government welfare schemes and subsidies.
The UIDAI is the nodal agency that manages the Aadhaar biometric identification system. It functions under the Planning Commission of India, and is in charge of managing Aadhaar identification cards. Now, it is important to note that the services provided by the UIDAI are not just limited to the issuing of Aadhar cards. This article highlights the various services offered by the government agency to Aadhaar applicants and cardholders.
(Note - All the information contained in this page has been sourced from the official website of the UIDAI.)
The UIDAI has a dedicated database where Aadhaar card holders can avail different types of Aadhaar-related services. Here is a look at the facilities offered through the UIDAI website:
This facility allows users to check if their Aadhaar number is valid and not deactivated. Aadhaar Card holders can verify their 12-digit unique identification number by following the steps given below.
If an individual has lost his or her Aadhaar number, then this online facility can help retrieve it on the user’s registered mobile number. The below steps need to be followed by individuals looking to retrieve lost or forgotten EID/UID.
Individuals can verify their email address and mobile number, which have been declared during enrolment or in the latest Aadhaar details update. It is important to register mobile number to avail Aadhaar online services. If the mobile number is not registered with Aadhaar, users are advised to visit the nearest Permanent Aadhaar Centre.
Through this facility, one can view their Aadhaar and bank account linking status. The status is fetched from the NPCI Server. Individuals will have to enter their 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID and security code to proceed with viewing the Aadhaar and bank account linking status.
VID is a number that is mapped with one’s Aadhaar details. It is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number. VID can be used in place of Aadhaar number when authentication or e-KYC services are performed. It must be noted that Aadhaar number cannot be derived from VID.
Aadhaar Paperless e-KYC - launched by the UIDAI - is a secure shareable document that can be used by any Aadhaar card holder for offline verification of identification. To start with, one will need to enter Aadhaar/VID and create a share code of four characters. A ZIP file will be created with the individual's paperless offline e-KYC. This shall be password protected using the same share code. The file can be downloaded to the resident's device or desktop. To make use of this service, the resident will need to share the ZIP file, share code and registered mobile number with the service provider.
This facility will allow users to lock as well as temporarily unlock their biometrics. Residents can be assured of privacy and confidentiality of their biometrics data. Those using this feature are advised use this facility carefully so as to prevent denial of authentication services.
Here, individuals can view up to 50 previous authentication transactions of Aadhaar. The two modes by which this can be undertaken is by entering 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID.
The UIDAI has introduced a service called “Aadhaar Services on SMS” that enables Aadhaar number holders to use different Aadhaar services via SMS. This include Virtual ID generation/retrieval, Biometric lock/unlock, Aadhaar lock/unlock, etc. Resident can avail Aadhaar Services by sending an SMS from registered mobile to 1947 in the following format: GVID
When Aadhaar number is locked, individuals will not be able to perform authentication through Aadhaar number. However, they can undertake authentication by using Virtual ID. Residents need to ensure that latest VID is with him or her. To retrieve existing VID, residents can send an SMS to 1947 - RVID [last 4 or 8 digits of UID].
How can I know my registered mobile number in Aadhaar card?
Users have the facility of checking which number is registered with Aadhaar through the official website of the UIDAI. Under the ‘Verify Email/Mobile Number’ option, individuals can verify the mobile number that has been declared during the time of enrolment or in the latest Aadhaar details update.
How can I check my Aadhar card details online?
Individuals seeking to view their Aadhaar details online can download an electronic copy of Aadhaar through the UIDAI website. Under the 'Download electronic copy of your Aadhaar' option, the user can enter his or her Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID or Virtual ID and then proceed to view the Aadhaar details.
How can I make my Aadhaar card?
To apply for an Aadhaar, an individual will have to follow the steps mentioned below:
How can I link my Aadhaar card with mobile online?
There can be two scenarios when a user would want to register his or her mobile number with Aadhaar - i) the mobile is being linked to Aadhaar for the first time and ii) the user has changed his or her mobile number and wants to update Aadhaar data with the new number. In case of the first scenario, online authentication is not possible. The individual will have to go to an Aadhaar centre to get the Aadhar Update/Correction Form or download it from the UIDAI website. In the second scenario, one will be able to update mobile number online. Here, the user needs to ensure that his or her existing number which is linked to Aadhaar is functional. An OTP to authenticate the updation would be sent to the user’s existing number. The individual will be able to link new number with Aadhaar after submitting the OTP sent on the old number.
