How to Apply for Aadhaar Card in 2026: UIDAI Enrolment Guide
A new Aadhaar cannot be issued entirely online. A person seeking first-time enrolment must visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, submit the applicable enrolment form and supporting documents, and complete the demographic and biometric capture prescribed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). New Aadhaar enrolment is free of cost.
Who can enrol for Aadhaar?
Aadhaar enrolment is governed by the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 and the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016, as amended . Eligibility and the applicable form depend on whether the applicant is a resident, NRI or eligible foreign national, as well as the applicant's age and address status.
UIDAI's current guidance states that the ordinary residence condition for a resident applicant is residence in India for 182 days or more in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of enrolment. This residence condition does not apply to an NRI in the same manner. Applicants should check the current UIDAI instructions applicable to their category before visiting a centre.
Which Aadhaar enrolment form should you use?
UIDAI now provides different enrolment/update forms for different categories. Download the current forms only from the official UIDAI Enrolment & Updates page .
| Form | Applicant category |
|---|---|
| Form 1 | Resident Indian, or NRI with Proof of Address in India, aged 18 years or above |
| Form 2 | NRI with Proof of Address outside India, aged 18 years or above |
| Form 3 | Resident Indian child, or NRI child with Indian address proof, aged 5 to below 18 years |
| Form 4 | NRI child with Proof of Address outside India, aged 5 to below 18 years |
| Form 5 | Resident Indian child, or NRI child with Indian address proof, below 5 years |
| Form 6 | NRI child with Proof of Address outside India, below 5 years |
| Forms 7 / 8 | Eligible resident foreign nationals, depending on age |
Documents required for Aadhaar enrolment
Depending on the applicant and enrolment method, UIDAI may require documents for Proof of Identity (PoI), Proof of Address (PoA), Proof of Relationship (PoR) and Proof of Date of Birth (PDB). Applicants should carry the original documents required for verification and scanning.
Check the latest UIDAI list of acceptable documents before visiting the centre. For a child born on or after 1 October 2023, UIDAI's current guidance specifies a birth certificate as mandatory in the circumstances stated in its enrolment instructions.
Step-by-step process to apply for a new Aadhaar
-
Locate an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
Use the official Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal to find a centre by location or PIN code. -
Choose the correct UIDAI enrolment form.
Use the form that matches the applicant's age, resident/NRI/foreign-national status and address category. -
Carry original supporting documents.
Take the required PoI, PoA, PoR and/or date-of-birth documents applicable to your case. -
Submit the enrolment request at the centre.
The operator will verify and scan the documents and enter the demographic information. -
Complete biometric capture.
Where applicable, UIDAI captures photograph, fingerprints and iris information according to the applicant's age and category. -
Check every detail before confirming.
Verify spelling of name, date of birth, gender, address, mobile/email information and the regional-language entry, where applicable. -
Collect the acknowledgement slip.
Keep the Enrolment ID (EID), date and time printed on the acknowledgement. These details are useful for tracking the enrolment request.
How to check Aadhaar enrolment status
After enrolment, visit the official Check Aadhaar Status service. Enter the details requested by UIDAI, including the Enrolment ID where applicable.
Once Aadhaar is generated, UIDAI may send an SMS to the mobile number provided during enrolment. The Aadhaar letter is also sent according to UIDAI's applicable process.
How to download e-Aadhaar
After Aadhaar is generated, an electronic copy can be downloaded from UIDAI's official Download Aadhaar service. Authentication requirements depend on the UIDAI service being used.
If you have forgotten your Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID and the required mobile/email information is linked, use the official Retrieve UID/EID service.
Aadhaar updates after enrolment
Aadhaar holders can use UIDAI services for permitted demographic, document and biometric updates. Some services are available online, while others require a visit to an enrolment/update centre. UIDAI states that mobile-number update is not available through the ordinary myAadhaar web update process and must be completed through an authorised channel specified by UIDAI.
UIDAI also recommends periodic document updates. At present, UIDAI states that online document submission through myAadhaar is available without fee up to 14 June 2027, while charges apply for document submission at an Aadhaar centre. Fees and service availability can change, so verify the current amount on UIDAI before proceeding.
Legal framework and current UIDAI rules
Aadhaar enrolment is principally governed by the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016, as amended from time to time.
UIDAI published updated Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations in June 2026, incorporating amendments including the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) First Amendment Regulations, 2026. For legally current requirements, always refer to UIDAI's Updated Regulations page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a new Aadhaar completely online?
No. First-time Aadhaar enrolment requires a visit to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre for the applicable verification and capture process.
Is the Aadhaar application form free?
Yes. New Aadhaar enrolment is free of cost. Use the current UIDAI form applicable to your category.
Do I need original documents?
UIDAI's current enrolment guidance requires original supporting documents to be presented for verification and scanning, subject to any permitted electronic-document process supported by UIDAI.
Can I check Aadhaar status online?
Yes. Use the official myAadhaar status service and the enrolment details from your acknowledgement slip.
Can I get a duplicate Aadhaar?
You can download e-Aadhaar from UIDAI. UIDAI also provides a chargeable Aadhaar PVC Card service and other authorised print options.
Related Aadhaar guides
- Check Aadhaar Card status online
- Retrieve lost Aadhaar enrolment ID
- Download / print Aadhaar
- Update mobile number in Aadhaar
- Aadhaar online services
Disclaimer: This page is for general information and guidance. AAP Tax Law is not the UIDAI and does not issue Aadhaar numbers. Aadhaar procedures, eligibility, fees, forms and online services may change. Confirm the current requirements on the official UIDAI website before applying.