Exploring the Various Forms of Aadhaar Issued by UIDAI

Key Takeaways:

1. Aadhaar Letter: A physical letter containing a secure QR code, issued via regular mail or obtainable online as an Aadhaar PVC card for a fee.

2. eAadhaar: An electronic version of Aadhaar with a secure QR code, digitally verified by UIDAI, and downloadable for free from the official website.

3. mAadhaar: An official mobile application developed by UIDAI, allowing residents to carry their Aadhaar details on their mobile devices for offline verification.

4. Aadhaar PVC Card: The latest version of Aadhaar, a PVC-based card with a digitally signed Aadhaar Tamper Proof QR code, obtainable online for a fee and delivered via India Post’s Speed Post service.

Types of Aadhaar Issued by UIDAI

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced various forms of Aadhaar for the convenience of residents. There are four different types of Aadhaar issued by UIDAI, each serving a specific purpose. These types are:

1. Aadhaar Letter

This is a physical letter printed on paper and laminated, containing a secure QR code with the dates it was printed and issued.

In the event of a new enrollment or a required biometric and demographic update (excluding mobile and email), an Aadhaar letter is mailed to the residents via regular mail.

If the Aadhaar letter is misplaced or damaged, the resident can obtain an Aadhaar PVC card online from the UIDAI website for a fee of Rs. 50, and India Post’s fast post service would deliver it to the resident at the location listed in the Aadhaar database.

2. eAadhaar eAadhaar is an electronic version of Aadhaar that is digitally verified by UIDAI, has an Aadhaar secure QR code for offline verification, an Issue Date and a Download Date, and is password protected.

Residents can download eAadhaar/masked eAadhaar from UIDAI’s official website using their registered mobile number. The disguised eAadhaar shows only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number.

eAadhaar is generated automatically with each Aadhaar enrollment or update and can be downloaded for free.

3. mAadhaar

mAadhaar is an official mobile application developed by UIDAI that can be installed on a mobile device.

It allows Aadhaar number holders to carry their Aadhaar details as registered with UIDAI, which includes their Aadhaar number as well as demographic information and a photograph. For offline verification, it features an Aadhaar Tamper Proof QR code.

Like eAadhaar, mAadhaar is generated automatically with every Aadhaar enrollment or update and can be downloaded for free.

4. Aadhaar PVC Card The latest version of Aadhaar introduced by UIDAI is the Aadhaar PVC Card.

It is a PVC-based card with a digitally signed Aadhaar Tamper Proof QR code containing photograph and demographic details, as well as multiple security measures.

It can be acquired online at uidai.gov.in or https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricPVC using an Aadhaar number, Virtual ID, or Enrolment ID for a fee of Rs. 50/-. The Aadhaar PVC Card is delivered to the resident at the address recorded with the Aadhaar Database using India Post’s Speed Post service.

These different types of Aadhaar cater to the diverse needs of residents and provide options for accessing Aadhaar in various formats.

FAQ

Q1: Are all forms of Aadhaar issued by UIDAI equally valid?

A1: Yes, according to UIDAI, all forms of Aadhaar issued by it are equally valid.

Q2: How can I obtain an Aadhaar PVC Card?

A2: The Aadhaar PVC Card can be acquired online at uidai.gov.in or https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricPVC using an Aadhaar number, Virtual ID, or Enrolment ID for a fee of Rs. 50/-.

Q3: Can children apply for an Aadhaar?

A3: Yes, every Indian, including children, can apply for an Aadhaar by meeting the UIDAI’s verification requirements.

Q4: What is the cost of obtaining an Aadhaar PVC Card?

A4: The Aadhaar PVC Card can be obtained for a fee of Rs. 50/-.