Aadhaar Card Revolution: UIDAI Declares All Forms as Golden IDs – Here’s What You Can Use!

UIDAI confirms all Aadhaar forms—e-Aadhaar, PVC card, mAadhaar, and Aadhaar letter—are valid ID proof, enhancing convenience for residents.

By Ankur singh Oct 16, 2024, 18:30 IST

The Aadhaar card, a 12-digit identification number, serves as a vital proof of identity and address for residents of India. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently confirmed that all forms of Aadhaar are valid and can be used interchangeably as identity proof. Let’s explore these forms of Aadhaar that residents can rely on.

Four Forms of Aadhaar

e-Aadhaar

e-Aadhaar is a digital version of the Aadhaar card, protected by a password and digitally signed by UIDAI. It holds the same validity as the physical Aadhaar card. Residents can download their e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI’s MyAadhaar portal, which includes a QR code for offline verification. To access it, individuals need to provide their enrollment number, Aadhaar number, or Virtual ID (VID). Best of all, downloading e-Aadhaar is free!

Aadhaar PVC Card

The Aadhaar PVC card is a durable, credit-card-sized representation of the Aadhaar details. It incorporates advanced security features like a tamper-proof QR code, hologram, micro text, ghost image, issue date, print date, a guilloche pattern, and an embossed Aadhaar logo. Residents can order this card online for a nominal fee of ₹50, making it a convenient option for carrying Aadhaar information securely.

mAadhaar

mAadhaar is an innovative mobile application available on both Android and iOS platforms. Users must register their mobile numbers to create a profile within the app. The mAadhaar app is more than just a digital wallet for Aadhaar; it acts as a valid ID proof and allows users to share their eKYC or QR code with service providers requiring Aadhaar verification. However, note that updating demographic details like name, date of birth, and mobile number is not supported through this app.

Aadhaar Letter

The Aadhaar letter is a laminated, paper-based document containing a QR code and information about when it was printed and issued. It is sent to the registered address of the Aadhaar cardholder via regular post. This letter is considered valid and can be used for various identification purposes, just like the physical Aadhaar card.