Downloading your Aadhaar online gives you a secure, password-protected PDF, known as e-Aadhaar. But many users get stuck at the password prompt. This quick guide explains what the e-Aadhaar password is, how to open your Aadhaar PDF, and what to do if it doesn’t work so that you can access your document hassle-free.
What is an e-Aadhaar Card?
The e-Aadhaar password is an 8-character password, consisting of the first 4 characters being the letters of your name in capital and the next 4 being your year of birth. UIDAI is the authority that issues the Aadhaar card and has set compulsory protection for it with a password.
This password is unique to every Aadhaar cardholder. It protects sensitive personal information that Aadhaar includes, such as your demographic data, Aadhaar number, and biometric-linked data. You are required to enter it every time you want to open an Aadhaar card PDF.
Also Read: What is URN Number in Aadhaar? How to Check URN Status
e-Aadhaar Password Format
The password of e-Aadhaar is generated automatically by UIDAI, unlike traditional passwords that you create for yourself. You do not have to remember it separately, as it is just a combination of your personal information. The first four characters of the password are the first four letters of your initial name in the CAPITAL case, and the following four numbers are your birth year.
For Example:
- Aadhaar Cardholder Name: Rahul Kumar
- Date of Birth: 24-04-1991
- e Aadhaar Password: RAHU1991
Why Does UIDAI Protect e-Aadhaar with Passwords?
The primary reason is security. Aadhaar is one of the most significant and commonly used identity proofs in India. Scammers and fraudsters can misuse this information, which can lead to financial and legal risks. Here are all the reasons why UIDAI protects your e-Aadhaar with a password:
- Secures Your Identity: Even if someone manages to access your phone or email where your Aadhaar card is stored, they cannot open the PDF without knowing the password.
- Prevents Unauthorised Sharing: You are the only person who can unlock the PDF file with your name and the year of your birth, which restricts unauthorised sharing.
- Additional Layer of Protection: It minimises the chance of identity theft and abuse in the event of an accidental sharing of your file.
- Adherence to Data Privacy Standards: Password protection helps UIDAI comply with global digital data protection standards.
Also Read: 6 Reasons Why You Must Apply for a PVC Aadhaar Card
How to Use e-Aadhaar Password to Open e-Aadhaar PDF?
The following is a step-by-step process that you can follow to use the password to open the e-Aadhaar PDF:
Step 1: Visit the UIDAI Website
Start by visiting the official Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) website.
Step 2: Click on Download Aadhaar
On the UIDAI homepage, locate the My Aadhaar option and click on Download Aadhaar under it.
Step 3: Enter Your Aadhaar Card Number
Here, you must enter your Aadhaar details, either the number or enrolment ID number, and then enter the captcha code. After filling in the necessary details, you must click on Send OTP.
Step 4: Enter the OTP
You will now receive the OTP on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number, which you must enter to verify your identity. To proceed ahead, click on Verify and Download.
Step 5: Download the e-Aadhaar Card and Enter Password
Once downloaded, the file will typically be saved in your Downloads folder. Enter the e-Aadhaar password based on the format mentioned earlier. This will provide instant access to your Aadhaar card, which you can print or save safely.
Also Read: What is the Password to Open the Aadhaar Card PDF?
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Entering the e-Aadhaar Password
The following are the most common errors you must avoid when accessing your Aadhaar card securely:
- Not Using Cap-sensitive Password: The Password of e-Aadhaar is sensitive to capital letters. You must always enter the first 4 letters of your initial name in capital letters.
- Using Full Name: Avoid using your full name in lower caps, as only the first 4 letters are counted.
- Using Full DOB: The password registers and accepts only our birth year and not the full date or month of birth.
- Error in Spelling of Name: The password is the same as your name, as spelt in Aadhaar.
- Special Characters or Initials Confusion: When your name has initials or dots, or spaces, the password is the exact Aadhaar entry.
For example, if your name is Ria Singh and you were born in 1999, your password will be RIAS1999.
Tips to Secure Your e-Aadhaar Password
These are some of the precautions that you must take to secure your password:
- Do Not Share your Password: Avoid sharing your e-Aadhaar password and the card itself with anyone.
- Keep in Encrypted Folders: When you are storing Aadhaar on your device, use a password-protected folder or encrypted storage application to ensure an additional level of security.
- Store Aadhaar in DigiLocker: DigiLocker is one of the most secure places to store Aadhaar online, and the Government of India authorises it. It also minimises the chances of losing files on different devices.
- Erase Duplicate Copies: Do not leave Aadhaar PDFs lying on various devices or on shared drives. Store only one or two safe copies and destroy others.
Also Read: e-KYC: Definition, Process, Documentation & How It Works
To Conclude
The e-Aadhaar password might seem a bit confusing initially, but it is just a clever precaution to guard your identity. It helps you secure your Aadhaar card, which is one of the most important identity documents in India. While the password of e-Aadhaar makes it easy to access the card, you must always ensure that you don't share it with anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the structure of the e-Aadhaar password?
An e-Aadhaar password is always the first 4 letters of your name in capital letters, followed by the year of birth (YYYY). Example: Priya Sharma, 1987 - PRIY1987.
What should I do if my Aadhaar name contains fewer than 4 letters?
When you have 3 letters in your name, like Ria Singh (born in 1999), you must use 3 letters of your initial name and then one of your last name (RIAS1999).
Can I change the e-Aadhaar password?
No, the password is generated by UIDAI and cannot be modified or altered by the users.
Why does my e-Aadhaar PDF not open with the correct password?
This may be due to spelling mistakes, incorrect case (capital and small letters), or a technical problem. Try re-downloading or using a different PDF reader.
Is e-Aadhaar as valid as the physical Aadhaar card?
Yes, UIDAI has made it clear that e-Aadhaar is lawful and acceptable like the physical Aadhaar card in the whole of India.
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