You downloaded your e-Aadhaar but the PDF is asking for a password? Don't worry. Every e-Aadhaar PDF is password-protected for your safety, and the password is easy to make from your own details. This complete guide explains the exact format with official UIDAI examples, how to open it on any device, how to download it again, common mistakes, fixes, and every official link you need.
What is e-Aadhaar?
e-Aadhaar is the digitally signed electronic version of your Aadhaar card, issued by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). It is not a photo of your card — it is an official, secure PDF document.
- Contains: your photo, demographic details (name, DOB, address), your 12-digit Aadhaar number and a secure QR code.
- Equally valid: UIDAI officially states that e-Aadhaar is as valid as the physical Aadhaar letter for all purposes.
- Free & unlimited: you can download it as many times as you need, at no cost.
- Password-protected: the PDF is locked so that nobody else can open your file even if they get it — this is exactly why the password exists.
- Digitally signed: the PDF carries UIDAI's digital signature, which you can verify in Adobe Acrobat Reader (signature shows as valid).
Aadhaar PDF Password Format
According to UIDAI, the password is an 8-character combination of two parts:
First 4 letters of NAME (CAPITALS) + YEAR of birth (YYYY)
SURESH KUMAR + 1990 = SURE1990 — 8 characters, no spaces
- First 4 letters of your nameExactly as printed on your Aadhaar, in CAPITAL letters.
- Your year of birthFour digits, in YYYY format (for example 1990). Not the full date — only the year.
Official Examples from UIDAI
| Name on Aadhaar | Year of Birth | Password |
|---|---|---|
| SURESH KUMAR | 1990 | SURE1990 |
| SAI KUMAR | 1990 | SAIK1990 |
| P. KUMAR | 1990 | P.KU1990 |
| RIA | 1990 | RIA1990 |
| ANITA DEVI | 1985 | ANIT1985 |
| MOHAMMED ABID | 1988 | MOHA1988 |
| D. RAMESH | 1995 | D.RA1995 |
| RAJ | 1992 | RAJ1992 |
Special Cases You Must Know
- Spaces are ignored: SAI KUMAR becomes SAIK — no space goes into the password.
- Initials and dots count: if your name starts with an initial like "P. KUMAR", the dot is part of the name → P.KU1990.
- Short names: names with 1–3 letters use the full name. RAJ (1992) → RAJ1992.
- Spelling matters: use the spelling printed on your Aadhaar — KUMAR vs KUMARI, SURESH vs SURENDER. One wrong letter and the PDF won't open.
- Name changed after marriage? Use the name printed on the PDF you are opening right now, not your old or new card.
- Year of birth only: even if your Aadhaar shows the full date (like 14/08/1990), the password uses only 1990.
- Zero vs letter O: the year uses the number 0 (zero), not the letter O. This is a very common typing mistake.
How to Open the e-Aadhaar PDF on Any Device
📱 On Android Phone
- Find the fileOpen your File Manager or Downloads folder and tap the file (name starts with eAadhaar_).
- Enter the passwordType the 8-character password — name part in CAPITALS, no spaces.
- If it doesn't openOpen it with Google Drive, Chrome or the free Adobe Acrobat Reader app instead of the default viewer.
🍎 On iPhone / iPad
- Open Files appGo to On My iPhone / Downloads and tap the PDF.
- Type the passwordEnter the name + year format when prompted. It opens instantly.
💻 On Windows PC / Mac
- Install a PDF readerAdobe Acrobat Reader (free) is recommended — it also lets you verify UIDAI's digital signature.
- Open the fileDouble-click the PDF and enter the password.
- Save a copyAfter opening, you can print it or save a copy for later use.
How to Download e-Aadhaar (Free)
- Go to the official myAadhaar websiteOpen myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and choose Download Aadhaar.
- Choose your ID typeSelect any one of the three options (see the table below) and enter it.
- Enter captcha and send OTPType the captcha and click Send OTP. The OTP comes to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- Optional: choose masked AadhaarTick the masked Aadhaar option if you want only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number to be visible.
- Verify and downloadEnter the OTP and click Verify & Download. The PDF will be saved to your device.
| ID Type | Digits | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar Number | 12 | Printed on your Aadhaar card or previous e-Aadhaar |
| Enrolment ID (EID) | 28 | On your enrolment slip — 14-digit number + date & time of enrolment |
| Virtual ID (VID) | 16 | Generate or retrieve it on myAadhaar → Virtual ID Generator |
What is Masked Aadhaar? When Should You Use It?
Masked Aadhaar shows only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number (XXXX XXXX 1234) and hides the rest with X's.
- Use masked Aadhaar when sharing with hotels, shops, courier forms, event entries or any place that doesn't need your full number.
- Both versions are equally valid — masked and unmasked e-Aadhaar carry the same legal value.
- For government work (subsidy, pension, bank KYC) some portals may ask for the full number — use the regular version there.
- UIDAI itself recommends using masked Aadhaar to protect your privacy in everyday situations.
Other Ways to Get Your Aadhaar
| Method | How to Get It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| e-Aadhaar PDF | Download from myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in with OTP | Printing, form uploads, records |
| mAadhaar App | Official UIDAI app — download "mAadhaar" from Google Play Store or Apple App Store | Carrying Aadhaar in your phone, showing QR code |
| DigiLocker | Sign up at digilocker.gov.in and fetch your Aadhaar | Government-accepted digital document storage |
| PVC Aadhaar Card | Order on myAadhaar → Order Aadhaar PVC Card (fee ₹50) | Durable physical card — delivered to your address by post |
Common Mistakes (Why the Password Is "Wrong")
- Typing the name in small letters (sure1990 will not work, use SURE1990)
- Adding a space between the name and the year
- Using the full date of birth instead of only the year
- Using a nickname instead of the name printed on Aadhaar
- Forgetting the dot when your name starts with an initial (P.KU1990)
- Typing the letter O instead of the number 0 in the year
- Using your new name when the downloaded PDF still has your old name (or vice versa)
- Copy-pasting the password with hidden spaces — type it manually instead
- Opening an old downloaded file after your name was updated — always re-download the latest PDF
Still Not Opening? Fix It in 2 Minutes
- Check the exact spellingLook at your physical Aadhaar card (or your last working copy) and copy the name exactly — letter by letter.
- Re-download the fileAn incomplete or corrupted download is the most common reason. Download a fresh PDF from myAadhaar.
- Try a different PDF readerSwitch to Adobe Acrobat Reader, Chrome or Google Drive if your default viewer fails.
- Try another deviceIf it fails on the phone, try on a computer — some older phone viewers struggle with secured PDFs.
- Still stuck?Call the UIDAI helpline 1947 (toll-free) for help.
Need a Smaller File for a Form Upload?
Many online forms accept only small files. After opening and saving your e-Aadhaar, you can reduce its size with a free tool like PDFMagik. Read our guide on compressing a PDF to 200KB for government forms.
Security Tips — Keep Your Aadhaar Safe
- Never share your e-Aadhaar PDF in WhatsApp groups, social media or random websites.
- Never share your OTP with anyone — UIDAI never calls or emails asking for your OTP.
- Never pay any agent for downloading e-Aadhaar — it is always free on the official site.
- Use only official sites: uidai.gov.in and myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Beware of fake "UIDAI" apps and lookalike websites.
- Prefer masked Aadhaar whenever you share the document.
- Verify authenticity: in Adobe Reader, check that the digital signature shows as valid.
- Keep one safe backup, delete old or unused copies from shared devices.
Official Links & Helpline
| Service | Official Link |
|---|---|
| UIDAI Main Website | uidai.gov.in |
| myAadhaar Portal | myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in |
| Download e-Aadhaar | myAadhaar → Download Aadhaar |
| Order PVC Card (₹50) | myAadhaar → Order Aadhaar PVC Card |
| Locate Enrolment Centre | myAadhaar → Locate an Enrolment Center |
| Book Appointment | appointments.uidai.gov.in |
| DigiLocker | digilocker.gov.in |
| mAadhaar App | Google Play Store / Apple App Store — search "mAadhaar" |
| Helpline (Toll Free) | 1947 |
| Email Support | help@uidai.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the e-Aadhaar PDF valid like the original card?
Yes. UIDAI states that e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar letter for all purposes.
Can I open the PDF without a password?
No. The password protection is mandatory on every e-Aadhaar PDF — there is no password-free version. The password exists to protect your personal data.
I forgot the password. What should I do?
Just recreate it — first 4 letters of your name in CAPITALS + birth year. If it still fails, re-download a fresh PDF from myAadhaar and check the name printed on it.
How many times can I download e-Aadhaar?
There is no fixed limit. You can download it as many times as you need, free of cost.
Is there any fee involved?
Downloading e-Aadhaar is free. Ordering a PVC card costs ₹50, and updating your mobile number at an enrolment centre also costs ₹50.
Can I get the OTP on my email instead?
No. The OTP is sent only to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. That's why linking your mobile with Aadhaar is important.
My name changed after marriage — which name do I use in the password?
Use the name exactly as printed on the PDF you are opening. If you updated your name, download a fresh PDF — it will use the new name.
My name is only 2–3 letters. What is my password?
Use the full name. Example: RIA, born 1990 → RIA1990. Names with 4 or more letters use only the first 4 letters.
Can I remove the password from my Aadhaar PDF?
The password is there to protect your personal data. It is safer to keep it. If a website needs an unlocked copy, only share it with trusted and official portals.
The PDF says corrupt or invalid. What now?
This usually means an incomplete download. Download again from the official portal, and if it still fails, try opening it in Adobe Acrobat Reader or on another device.
How do I verify my e-Aadhaar is genuine?
Open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader and check the digital signature — it should show as valid. The secure QR code on the PDF can also be scanned to verify your details.
Does the mAadhaar app also need this password?
No. The mAadhaar app uses a custom 4-digit PIN that you create when setting up the app — that's different from the PDF password.
Who do I contact for Aadhaar problems?
You can call the UIDAI helpline 1947 or email help@uidai.gov.in. For updates like mobile number change, visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Disclaimer: This is an independent guide, not an official UIDAI website. Fees, processes and website layouts may change over time. Please confirm the latest information on uidai.gov.in or call 1947.
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