The Aadhaar Card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), serves as a crucial identity document for Indian citizens. Along with personal details, the Aadhaar Card contains biometric information. To enhance security, the Aadhaar Card PDF is password-protected. In this article, we explore the ins and outs of the Aadhaar Card password, its significance, and what to do if you forget it.
What is Aadhaar Card password?
The Aadhaar card includes a 12-digit unique identification number issued to all Indian residents. It stores sensitive biometric and demographic details, which, if not adequately protected, could compromise an individual's privacy.
To enhance security, the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), the Aadhaar-issuing authority, provides a password-protected PDF version of the Aadhaar card. This ensures that the e-Aadhaar can only be accessed by the cardholder when needed.
You can download your e-Aadhaar card in PDF format from the UIDAI website at: https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/. The password to unlock this file is an 8-character combination of letters and numbers.
The password consists of:
- The first four letters of your name (as mentioned in your Aadhaar) in CAPITAL letters.
- The year of your birth in the YYYY format.
Here are some examples of how the e-Aadhaar password is generated:
Example 1:
Name: ARYA SHARMA
Year of Birth: 1995
Password: ARYA1995
Example 2:
Name: RAJ MISHRA
Year of Birth: 1987
Password: RAJM1987
Example 3:
Name: A.K. SINGH
Year of Birth: 1990
Password: A.K.1990
Example 4:
Name: OM
Year of Birth: 2000
Password: OM2000
This password mechanism ensures that your e-Aadhaar remains secure and accessible only to you.
Why is the password required?
The UIDAI ensures that your e-Aadhaar file is provided as a password-protected PDF because PDFs are widely regarded as a secure digital file format. Adding a password further enhances the protection of sensitive data contained in your Aadhaar card.
Your Aadhaar card PDF password, or simply Aadhaar password, is a combination of:
- The first four letters of your name (in CAPITAL letters, as mentioned on the Aadhaar card).
- Your year of birth in the YYYY format.
You may need to download your Aadhaar card if you have misplaced the physical copy or accidentally damaged it. You can download your e-Aadhaar by visiting https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/.
1. Access the download page:
Visit the provided link and click on "Download Aadhaar." Select one of the options: "Enrolment ID," "Aadhaar Number," or "Virtual ID."
- Enrolment ID: Found on the acknowledgment slip you received during registration. Enter the 28-digit Enrolment ID.
- Aadhaar Number/Virtual ID: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID.
2. Enter captcha code:
Input the captcha code displayed on the screen and click on "Send OTP." A One-Time Password will be sent to your registered mobile number.
3. Verify and download:
Enter the OTP and click on "Verify & Download." If you prefer a masked Aadhaar, tick the checkbox before proceeding. Your password-protected e-Aadhaar will be downloaded as a PDF.
Benefits of e-Aadhaar
An e-Aadhaar, the electronic version of your Aadhaar card, offers several advantages over the physical card:
- Convenience: You can access your Aadhaar card information anytime, anywhere, on any device with internet access. No need to carry the physical card or worry about losing it.
- Security: The e-Aadhaar is password-protected, ensuring the privacy of your personal details.
- Environment-friendly: Using an e-Aadhaar reduces paper usage and contributes to a greener environment.
- Faster verification: Many online services accept e-Aadhaar for identity verification, saving you time and effort.
- Easy updates: Any updates made to your Aadhaar information are reflected in your e-Aadhaar immediately.
How to open a password protected Aadhaar Card PDF file?
Your e-Aadhaar Card is downloaded as a PDF file protected by a password. Here is how to open it:
1. Locate the downloaded e-Aadhaar PDF: Find the downloaded file on your computer. It is usually saved in your Downloads folder
2. Double-click the file: Click on the downloaded e-Aadhaar PDF file to open it
3. Enter your password: A pop-up window will appear requesting the password
Your e-Aadhaar password is a combination of:
- The first four letters of your name in UPPERCASE (as mentioned in your Aadhaar card)
- Your year of birth in YYYY format
For example, if your name is Sunita Sharma and your year of birth is 1985, your e-Aadhaar password would be SUNI1985.
4.Click open: Once you enter the correct password, click the ‘Open’ button to access your e-Aadhaar card information
What if you forget your Aadhaar Card PDF password?
Forgetting your Aadhaar Card PDF password can be frustrating, but do not worry. Follow these steps:
1. Retrieve the default password:
- The default password for Aadhaar Card PDFs is your first four letters of your name in uppercase followed by your year of birth (YYYY).
- For example, if your name is Anmol and your birth year is 1999, the default password would be ANMO1999.
2. Use the ‘Retrieve Lost UID/EID’ service:
- Visit the UIDAI website and click on ‘Retrieve Lost UID/EID.’
- Enter your full name, registered mobile number, or email address.
- Follow the instructions to receive your Aadhaar details, including the password.
3. Contact UIDAI customer care:
- If the default password does not work or you face issues, contact the UIDAI helpline.
- Provide your Aadhaar number and other necessary details.
- They will guide you on resetting the password.
Conclusion
The Aadhaar Card password ensures the security and confidentiality of your personal information. Remember to keep your password safe and avoid sharing it with anyone. If you ever forget it, follow the steps mentioned above to regain access to your Aadhaar Card PDF.
