Nowadays Aadhaar Card became mandatory to file income tax returns from FY 2016-17. Also, Aadhaar card acts as proof of identity and address for every Indian individual including children and infants in India. If you don’t have Aadhaar card then this is a good time to apply for Aadhaar card.
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS
Step-1: Finding an Authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
First you must search for an enrolment centre close to you by visiting the UIDAI website and selecting any of below three methods and enter related information:
- State
- Postal (PIN) Code
- Search Box
Once you enter correct details in the required fields, you will get addresses to centers which are closer to your residence. You will also get information on these centers including if they are temporary or permanent, how many enrolments and updates have been completed in the last 30 days, and when the information was last updated.
Step 2: Locate an Enrolment Centre and Book an Appointment
The next step after searching for an enrolment centre that is close to your residence is taking appointment. Once you locate the centre, book your appointment through online. On the day of the appointment, you must be present at the centre with the enrolment form and the documents and mentioned below. Once the documentation is approved, your biometric details such as iris scan and fingerprints will be collected at the enrolment centre along with your photograph. Once the details are collected, you will get an acknowledgement receipt. This contains a 14 digit enrolment number. This will be your reference number to check the online status of your application.
Step 3: Checking Status and Downloading Your E-aadhaar Card
After a few days, enter your reference enrolment number on the UIDAI official website. Next, you will be asked to provide a Onetime Password (OTP). You will receive the OTP on the mobile number you have registered during the time of applying Aadhar card. Upon entering the OTP, you will know whether your Aadhaar number is in process or generated.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
You can submit any of the following supported documents to UIDAI are accepted by the UIDAI as identity proof:
- Passport
- PAN card
- Ration or PDS Photo card
- Voter ID
- Driving license
- Photo identification cards issued by the Government of India
- Service photo ID cards which are issued by a PSU
- Job card of NREGS
- A photo identification that is issued by a Recognized Educational Institution
- Army License
- Photo Bank ATM card
- Photo Credit Card
- Pensioner’s Photo Card
- Freedom Fighter’s Photo Card
- Photo of Passbook of Kisan
- Photo card of CGHS
- Marriage certificate
- A document which contains proof of the marriage of the applicant issued originally by the marriage Registrar.
- Legally approved name change certificate.
- ECHS Photocard
- Residing Address card of the applicant that contains both the name and the photo that was originally issued by the Department of Posts.
- Identity Certificate containing the photo of the applicant on a proper letterhead issued by either a Gazetted Officer or a Tehsildar.
- Either a handicapped medical certificate or a disability Identification card that is issued by either the State Government, the UT Government or any such Administration.
POINT TO BE NOTE:
You must carry required documents as mentioned by UIDAI as any other document will not be accepted.
For kids under 5 years of age, you need to submit their biometrics.
Make sure that you are giving valid details including your name, DOB, address, etc as any mistake in giving accurate information might end up an issue for you.
There is no any online method to apply for an Aadhaar card as you are required to submit biometric identification like fingerprints, iris as well. Therefore, you are mandatorily required to visit the enrolment centre.
Visit the official site of UIDAI and gain more knowledge about Aadhaar as shown below in the homepage under “Download “option with the sub-heading as “ Handbooks”
Also, there is no charge to apply for Aadhaar card. Any correction within 4 days of enrolment is also free. Therefore, agents at enrolment centre are not supposed to charge you for applying for Aadhaar card.
Why do you need an Aadhaar card?
You can use Aadhaar as a valid identity proof for getting a passport, for opening a new bank account, to buy an insurance policy, etc.
Aadhaar can also be used as a valid address proof if you do not own a passport or a driving license.
The Aadhaar card is compulsory for filing your income tax returns and by having this card; you can state the 12-digit unique identification number on your tax returns and file the same easily.
You can avail subsidies offered by the Government if you are eligible and for that, you would need an Aadhaar card.
Aadhaar can also be used as a permanent Financial Address and enables financial inclusion of the deprived and weaker segments of the society and is, therefore, a tool of distributive fairness and equivalence.
Aadhaar is a deliberate policy tool designed for social and financial addition; delivery restructurings in the public sector, managing financial budgets, increase ease and encourage trouble-free people-oriented administration.
