To apply for a new Aadhaar card in 2026, you must follow a two-step process: book an appointment online through the official UIDAI website (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) and then visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra in person for biometric verification (fingerprints and iris scan). You cannot complete the entire process online because the government requires your physical presence to capture your unique biological data.

Can You Apply for a New Aadhaar Card Fully Online?

The short answer is no. While you can fill out the form and book your time slot online, you must visit a physical center to finish the process. This is because an Aadhaar card is based on your biometrics—your fingerprints, eye scans, and a live photograph. No website or app can capture these securely from your home.

In 2026, the online portal will serve as a Fast Track system. By using it, you avoid long queues and ensure that your data is already in the system when you arrive at the center.

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Step 1: Booking Your Appointment Online

This is the first and most important practical step. It saves you from waiting for hours at the enrollment center.

Visit the Portal: Go to the official myAadhaar portal (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in).
Select 'Book an Appointment': Look for the Get Aadhaar section and click on Book an Appointment.
Choose Your Location: Select your city or the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra from the drop-down menu.
Login with Mobile: Enter your mobile number and the captcha code. You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password). Enter it to log in.
Enter Personal Details: Fill in your basic information like name, gender, date of birth, and address. Ensure this matches your identity documents exactly.
Choose Date and Time: Select a slot that is convenient for you.
Download Appointment Slip: Once confirmed, save or print the appointment slip. You will need to show this at the center.

Step 2: What to do at the Aadhaar Center

On the day of your appointment, arrive 15 minutes early. Here is what happens inside:

Document Verification

A government official will check your original documents (like your Passport or Voter ID) against the information you entered online. They will keep photocopies and return your originals immediately.

Biometric Capture

This is the offline part of the process. The operator will:

Take a live photograph of your face.
Scan all 10 fingerprints.
Scan both of your eyes (Iris scan).

Acknowledgement Slip

After the biometrics are done, you will receive an Acknowledgment Slip. This contains your 14-digit Enrolment ID (EID). Do not lose this; you need it to track your application status online.

Important Documents You Need in 2026

To get a new Aadhaar card, you generally need three types of documents. You must carry the original copies to the center.

1. Proof of Identity (PoI)

Documents that prove who you are and have your photo.

Common options: Voter ID card, Passport, PAN Card, or Driving License.

2. Proof of Address (PoA)

Documents that show where you live.

Common options: Electricity bill (not older than 3 months), Water bill, Bank Passbook, or Rent Agreement.

3. Proof of Date of Birth (DoB)

Common options: Birth Certificate, SSLC Marksheet, or Passport.

Note: For children born after October 1, 2023, a Birth Certificate is mandatory for Aadhaar enrollment.

Why Getting an Aadhaar Card is Important in 2026

By 2026, Aadhaar has become the Single Source of Truth for identity in India. Without it, daily life and financial tasks become very difficult.

Bank Accounts: You cannot open a new savings account or verify your existing account without Aadhaar-based KYC.
Government Subsidies: Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) for things like gas subsidies, farmer schemes, or scholarships are sent directly to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
Income Tax: As discussed before, you must link your Aadhaar with your PAN to file taxes or get refunds.
SIM Cards and Connections: Getting a new mobile number or a high-speed internet connection usually requires instant Aadhaar verification.

Government Facilities: Available vs. Unavailable

Facility

With Aadhaar

Without Aadhaar

New Bank Account

Instant & Easy

Very difficult/Restricted

Passport Application

Fast-tracked (Tatkaal)

Regular (Slower)

Ration Card Services

Available

Blocked in most states

Digital Locker (DigiLocker)

Full Access

Not available

Pension Schemes

Direct Credit

Manual/Delayed

Voter ID Linking

Easy Online Update

Manual verification needed

How to Track Your Application Status

Once you have your Enrolment ID (EID) from the center, you don't have to wait for the postman to know the status.

Go to the myAadhaar portal.
Click on Check Enrolment & Update Status.
Enter your 14-digit EID and the date/time mentioned on your slip.
Solve the captcha and click Submit.

It usually takes 15 to 30 days for the Aadhaar to be generated. Once it says Generated, you can download an e-Aadhaar (electronic version) immediately.

Fees and Charges for Aadhaar Services in 2026

Service

Fee

New Aadhaar Enrollment

FREE

Mandatory Biometric Update (at age 5 and 15)

FREE

Demographic Update (Name, Address, etc.)

₹50

Biometric Update (Voluntary)

₹100

Aadhaar PVC Card (Order online)

₹50

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a fee for applying for a new Aadhaar card?

No. New Aadhaar enrollment is completely free of cost at all government-authorized centers.

Can I apply for Aadhaar from my mobile phone?

You can book the appointment and fill out the details on your mobile using the mAadhaar app or website, but you must visit the center for biometrics.

What if I don't have any documents in my name?

You can use the Head of Family (HoF) method. If your father or mother has a valid Aadhaar, they can introduce you as a family member using a Proof of Relationship (like a Ration Card or Birth Certificate).

How long does it take to get the physical Aadhaar card by post?

After your application is approved, it usually takes 60 to 90 days for the physical card to arrive via India Post. However, you can download the digital e-Aadhaar much sooner.

Is the e-Aadhaar valid for all purposes?

Yes. A downloaded e-Aadhaar has the exact same legal validity as the physical card sent by post.

Can I update my mobile number online while applying?

You can enter your mobile number in the online appointment form. Once you visit the center and provide your biometrics, that number will be officially linked to your Aadhaar.

My child is under 5 years old. Do they need biometrics?

No. For children under 5 (Baal Aadhaar), biometrics are not taken. Their Aadhaar is linked to their parent's Aadhaar. Biometrics are only required once the child turns 5.

Can an NRI apply for an Aadhaar card?

Yes. An NRI (Non-Resident Indian) can apply for Aadhaar. They do not need to wait for 182 days in India anymore; they can apply as soon as they arrive using their Indian Passport as identity proof.

What if my fingerprints are not clear during scanning?

If the machine cannot read your fingerprints (common in senior citizens or laborers), the operator will use an Iris-only scan or a Face-only verification method.

Can I apply for Aadhaar at any center in India?

Yes. You can apply at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra across the country, regardless of what state is mentioned in your address proof.

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