In today’s time, the Aadhaar card has become the most important document of our identity. Whether it’s taking advantage of government schemes or opening a bank account, it’s needed everywhere. But did you know that an Aadhaar card is not just one type? UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) issues several forms according to different needs and convenience. Let’s know about these 5 types of Aadhaar cards which can be useful for you and their special features.
1. Blue Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar)
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- Specifically for Children: The Aadhaar card made for children below 5 years of age is blue in color, hence it is called ‘Blue Aadhaar’ or ‘Baal Aadhaar’.
- Start of Identification: It is slightly different from adult Aadhaar. While getting it made, fingerprint and iris scans of the child are not required; only the child’s photograph and parents’ information are taken.
- Unique Number: It also has the same 12-digit unique identification number.
- Update is Necessary: However, it is important to remember that once the child crosses 5 years of age, it is mandatory to update this Blue Aadhaar, which includes taking the child’s biometric details (fingerprints and iris). This update is free of cost.
2. Aadhaar Letter
- Your Familiar Aadhaar: This is the paper-based Aadhaar card that comes to your home by post when it is first generated.
- Features: It is printed on a secure, paper-based, and laminated letter, which includes the date of issue and printing of the Aadhaar. It also contains your photograph, demographic information, and a secure QR code for verification.
- Cost: It comes free when first generated.
- If Lost: If your original Aadhaar Letter is lost or damaged, you can order a new Aadhaar Letter online from the UIDAI official website (uidai.gov.in or resident.uidai.gov.in) by paying a fee of just ₹50, which will be sent to your address by post.
3. PVC Aadhaar Card
- Pocket-Friendly Aadhaar: This is the most convenient and durable form of Aadhaar, also called ‘Plastic Aadhaar Card’.
- Appearance: Its size is exactly like an ATM or Debit card and it easily fits in a wallet or pocket. Being made of plastic, it is protected from water, moisture, and breakage.
- Security Features: It includes your photo, necessary demographic information, along with security features like hologram, ghost image, micro text, and a Digital QR Code for verification.
- How to Get: You can order it from the UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in or Resident.uidai.gov.in) by going to the ‘Order Aadhaar PVC Card’ option and using your Aadhaar number, Virtual ID, or Enrollment ID, and paying a fee of ₹50 (including GST and Speed Post charges).
4. E-Aadhaar
- Aadhaar in Digital Form: This is the electronic version of your Aadhaar card, which you can download online and save on your phone or computer.
- Security: It is in the form of a password-protected PDF file and is digitally signed by UIDAI, ensuring its authenticity.
- Identification and Verification: It also contains a secure QR code for offline verification.
- Cost and Validity: You can download it from the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in or resident.uidai.gov.in) by going to the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option, free of any charge. The best part is that E-Aadhaar has the same legal validity as a physical Aadhaar card (Aadhaar Letter or PVC card) and is accepted everywhere as proof of identity.
5. mAadhaar (mAadhaar App)
- Aadhaar in Your Phone: This is the official mobile application developed by UIDAI, which can be downloaded for free on both Android and iOS platforms.
- Convenience: Through this app, Aadhaar holders can always carry their Aadhaar record, along with their profile photo, on their smartphone.
- Verification: It includes features like a Dynamic QR Code and Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) for offline verification.
- Recognition: The Aadhaar profile shown in the mAadhaar app is also considered a valid identity document and is accepted in many places as an alternative to the physical Aadhaar card.
Thus, UIDAI provides you with several forms of the Aadhaar card so that you can use it according to your needs and convenience. Whether it’s the Blue Aadhaar for children, the original Aadhaar Letter, the durable PVC card, the digital E-Aadhaar, or the mAadhaar app for your phone, each form is important in itself.