What is the purpose of UID and where can we find it?

What is the purpose of UID and where can we find it?

UID is your 12‑digit Aadhaar number issued by UIDAI. It’s a single, verifiable identity used for KYC, OTP/biometric authentication, and to access government benefits. You can find it on your physical Aadhaar card, downloaded e‑Aadhaar (PDF), the mAadhaar app, or via UIDAI SMS if you’ve enrolled/linked your mobile. Handle UID securely—share only when required and prefer VID (Virtual ID) when accepted.

Table of contents

What is UID?

UID (Unique Identification Number) is a 12‑digit number assigned by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India. It provides a single, verifiable identity usable across public and private services.

Why UID matters (common uses)

  • Identity verification (KYC/e‑KYC): Banks, telecom operators, wallets, mutual funds.
  • Digital authentication: OTP and (where opted) biometric verification.
  • Faster onboarding: Paper‑light processes with consent.
  • Government benefits: Subsidies, ration, LPG, and welfare schemes that require Aadhaar.
  • Record linking: Where legally permitted, to link services under your identity.
Privacy tip: When a service accepts VID (Virtual ID), use it instead of sharing the full UID.

Where to find your UID

Source

How to view it

Physical Aadhaar card

The 12‑digit number printed near the top of your card.

e‑Aadhaar (PDF)

Download from myAadhaar portal → Download Aadhaar; open the PDF to see your UID.

mAadhaar mobile app

Sign in and view your Aadhaar profile; UID is displayed securely in‑app.

UIDAI SMS

After enrollment or on request, UID/EID can be sent to your registered mobile by UIDAI.

Prerequisites & security tips

Prerequisites

  • Access to your registered mobile number for OTP (portal/app).
  • myAadhaar portal access or mAadhaar app installed (Android/iOS).

Security tips

  • Share UID only with trusted, legitimate entities.
  • Prefer VID when available.
  • Do not email or post UID publicly; avoid storing it in unsecured notes.
  • Keep your mobile number and email updated with UIDAI for recovery.

Step‑by‑step: Download e‑Aadhaar (UID PDF)

  1. Go to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and choose Download Aadhaar.
  2. Enter your UID or EID and complete OTP verification on your registered mobile.
  3. Download the PDF. If prompted for a password, follow the on‑screen hint (commonly the first four letters of your name in CAPS + year of birth, e.g., RAHU1990).
  4. Open the PDF to view your 12‑digit UID and details.

Step‑by‑step: View UID in the mAadhaar app

  1. Install mAadhaar from your app store and open the app.
  2. Register the app with your registered mobile number (SIM on the device).
  3. After OTP verification, tap your Aadhaar profile to view your UID and generate VID when needed.
  4. Use in‑app options to show a masked Aadhaar if you prefer.

Step‑by‑step: Retrieve lost UID/EID by SMS

  1. Ensure you have access to your registered mobile.
  2. On myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, use Retrieve Lost or Forgotten UID/EID and follow the prompts to receive it by SMS.
  3. If your mobile number changed, first update it with UIDAI at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or through the portal/app (as applicable).

What success looks like

  • You can locate your 12‑digit UID on card, PDF, app, or via SMS.
  • You can authenticate using OTP/biometrics when required.
  • You use VID or masked Aadhaar where accepted to protect privacy.

Troubleshooting & edge cases

No access to registered mobile
• Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your mobile; bring valid ID.

Name/date mismatch with records
• Use the portal/app to update demographics per UIDAI rules; carry supporting documents.

PDF won’t open / password issues
• Check the on‑screen hint; common format is first 4 letters (caps) + YYYY. Try a different PDF viewer if needed.

Biometrics locked
• If you enabled biometric lock, temporarily unlock it in the mAadhaar app/portal for verification, then re‑lock.

NRIs or short‑term visitors
• Aadhaar is for residents of India; check eligibility before applying.

Lost enrollment slip (EID)
• Use Retrieve UID/EID on the portal with your registered mobile and demographics.

Still stuck?
• Contact UIDAI Support via the portal/app or visit a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

FAQ

Is UID the same as Aadhaar?
Yes—UID is the Aadhaar number (12 digits) assigned by UIDAI.

What is VID?
Virtual ID is a revocable, temporary 16‑digit code you can generate to avoid sharing UID with third parties.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for all services?
No. Some services require it; others may accept alternative IDs. Follow the service’s KYC rules.

Can minors have UID?
Yes. Minors can hold Aadhaar; details and biometrics vary by age group per UIDAI guidelines.

Where exactly is UID printed on the card?
Near the top section of the Aadhaar letter/card, displayed as a 12‑digit number.

Related resources

  • myAadhaar portal: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
  • mAadhaar app: Available on Google Play and Apple App Store
  • UIDAI help & updates: https://uidai.gov.in
Always follow the latest instructions on the UIDAI website/app.

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