Aadhaar Document Requirements For Registration in 2025
If you’re planning to apply for Aadhaar, the first thing you’ll need is the right set of documents. Many people reach the Aadhaar center without knowing which papers are accepted and that’s where the delay begins. To make your enrolment fast and smooth, UIDAI has shared a full list of documents you can use, based on your identity, address, and date of birth. This guide will help you understand exactly what to carry, whether you’re applying for yourself, your child, an NRI, or even someone with limited documents. Let’s make your Aadhaar process easy from the very first step.
Who Can Apply for Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is not just for adults or Indian citizens it’s for everyone who lives in India and meets the eligibility. Whether you’re a newborn baby, an NRI visiting India, or a foreign national staying here with a visa, you can apply for Aadhaar if you have the right documents. But first, let’s understand who is allowed to apply and under what conditions.
Categories of Documents Accepted by UIDAI
When applying for Aadhaar, the most important thing is having the right documents. UIDAI has divided documents into three main categories:
Each category has a list of accepted documents, and you’ll need at least one from each category to complete your Aadhaar application. Let’s break down what you can use for each.
Proof of Identity (POI)
Your Proof of Identity is simply a document that proves who you are. You’ll need one of the following:
Make sure your name is clear and matches other documents. If you’re applying for someone else, you might need a guardian’s ID as well.
Proof of Address (POA)
To prove where you live, you’ll need Proof of Address. You can submit one of the following:
List of Accepted Documents for Aadhaar Enrolment (2025)
When applying for Aadhaar, you’ll need documents to prove your identity, address, and date of birth. UIDAI accepts a wide range of documents for each category. In this section, we’ve simplified the list of acceptable documents for each category — Proof of Identity (POI), Proof of Address (POA), Proof of Date of Birth (DOB), and Proof of Relationship (POR) if applicable. Check the table below to see which documents you can use for a smooth and hassle-free enrolment process.
List of Accepted Documents for Aadhaar Enrolment (2025)
| Document Category | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity (POI) |
– Passport – Voter ID – PAN Card – Driving License – Government Photo ID Card – Ration Card – Bank Passbook/Statement (with photo) – Aadhaar (existing) |
| Proof of Address (POA) |
– Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, Gas, Telephone) – Bank Statement/Passbook – Voter ID Card – Ration Card – Passport – Lease Agreement/Rent Agreement – Aadhar-linked Bank Account Statement |
| Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) |
– Birth Certificate – Passport – PAN Card – Voter ID Card – School Leaving Certificate – Matriculation Certificate – Driving License – Medical Certificate |
| Proof of Relationship (POR) |
– Aadhaar of Family Head (for minors) – Family Ration Card – Marriage Certificate (for spouses) – Birth Certificate (proving relationship to parents) – Certificate from Panchayat Head (for rural areas) |
Documents Required for Baal Aadhaar (Children below 5 years)
| Document Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity (POI) |
– Parent’s Aadhaar (mandatory) – Guardian’s Aadhaar (if applicable) |
| Proof of Address (POA) | – Parent’s/Guardian’s Address Proof (same as POA for adults) |
| Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) |
– Child’s Birth Certificate (mandatory) – Parent’s/Guardian’s Passport (if needed) |
| Biometric Process |
– No Biometric Data (Children under 5 do not need fingerprints or iris scan) – Parent/Guardian biometrics are collected instead |
| Additional Documents |
– Parental consent (if required) – Parent’s Government ID (if needed for proof of relationship) |
What’s Different for Minors?
Documents Required from Parents/Guardians
- Parents must provide valid Proof of Identity and Proof of Address documents.
- A copy of the parent’s Aadhaar or guardian’s Aadhaar is essential for the child’s Aadhaar application.
- If the child is under 5, the parent/guardian’s fingerprint/iris scan will be used in place of the child’s biometrics.
Biometric Process for Children
For children below 5 years of age:
- No biometric data (fingerprints/iris) is taken from the child.
- The parent’s biometric data (fingerprints/iris) will be collected instead.
- The child’s photo will be taken.
- Once the child turns 5, they will need to visit a center to provide their own biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans).
When and How to Update Later
- After the child turns 5 years old, they will need to update their Aadhaar with their biometric data (fingerprints and iris).
- The update process is simple — you can visit the nearest Aadhaar center to complete the process.
- Once they turn 15, another update is required to capture their biometric data once more.
Aadhaar Document Requirements for NRI and Foreign Residents
Whether you’re an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) or a foreign national staying in India, applying for Aadhaar can seem a bit tricky if you don’t know exactly what documents to bring. But don’t worry the process is quite straightforward as long as you have the right paperwork. In this section, we’ll break down the eligibility requirements and the documents you need to apply for Aadhaar, along with the enrolment process tailored specifically for NRIs and foreign residents.
Eligibility for NRIs to Apply for Aadhaar
If you are an NRI or a foreign resident living in India, here’s what you need to know:
Key Point:
You don’t need to be a permanent resident of India to apply for Aadhaar, but you must meet the residency requirement of having spent at least 182 days in India within the last year.
Documents Required for NRIs & Foreign Nationals
Let’s break it down by document categories for NRIs and foreign nationals:
1. Proof of Identity (POI)
To prove who you are, the following documents are accepted:
2. Proof of Address (POA)
You’ll need to show proof of where you live in India. Here are some acceptable documents:
3. Proof of Date of Birth (DOB)
To confirm your birthdate, you can use:
4. Visa/Residential Proof (For Foreign Nationals)
For foreign nationals, you will need:
Make sure your visa is valid and covers your time in India.
Enrolment Process for NRIs & Overseas Indians
Visit an Aadhaar Enrollment Center
Look for the nearest Aadhaar center in India. You can find a list on the UIDAI website.
Submit Your Documents
Bring all the required documents (Passport, Visa, Indian address proof, etc.).
Biometric Data Collection
Just like Indian residents, you’ll have your fingerprints, iris scan, and photo taken during the process.
Verification & Aadhaar Generation
After submission, UIDAI will verify your documents. Once verified, your Aadhaar number will be generated and sent to your Indian address.
What to Keep in Mind
Passport is Key
Your passport will likely be your primary proof of identity and nationality. If you’re an NRI, ensure your Indian passport is updated with your latest details.
Indian Address
To complete your Aadhaar enrolment, you must have a valid Indian address proof. Without this, you won’t be able to proceed.
Residency Requirement
Even if you’re a foreign national, you must have been staying in India for 182 days or more in the past 12 months to be eligible for Aadhaar.
OCI & PIO
If you’re an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or have a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card, this can simplify your process and help verify your Indian connection.
Common Document Issues & How to Avoid Rejection
When applying for Aadhaar, one of the biggest challenges can be ensuring your documents are accurate and meet the necessary criteria. Common mistakes like name mismatches or submitting expired documents can lead to delays or rejection of your application. Here’s a breakdown of common issues and tips to avoid them, ensuring a smooth and successful Aadhaar enrolment.
Common Document Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Description | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Name Mismatch | The name on the documents does not match the name provided in the application. | – Ensure the spelling of your name matches across all documents. – If there’s a difference, consider updating the documents before applying (e.g., correcting name on ID). |
| Incomplete or Incorrect Address | Address proof documents are missing details or incorrect information, like outdated addresses. | – Verify that the address on your proof of address is current. – Make sure your address matches the one provided on your application. Consider submitting recent bills/statements. |
| Expired Documents | Submitting expired documents such as an expired passport or outdated utility bill. | – Always check the expiry date before submitting documents. – Use documents that are valid at the time of enrolment. |
| Unacceptable Document Formats | Certain documents like photocopies or digital scans are not accepted. | – Submit only original documents or attested copies (where required). – Avoid submitting fuzzy photocopies or unclear scanned versions of documents. |
| Mismatch in Date of Birth | Your DOB on documents doesn’t match the one submitted in the Aadhaar application. | – Cross-check your date of birth in all documents. – If needed, get a revised birth certificate or other document that correctly reflects your birth date. |
| Incorrect Document Type | The document submitted doesn’t fall under the correct category (e.g., wrong address proof or invalid POI document). | – Carefully check the list of valid documents for each category (POI, POA, DOB) to ensure the document you submit is correct. – Follow official guidelines strictly. |
| Documents Not Signed or Stamped | Missing signatures or official stamps on certain documents, such as government-issued certificates. | – Ensure all documents, like affidavits or certificates, have the necessary signatures or stamps from authorized bodies. |
| Lack of Valid Identification Proof | Missing critical identity documents such as Aadhaar, PAN Card, or Passport for verification. | – Always carry multiple forms of valid identification proof to avoid rejection. – Ensure you have at least one government-issued photo ID. |
Tips for Smooth Verification
Check Document Validity
Before submitting, make sure all documents are current and not expired.
Ensure Consistency
Double-check the consistency of your name, address, and date of birth across all submitted documents. Any mismatch can cause delays.
Use Original Documents
Only submit original documents or attested copies (where applicable, especially for proof of address or identity).
Verify Address Proof
Ensure that your address proof is recent. Acceptable documents include a bank statement or utility bill (preferably from the last 3 months).
Get Help from an Aadhaar Center
If you’re unsure about which documents to bring, visit an Aadhaar Enrollment Center for guidance and clarification before applying.
Follow UIDAI Guidelines
Always refer to the official UIDAI document list to ensure you’re submitting only valid and acceptable documents.
Where to Submit Your Documents
When applying for Aadhaar, you have two main ways to submit your documents: walk-in to an Aadhaar Enrolment Center or book an appointment online. Here’s a quick guide:
Option 1: Enrolment Centers (Walk-In)
Option 2: Online Booking
FAQs
Conclusion
To sum it up, Aadhaar enrolment is a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to have your documents in order. Whether it’s proof of identity, proof of address, or biometric data, each part of your application matters for a smooth submission.