Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that all forms of Aadhaar will be equally valid and acceptable as proof of identity. There are four forms of Aadhaar which are Aadhaar Letter, Aadhaar PVC card, e-Aadhaar and mAadhaar. All these have been approved by the UIDAI as valid form of Aadhaar. People can choose any form of Aadhaar for identification purposes or wherever they need to use Aadhaar.
Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification number which serves as proof of identity and proof of address for residents of India. Any resident of India, irrespective of their age and gender can enroll for Aadhaar.
Following are the forms of Aadhaar:
e-Aadhaar
e-Aadhaar is a password protected electronic copy of Aadhaar, which is digitally signed by UIDAI. It is equally valid and acceptable like physical Aadhaar card. Anyone can download e-Aadhaar by visiting UIDAI’s MyAadhaar portal. It has a QR code for offline verification and is password protected. It can be downloaded for free. E-Aadhar is generated automatically after every Aadhaar enrollment or update. People can download e-Aadhaar by using enrollment number, Aadhaar number and by using VID (Virtual ID).
Aadhaar PVC Card
It is a PVC based card which carries same information like general Aadhar card. It is durable and easy to carry card with enhanced security features. People can order it online by paying nominal fees. It has. It is also equivalent to physical Aadhaar card. ‘Order Aadhaar PVC Card’ is an online service and has been started by UIDAI for people to get their Aadhaar details printed on PVC. This PVC card contains security features like tamper proof QR Code, hologram, micro text, ghost image, issue Date and print date, guilloche pattern and Embossed Aadhaar Logo. Charges for PVC card is Rs.50.
mAadhaar
mAadhaar is a mobile based application for smartphones and can operate on Android and iOS. Anyone with a smartphone can install and use mAadhaar App. Registered mobile number is mandatory to create profile on this app. Once registered people can avail all the Aadhaar services. According to UIDAI, “mAadhaar is more than Aadhaar card in a wallet. On one hand the mAadhaar profile is accepted as a valid ID proof and on the other, Aadhaar number holder can use the features in the app to share their eKYC or QR code with service providers who sought Aadhaar verification of their customers before providing Aadhaar services.” However, the facility to update demographic details like name, DOB and mobile number is not available through this app.
Aadhaar Letter
It is a paper based laminated Aadhar which contains a QR code with dates when it was printed and issued. It is delivered at the Aadhaar card holders registered address via ordinary post. It is valid like physical card and therefore can be used for different purposes.
