Aadhaar Rules Explained: Can NRIs apply for UIDAI-issued 12-digit personal identification number?

What is Aadhaar? Can non-resident Indians (NRIs) apply for Aadhaar? Yes, an NRI with a valid Indian passport can apply for Aadhaar, according to the website of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), uidai.gov.in. NRIs, minors and adults alike, can apply for the UIDAI-issued 12-digit ID under the Aadhaar biometrics-based personal identification system from any Aadhaar enrolment centre, according to the UIDAI portal. 

Here's a lowdown on some of the important Aadhaar rules applicable to NRIs. But first things first, what is Aadhaar? 

What is Aadhaar?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The Aadhaar number, printed on the Aadhaar ID card, serves as a crucial proof of identity and address for Indian residents.

Aadhaar is issued by the UIDAI, a statutory authority established under the Government of India. The UIDAI is responsible for the process of enrollment, authentication, and issuance of Aadhaar numbers to individuals across the country.

Aadhaar plays a pivotal role in establishing identity and enabling access to various government and private services for Indian citizens. 

Can NRIs holding Aadhaar introduce their spouse to the biometrics-based system?

"NRI can act as HOF in the capacity of mother/father/legal guardian for Aadhaar enrolment, by submitting valid proof of relation (POR) document. List valid supporting documents is available at List of Supporting Document," according to the UIDAI portal, which addresses a host of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Aadhaar system. 

Can an NRI's children apply for Aadhaar?

Yes, an NRI's children aged above five years old and below 18 years old can obtain an Aadhaar.

How does it work?

An NRI child seeking enrolment to visit an Aadhar enrolment centre along with either of their parents or a legal guardian can submit a request in the requisite enrolment form along with valid supporting documents, according to the UIDAI.

The enrolment operator captures the following details during the course of enrolment, as per the UIDAI portal:

• Mandatory demographic information (basic details such as name, date of birth and address)
• Optional demographic information (mobile number)
• Details (Aadhaar number) of mother/father/legal guardian (in case of HOF-based enrolment)
• Either of the parents or the legal guardian has to authenticate the request on behalf of the child as well as provide consent for the enrolment by signing the enrolment form
• Biometric information (photo, finger prints and iris scans)

Is the residential status mandatory for an NRI to obtain an Aadhaar?

Aadhaar enrolment does not require an NRI to have resided in the country for at least 182 days, the UIDAI clarifies. 

What happens after an NRI submits the Aadhaar enrolment form at the centre? 

The operator returns all the documents along with an acknowledgment slip containing the applicable charges to the NRI applicant. 

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