Quick answer: First check your status on the myAadhaar portal using the Enrolment ID on your acknowledgement slip. If your Aadhaar has been generated, you do not have to wait for the post: download e-Aadhaar straight away, which is as valid as the letter. If the status is still pending well beyond UIDAI’s normal timelines, or the letter never arrives, raise a grievance with your Enrolment ID on myAadhaar or call 1947. Do not enrol again unless your status says the enrolment was rejected.
How long does a new Aadhaar take?
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Citizen’s Charter sets these normal timelines:
| Stage | Normal timeline (UIDAI Citizen’s Charter) |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar generation for children and teenagers (0 to 18 years) | Up to 30 days from enrolment |
| Aadhaar generation for adults (18 and over) | Up to 180 days from enrolment, because adult enrolments may be verified by state or UT authorities first |
| Printing the letter and handing it to India Post | Within 10 days of generation |
| Postal delivery | As per the Department of Posts’ own timelines |
Generation can take longer if the enrolment data does not meet quality standards, if a possible duplicate is found or if there are technical issues. An earlier version of this article said it “usually takes more than 90 days” for everyone; the charter now separates children and adults as shown above.
UIDAI also says it notifies you of generation or rejection by SMS on the Indian mobile number you gave at enrolment, so check your messages before anything else.
Find your Enrolment ID
Your acknowledgement slip from the enrolment centre carries a 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID). It is made of a 14-digit enrolment number followed by the 14-digit date and time of enrolment. You need the full EID to check status and to download e-Aadhaar before you know your Aadhaar number.
If you have lost the slip, use Retrieve EID/UID on myAadhaar with the name and mobile number you gave at enrolment, and the EID is sent to you by SMS. Our guide on what to do if your Aadhaar card or slip is lost explains the steps.
How to check your Aadhaar status
- Open the myAadhaar portal at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and choose Check Aadhaar Status. No login or registered mobile is needed.
- Choose the Enrolment ID option and enter your EID. The same service also tracks update and PVC card requests by their Service Request Number (SRN).
- Enter the captcha and submit.
You can also ask for your status by calling UIDAI’s toll-free helpline 1947, by emailing help@uidai.gov.in, or through UIDAI’s chatbot “Udai” on uidai.gov.in, which accepts an EID, URN or SRN.
What your status means and what to do
Aadhaar generated
Your Aadhaar exists, even if the letter has not reached you. Download e-Aadhaar now (see below). The letter will follow by post to the address you gave at enrolment.
Still under process
Wait until UIDAI’s normal timeline for your age group has passed. If it has passed, raise a grievance with your EID (see the last section).
Rejected
Only a rejected enrolment should be repeated. Enrol again at a centre with valid original documents, and check the details on the operator’s screen before you confirm. Enrolment is free.
Not found, or cannot be processed
This article originally listed “not found” and “cannot be processed due to technical issues” as reasons to enrol again. Before you do, contact UIDAI on 1947 or by email with your EID and ask what the status means for your case. If an Aadhaar was in fact generated from your first enrolment, any new enrolment will be rejected, so confirming first saves you a wasted trip.
Download e-Aadhaar while you wait for the letter
Once your status shows Aadhaar generated, you can download e-Aadhaar from myAadhaar using your 28-digit EID and an OTP on the mobile number you gave at enrolment. You can also get your Aadhaar number by SMS through Retrieve EID/UID. Our e-Aadhaar download guide walks through each screen.
UIDAI says e-Aadhaar is as valid as the physical letter, and a printout on ordinary paper can be used in the same way. That means you can start using your Aadhaar without waiting for the post.
If you did not give a mobile number at enrolment, you cannot download e-Aadhaar online. Visit an Aadhaar centre, where the operator can find your Aadhaar and print a colour copy for ₹40, and register a mobile number at the same time.
If the letter never arrives
The Aadhaar letter is sent by post to the address recorded at enrolment. If your status shows generated but the letter does not come:
- Do not re-enrol. Your Aadhaar already exists and a new enrolment will be rejected.
- Use e-Aadhaar instead. It is valid, so many people never need the paper letter.
- Order the Aadhaar PVC card if you want a durable card. It costs ₹75 including GST and speed post, and speed post can be tracked.
- Check your address. If you have moved, or the address was recorded incorrectly, update it in Aadhaar first; see our guide to updating your Aadhaar address.
How to raise a grievance about a delayed Aadhaar
The contact details in the earlier version of this article (a Bengaluru post box, a fax number and an 1800 number) are not the channels UIDAI lists today. Use these instead:
- myAadhaar: File a grievance under Grievance and Feedback, quoting your EID, and track it there.
- Phone: 1947, toll-free. Self-service on the automated system works 24 hours a day; agents are available Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 11 pm and on Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm, in 12 languages.
- Email: help@uidai.gov.in with your EID.
- In person: the UIDAI regional office for your state.
UIDAI’s Citizen’s Charter aims to resolve grievances normally within 30 days. For escalation options, see our full guide to Aadhaar complaints and enquiries.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to wait for the Aadhaar letter before using Aadhaar?
No. As soon as your Aadhaar is generated you can download e-Aadhaar, which is equally valid for all purposes.
Is a new Aadhaar letter free?
Yes. Aadhaar enrolment is free, and the letter is posted at no charge. Only optional services such as the PVC card (₹75) or a centre print (₹40) cost money.
Will I get a letter after updating my mobile number?
No. UIDAI posts a fresh letter only after updates to name, address, date of birth or gender. Mobile and email updates are confirmed by SMS or email.
Can I collect my Aadhaar letter from the enrolment centre?
UIDAI’s process is to send the letter by post. If you need Aadhaar urgently, download e-Aadhaar or ask the centre for a ₹40 colour print once it is generated.
Timelines and contact channels in this guide were checked in October 2026 against UIDAI’s Citizen’s Charter, its CRM Division FAQ, its online services FAQ and its published charges for Aadhaar Seva Kendras. Check your status on the myAadhaar portal before taking any step that costs money.
