How to Book an Aadhaar (Aadhar) Appointment Online for Free?

Should you book online or just walk in?

Answer a few questions to see which way suits you.

What do you need before you book?

• The centre's name. Find centres near you on UIDAI's Bhuvan Aadhaar locator, then check the centre appears on the booking site.
• The right kind of centre. Since 1 December 2022, adults can get a new Aadhaar only at designated centres, such as Aadhaar Seva Kendras. See Aadhaar centres: what to expect.
• Any working mobile number. UIDAI doesn't require the number registered with Aadhaar. The OTP comes to the number you enter.
• What you want done. A new Aadhaar, or an update of your details (name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile, email) or biometrics (photo, fingerprints, iris).
• Your documents ready. Check which proofs your service needs in Documents required for Aadhaar.

Booking is limited to 2 appointments a month. Don't book extra "just in case" slots; you may block yourself from booking the one you need.

How do you book an Aadhaar appointment online?

1. Open UIDAI's booking site

   Type bookappointment.uidai.gov.in yourself in the browser. Don't use a link from an SMS or WhatsApp message.

2. Choose your city and centre

   Select your city or location and then the centre. If the centre you found on the Bhuvan locator isn't in the list, it doesn't take online appointments. Walk in there instead.

3. Enter your mobile number and the captcha

   Type a mobile number you have with you right now. It can be a family member's number; it doesn't have to be linked to Aadhaar. Then type the captcha characters.

4. Enter the OTP

   Type the OTP from the SMS. Never share it with anyone who calls or messages you about your booking.

5. Choose the service and fill in the details

   Pick what you're coming for, such as a new Aadhaar or an update, and fill in the details the form asks for. Spell your name exactly as it is on your documents.

6. Pick a date and time

   Choose a free slot that you're sure you can make. If no slots are free, try another date or another nearby centre.

7. Save the appointment slip

   Download, print or screenshot the confirmation. Note the centre's address, date and time.

   You'll know it worked when you have a confirmation showing your centre, date and time.

UIDAI's booking screens and button names can change, so we describe the steps in general terms. Follow the labels on the site.

How do you reschedule or cancel an appointment?

1. Decide early

   You can reschedule up to 24 hours before your slot. After that, the slot can't be moved.

2. Open your booking on the same site

   Go back to bookappointment.uidai.gov.in and look for the option to manage, reschedule or cancel an appointment. Keep your slip and the mobile you booked with nearby.

3. Pick a new slot, or cancel

   Choose a new date and time and save the new slip, or cancel if you no longer need the slot.

   You'll know it worked when you see a confirmation with the new date and time, or a cancellation message.

• Missed your slot? It's gone. Book a new one, or walk in.
• Payment: booking itself is free. UIDAI's Seva Kendra page says online payment is "to be launched soon", so you pay the fee for your service at the centre.

What should you carry on the day?

• Your appointment slip (printed or on your phone).
• Original documents for your service. The operator scans them and gives them back.
• In our experience, centres want physical originals, not DigiLocker copies on your phone. A printout of an e-document (such as an e-voter ID) works if it shows a valid digital signature.
• Your Aadhaar number, if you're coming for an update.
• For a child under 5: the birth certificate and the parents' Aadhaar numbers. One parent confirms with a fingerprint or iris.
• The exact fee for your service (see the next section).

Full list of proofs: Documents required for Aadhaar. Not sure a paper will be accepted? Check it with the Aadhaar document checker. For a new Aadhaar, see Apply for a new Aadhaar.

What will you pay at the centre?

The appointment is free. At the centre you pay only the official fee for your service. UIDAI says charges are the same at every centre. More: Aadhaar fees & charges and Aadhaar update: fees & limits. To add up the fee for several changes, use the Aadhaar fee calculator.

When should you visit the centre?

UIDAI's Citizen's Charter sets a session of up to 20 minutes at the counter; waiting time is extra. For what happens inside, see Aadhaar centres: what to expect.

What can go wrong with booking, and how do you fix it?

Bottom line

Book only on bookappointment.uidai.gov.in. It's free, works with any mobile number that gets the OTP, and allows 2 appointments a month. If your centre isn't listed, walk in early. Carry originals and your slip, and avoid the lunch hour. For help, call UIDAI's free helpline 1947.