Where Is the Nearest Aadhaar (Aadhar) Centre and What Happens There?

Which Aadhaar centre do you need?

Pick what you want done. The answer tells you which kind of centre can do it.

What can each type of Aadhaar centre do?

"Aadhaar centre" covers very different counters. Our counter team sees three levels of access: a CSC with an authorised Aadhaar centre can do all services; a counter with only an Aadhaar operator ID can do updates only; a normal CSC or village-level entrepreneur (VLE) can only order PVC cards, print and download e-Aadhaar.

A biometric-authenticated e-Aadhaar print (₹30–₹40) is given at Aadhaar centres. Ask the counter before you queue. Twins with mixed-up biometrics can't be fixed at any centre; only the UIDAI Regional Office can do it.

How do you find a centre and book a slot?

1. Search the official locator

   Use UIDAI's Bhuvan Aadhaar portal, or the Aadhaar Seva Kendra list on uidai.gov.in. Note the centre's name and address.

2. Match the centre to your service

   For a new adult Aadhaar, the centre must be designated. For updates, a normal CSC won't do. Check the table above.

3. Book a free slot if the centre is listed

   Go to bookappointment.uidai.gov.in. Booking is free, you don't need the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar, and UIDAI allows up to 2 appointments a month. In our experience, centres listed there take online appointments; centres not listed are walk-in only. More help: Book an Aadhaar appointment.

   You'll know it worked when you have a confirmed date and time for your chosen centre.

4. Reschedule in time if plans change

   You can reschedule up to 24 hours before the slot. If you miss the slot, you have to book again.

What should you carry to the Aadhaar centre?

Tick these off before you leave home. Which proofs you need depends on the service; see Documents required for Aadhaar or check yours with the document checker.

• Original documents, not photocopies or phone copies. The operator scans them and hands them back.
• New adult Aadhaar: one proof of identity (PoI) with name and photo, one proof of address (PoA) and, if you have one, a date-of-birth (DoB) proof. Without a DoB proof, your date of birth is recorded as declared or approximate and only the year is printed on the card. PAN is not accepted as a proof.
• Child: the birth certificate (the only accepted DoB proof for children born on or after 1 Oct 2023) and the parents' Aadhaar numbers. One parent confirms with biometrics.
• Update: your Aadhaar number, plus the proof for the detail you're changing. A mobile number update needs no document.
• e-Documents (e-voter ID, e-ration card): a printout that shows a valid digital signature (green tick).
• A certificate in UIDAI's format, if you use one: issued within the last 3 months.
• Check that your name, date of birth and father's or husband's name match across all documents.
• The exact fee, and your appointment details if you booked.

What happens inside the Aadhaar centre?

UIDAI's Citizen's Charter sets a session of up to 20 minutes at the counter. Waiting in the queue is not included, and it can take much longer.

1. Check in or join the queue

   Show your appointment if you have one. At walk-in centres, wait for your turn.

2. Tell the operator exactly what you need

   The operator types in your details, or the update you asked for. Your name is entered exactly as written on your document.

3. Hand over your original documents

   They are scanned and returned to you at once. Don't leave without them.

4. Give your biometrics

   For a new Aadhaar (age 5+), the operator takes a photo, all 10 fingerprints and both irises. For a child under 5, only a photo. For a biometric update, they are captured again.

5. Check the screen before you finish

   Read your name, date of birth, gender, address and mobile number. A mistake you spot now saves a paid update later.

6. Pay and keep the slip

   Pay only the official fee. The slip shows your 28-digit enrolment ID (EID) for a new Aadhaar, or the request number for your update. Track the update with the number on your slip.

   You'll know it worked when you have the slip. Photograph it and keep the paper safe; you need the number to check your status.

After a new enrolment, track it at Enrolment status. After an update, use Update status.

Which fees should you pay at an Aadhaar centre?

UIDAI says charges are the same at every centre. Our team confirms all centres charge the current rates. Old figures such as ₹100 for a photo or ₹50 for an address are out of date. Full list: Aadhaar fees & charges, or work out your total with the fee calculator.

How do you refuse overcharging?

People report being asked for ₹200 instead of ₹75. If an overcharge is proven, the operator is suspended and the registrar fined ₹50,000, according to a December 2023 news report of a Lok Sabha reply.

1. Say the official fee out loud

   Politely state the fee from the table above. Ask for a receipt for what you pay.

2. Note who served you

   A complaint needs details. Ask for the operator's ID. Also write down the centre's name and address, the date and time, and keep your EID or URN slip.

3. Complain to UIDAI

   Call 1947 or email [email protected] with these details. See Aadhaar complaint & escalation.

When are Aadhaar centres open?

UIDAI says Aadhaar Seva Kendras open 7 days a week, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and close on holidays. Our team visited one centre on 15 October 2026. This is what we found there:

Bank, post office and CSC centres may keep different hours. Check your centre before you go. Queues can be long, sometimes in the heat, so go early or book a slot where you can.

What tips does our counter team have for a centre visit?

Can an elderly or disabled person get Aadhaar service at home?

• Home service: in our experience it can be arranged for eligible senior citizens, disabled people and some special cases. Prior permission from the UIDAI regional office may be needed.
• It isn't free: the full fee is charged, even for bedridden or disabled people.
• IPPB doorstep: IPPB lists mobile number update (₹75, at selected post offices) and free child enrolment at a few places. Our counter team has also seen postmen enrol children aged 0–5 and do child biometric updates at home, but IPPB does not list child biometric updates. In our experience booking is unreliable; the postman often doesn't come or comes late.

Step-by-step help: Elderly, disabled & bedridden and Aadhaar services at home (IPPB).

What can go wrong at a centre, and how do you fix it?

Bottom line

Pick the right kind of centre first, book a free slot if it's listed, and carry originals with matching names. Check the screen before you give biometrics, pay only the official fee and keep your slip. For help or to report overcharging, call UIDAI's free helpline 1947.