The Aadhaar card, signed and issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India, is valid as identity and address proof. Your identity is uniquely represented through a 12-digit number on the card and this number also has your biometric information attached to it.
Apart from this, the card has your other information like your name, address, and date of birth. Therefore, you can submit your Aadhaar card as address proof for various public and private sector services, thereby expediting the information verification process.
Due to the fact that it is such a versatile document, it is important to know when you can use it. Here are some of the instances in which you can submit your Aadhaar card as address proof.
To apply for and update your PAN card
A PAN card represents your financial identity. It holds your tax payment history and shows you as a responsible Indian citizen. To apply for a PAN card, you have to submit KYC documents such as identity proof, address proof and proof of birth. All of this information is readily available on your Aadhaar card. That’s why, presently you can use only your Aadhaar card to apply for or update your PAN card. It saves time and makes the process straightforward.
Moreover, as per a recent Supreme Court ruling, you are required to link your Aadhaar with PAN card. This binds your financial identity to your Aadhaar and is essential for when you’re filing your taxes.
To avail a government scheme
To apply for most non-welfare and some welfare government schemes you must submit your Aadhaar card. This is because information regarding your identity, residence and parents is all readily available and biometrically preserved. This way you meet all the KYC terms using only one document.
To apply for a voter’s ID
Apart from when you apply for a PAN card, you can also submit your Aadhaar card when you’re applying for your voter’s ID. Since you are required to offer proof of your residence, the Aadhaar card is a convenient option. In fact, you can access your e-Aadhaar use it to apply too.
To borrow funds via a loan
Before you proceed to apply for a loan, you should meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. These criteria vary across Indian cities and also depend on the lender you choose to apply with. To prove your eligibility, you will have to submit documents such as identity proof, address proof and income proof. An Aadhaar card perfectly caters to this requirement.
To open a bank account
Opening a bank account is a fairly simple process. All you need to do is approach any bank of your choice, fill up an account opening form and submit it along with the required documents based on the type of account you wish to open. Here you will need to furnish KYC documents like your voter ID, PAN card, driving license or passport and present residential and income proof in case you are opening a current account. Apart from all other documents, note that you can submit your Aadhaar as address proof. It will double up as an identity proof as well and reduce the number of documents that you need to gather.
In a nutshell, Aadhaar, in all its forms, is widely accepted across the country. However, when you have doubts such as ‘Is e-Aadhaar Card valid at airports?’, ‘Is e-Aadhaar valid for railway services?’ or ‘Is e-Aadhaar card valid for passport?’, remember that you can check the UIDAI website and get answers to all your questions. Furthermore, to ensure that you’re updated with information on Aadhaar, download the mAadhaar app.
