AAD.10 · GLOSSARY

Glossary & Acronyms

Plain-language meanings for the terms used across this site. Operational rules are linked to their full guides and official sources.

Aadhaar: A 12-digit identifier issued by UIDAI after enrolment and de-duplication. It proves identity for supported uses; it is not proof of citizenship or domicile.
Aadhaar App: UIDAI’s current mobile application for verifiable credentials and selected services, including mobile-number/address update. It is distinct from the older mAadhaar app.
Baal Aadhaar: Aadhaar enrolled for a child under five without fingerprint/iris capture. The number does not simply expire at age five; missed mandatory biometric updates can cause deactivation.
CIDR: Central Identities Data Repository—the protected UIDAI repository used for Aadhaar enrolment and authentication.
DBT: Direct Benefit Transfer: direct electronic delivery of a government benefit. It is broader than Aadhaar Payment Bridge and need not always use APBS.
EID: Enrolment ID: the 28-digit identifier on an enrolment/update acknowledgement, comprising a 14-digit number and 14-digit date/time stamp.
e-KYC: Electronic Know Your Customer. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is used only through authorised, consent-based processes.
HoF: Head of Family: an approved relationship-based route for specified enrolment/address-update situations.
MBU: Mandatory Biometric Update after ages 5 and 15. It is free in UIDAI’s published windows and must be a stand-alone transaction.
Masked Aadhaar: A downloadable Aadhaar form that hides the first eight digits and shows only the last four.
PoI / PoA / PoR / PDB: Proof of Identity / Address / Relationship / Date of Birth. A document counts only for columns marked in UIDAI’s current list.
UIDAI: Unique Identification Authority of India, the statutory authority responsible for Aadhaar.
VID: Virtual ID: a revocable 16-digit number that can replace the Aadhaar number in supported authentication/e-KYC transactions.

Official sources

LAST EDITORIAL REVIEW · 26 AUG 2026