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Aadhaar vs Passport: 10 Key Differences All Citizens Must Know
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While Aadhaar serves as a proof of residence and identity, a passport validates citizenship.
Aadhaar is mandatory to receive benefits on various government schemes. (Photo Credit: Instaghram)
The two most important identity proof documents in India are Aadhaar and the passport. While both are used to establish your identity, there are specific differences in their usage, purpose and legal validity.
The passport is a document of citizenship and confirms that you are an Indian citizen, also entitling you to travel abroad. On the other hand, Aadhaar is a 12-digit ID that serves as proof of identity and residence of a person.
A passport must be signed by a Regional Passport Officer on behalf of the President of India. All sovereign and fiduciary powers remain with the Ministry of External Affairs even when Passport Seva Kendras are operated by private entities.
Although many people often confuse the two crucial documents, knowing their differences will allow you to use them correctly.
- Purpose and Legal basis
Aadhaar: Issued as per the framework under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, to identify residents and support government services, financial access, subsidies and e-KYC.
Passport: Designed under Passports Act, 1967, to certify citizenship and serve as an official international travel document.
- Eligibility
Aadhaar: Any “resident” who has spent at least 182 days in India during the preceding 12 months; citizenship is not necessary.
Passport: Only Indian nationals are eligible for passports; applications from non-citizens would be denied.
- Issuing Authority
Aadhaar: UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) via a dispersed enrolling agency network.
Passport: Issued by the Ministry of External Affairs via Passport Seva Kendras.
- Nature of right
Aadhaar: Provided to qualified residents as a matter of right.
Passport: A document of sovereign citizenship.
- Foreigners’ treatment
Aadhaar: Foreigners who fulfil the residence requirements can get an Aadhaar.
Passport: Only issued to non-citizens in rare cases where the government deems it to be in the public interest.
- Police verification
Aadhaar: Not required.
Passport: Mandatory under Passport Rules, 1980.
- Sovereign control
Aadhaar: Under the statutory framework, enrolment is managed by licenced entities.
Passport: MEA alone is responsible for its issuance, verification and granting.
- Authority signature
Aadhaar: Issuing authority’s signature is not required.
Passport: Signed by a Regional Passport Officer, representing the President of India.
- Form download
Aadhaar: e-Aadhaar is available for download.
Passport: You must have a physical passport booklet.
- Validity as a proof
Aadhaar: Clearly states that it is identification evidence, not proof of citizenship, residence, location, or birthdate.
Passport: No disclaimer; certifies nationality
An Aadhaar card is valid for a lifetime. It becomes invalid unless updated. A passport, on the other hand, comes with an expiry date after a fixed tenure, generally 10 years in the case of an adult.
Indian citizens consider Aadhaar as an essential identification proof. Despite its importance, it cannot be used for travel and does not prove citizenship. On the other hand, a passport is recognised worldwide as a travel document and proof of citizenship for all Indian nationals.
February 08, 2026, 14:00 IST
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