ABHA Health ID (India)

A 14-digit unique health identifier under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to link, store and share medical records digitally. Creating an ABHA also generates an ABHA address (username@abdm).

Do it on the official site

National Health Authority / ABDM — abha.abdm.gov.in · ABHA app

Fees

Free [inferred — no fee listed; verify on official site]

Processing time

Instant / same session (Aadhaar & mobile-OTP routes)

How long it lasts

Lifelong — doesn't expire until you deactivate/delete it [inferred]

What to know first

  • Two identifiers are created together — the 14-digit number and the ABHA address.
  • Aadhaar self-registration needs an Aadhaar-linked mobile; DL/mobile-only options give a temporary/limited ABHA until further KYC.
  • Aadhaar can't be made mandatory — mobile-number creation is the guaranteed fallback.
  • Deactivation is reversible; deletion is permanent.

How to do it

  1. 1abha.abdm.gov.in → Create ABHA number.
  2. 2Pick a method: Aadhaar / Driving Licence / Mobile.
  3. 3Enter the ID → OTP verification.
  4. 4Verify demographic details → create ABHA address + PIN.
  5. 5Save the 14-digit number/card; link records via ABDM-enabled facilities or the app.

What you need to bring

  • Aadhaar + Aadhaar-linked mobile (Aadhaar route) OR DL number OR a mobile number; recent photo / demographic details

In person

Nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or any ABDM-enabled health facility for assisted creation/record linking

Questions people ask

Is Aadhaar mandatory?
No — mobile-number creation is the guaranteed alternative.
Deactivate vs delete?
Deactivate is reversible; delete is permanent.
One mobile, multiple ABHA?
Yes.

Documents that travel with it

Sources

  • abha.abdm.gov.in/abha/v3/register; abdm.gov.in/faq (accessed 2026-06-26)