ABHA Health ID: How to Create Your ABHA Number and What It Is Used For
Short answer
ABHA is a free 14-digit health identifier under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It can help identify an individual in the digital health ecosystem and link digital health records with the individual’s consent. ABHA is different from the Ayushman Card issued under PM-JAY.
Eligibility
- Any individual can create an ABHA Number through the supported official ABDM process.
- Creating an ABHA Number is voluntary and is not mandatory for all citizens.
- Identity verification can be completed through the supported Aadhaar or driving licence process.
Required documents
- Aadhaar and a mobile number linked with Aadhaar when using Aadhaar-based authentication.
- Driving licence and the required personal details when using the driving-licence method.
- No physical document submission is required for online ABHA creation.
Step-by-step process
- Open the official ABHA website at abha.abdm.gov.in and choose the option to create an ABHA Number.
- Select the available identity verification method, such as Aadhaar or driving licence.
- Enter the required details and complete the identity verification process.
- After successful verification, the system generates your unique 14-digit ABHA Number.
- Create or link an ABHA Address through a supported ABDM-enabled Personal Health Record application if you want to use an ABHA Address.
- Keep your digital ABHA card safely on your phone. A physical printout is not required.
- Review health-record consent requests carefully before allowing an ABDM-enabled healthcare provider to access or link your records.
Fees and processing time
| Fees | ABHA creation and registration through the official ABDM system are free of cost. Be careful of unofficial websites or agents asking for payment to create an ABHA Number. |
|---|---|
| Processing time | ABHA registration can generally be completed quickly when the required information and identity authentication are available. The actual time may vary if identity verification or other checks are unsuccessful. |
Always verify the latest fee, eligibility and deadline on the official government portal.
Where to apply
Create an ABHA Number through the official ABHA website at abha.abdm.gov.in, supported official ABDM applications, or an assisted facility such as a participating healthcare centre.
ABHA (ABDM) ↗ National Health Authority - ABDM ↗ ABDM Official FAQ ↗
Common mistakes to avoid
- Creating multiple ABHA Numbers instead of using one health identifier.
- Using an unofficial website or agent when the official ABDM service is available.
- Sharing an OTP or other authentication information with another person.
- Approving a health-record consent request without checking the requesting healthcare facility and the information being requested.
- Assuming that ABHA and the Ayushman Card are the same service.
Frequently asked questions
Is ABHA the same as an Ayushman Card?
No. ABHA is a digital health identifier under ABDM, while the Ayushman Card is associated with eligible beneficiaries under PM-JAY.
Is it mandatory to create an ABHA Number?
No. Creating an ABHA Number is voluntary and is not mandatory for all citizens.
How can I create an ABHA Number online?
Open the official ABHA website at abha.abdm.gov.in and follow the available registration process. Identity verification can be completed through the supported Aadhaar or driving licence method.
Is ABHA free?
Yes. Creating an ABHA Number through the official ABDM system is free of cost.
Do I need to print my ABHA card?
No. A physical printout is not required. You can keep the digital ABHA card on your phone.
What is an ABHA Address?
An ABHA Address is a digital health address that can be created through a supported ABDM-enabled Personal Health Record application and used within the ABDM ecosystem.
Can ABHA be used to share health records?
Yes. ABHA can help link and share digital health records within the ABDM ecosystem, but health-record sharing is consent based.
Can I delete or deactivate my ABHA?
ABDM provides account management options through its official system, including options related to deactivation or deletion subject to the applicable process and policy.
What should I do if I have a problem with ABHA?
Use the official ABDM support and grievance channels rather than relying on an unofficial website or agent.
Official sources
Disclaimer: UPDigital.in is an independent information platform and is not a government website. We do not collect application fees and never ask for your Aadhaar number, OTP, UPI PIN or bank password.