Updated on - 05 Feb 2026
Have you recently received your COVID‑19 vaccine in India and wondered how to get an official certificate quickly? Or perhaps you’ve misplaced the printout given at the vaccination centre and need a digital copy for travel, work or other official purposes. The good news is that the Government of India makes it simple to download your CoWIN vaccine certificate using your Aadhaar card or registered mobile number. If you prefer using the CoWIN website, Aarogya Setu, Umang or DigiLocker, this blog can walk you through each method step by step.
What is a CoWIN vaccine certificate?
A CoWIN vaccine certificate is a digital document generated by the Government of India that shows your COVID-19 vaccination details: your name, age, gender, vaccine type and the dates of your doses. The certificate also carries a secure QR code for verification. The certificate is issued once your vaccination record is entered on the CoWIN system.
Eligibility criteria to download the CoWIN certificate
You can download your vaccination certificate if:
- You have received at least the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in India.
- You registered for vaccination with a valid mobile number (and preferably with an ID like Aadhaar) at the time of vaccination.
- Your vaccination details are updated in the CoWIN system and linked to the mobile number you use for download.
- While downloading by Aadhaar card is possible, what actually matters is that your registered mobile number is active and you can authenticate via OTP.
If any of these are missing, for example, your mobile number has changed, or the certificate hasn’t been updated yet, you may face delays or errors.
Download the COVID-19 vaccine certificate by Aadhaar
Downloading your vaccination certificate is a convenient way to verify your vaccination status, especially when travelling. To complete the process of vaccine certificate download by Aadhaar number, you must follow some simple steps.
You can choose to download your COVID-19 vaccination certificate using the CoWIN, DigiLocker, Umang or Aarogya Setu app. You can also download the certificate by visiting the portals of these four apps.
Aadhaar is linked to individual biometrics, preventing duplicate numbers and identifying fake identities. This ensures no one else can utilise your vaccination information via your Aadhaar card. Thus, your information is always confidential, which is particularly crucial when considering your overall health security.
Download the COVID certificate using the CoWin app/website
You can also obtain your certificate directly via the CoWIN portal or app using your registered mobile number. Here’s how:
- Go to the CoWIN website or open the CoWIN app.
- Select the ‘Sign In / Register’ option on the homepage.
- Choose Aadhaar authentication and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Click ‘Get OTP’ to receive a one-time password on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Enter the OTP and select ‘Verify’ to access your account.
- After logging in, locate your profile and open the ‘Certificate’ section.
- Click ‘Download’ to save your certificate in PDF format.
- You can save or print this certificate; it includes your details and QR code for verification.
How to get an Aarogya Setu certificate using the app?
The Aarogya Setu app records time and GPS location when two registered users exchange unique Digital IDs via Bluetooth. The collected information is securely stored on the other user’s mobile device and later uploaded to the server if the user tests positive for COVID-19. This helps with contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been in close contact with the infected person. This is another frequently favoured option to download vaccination certificates using an Aadhaar card.
If your aim is to obtain the Aarogya Setu certificate via the app, you will be required to adhere to the following set of guidelines:
- Begin by installing the Aarogya Setu app on your mobile phone.
- Navigate to the CoWIN tab and click on “Register Now.”
- Please enter your registered mobile number and verify it using the OTP sent to your number.
- Select the Vaccine Certificate option and provide your reference ID comprising 13 digits.
- Click the “Download Covid Certificate” option to obtain your Aarogya Setu certificate.
Download the COVID certificate using the Umang app
The Umang app offers many government services and includes certificate download for vaccination. Here’s how to use it:
- Download or open the official Umang app.
- Sign in with the mobile number you used for vaccination registration.
- Search for “CoWIN” in the app’s search bar, or navigate to “All Services” → “CoWIN”
- Choose “Download Vaccination Certificate.”
- Enter the registered mobile number and verify via OTP.
- Once verified, select your name (if multiple beneficiaries are under one number) and tap on “Download Certificate.”
- The certificate will be saved to the device in PDF format.
COVID certificate download using the DigiLocker app
The DigiLocker app is an official digital document wallet, where you can store and access your vaccination certificate. Here’s how to use it:
- Install and open the official DigiLocker app (or go to https://www.digilocker.gov.in).
- Sign up or log in using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and PIN.
- Select the “Central Government” section (in the menu).
- Choose the document source as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and locate “Vaccine Certificate.”
- Enter your 13-digit Beneficiary Reference ID (or mobile number and OTP, if prompted).
- Once validated, the certificate will appear under “Issued Documents” in your DigiLocker account. You can download, view or share it.
Storing it in DigiLocker means you don’t need to keep a separate PDF; you can get the certificate anytime via the app.
Why is downloading a COVID certificate essential?
The document certifying vaccination contains personal information of the individual. This information is crucial for tracking recipients in case a particular batch of vaccines is detected as faulty or requires further investigation. It is like a receipt for the vaccination service provided by the government.
The benefits of a COVID-19 vaccination certificate include:
- Confirming vaccination status
- Travelling without fear of infection
- Mitigating the possibility of viral transmission.
Conclusion
Downloading your CoWIN vaccine certificate is your official proof of protection against COVID‑19. Whether you use your Aadhaar card, the CoWIN website, Aarogya Setu, Umang or DigiLocker, the process is quick, secure and accessible from anywhere. Having this certificate at hand ensures you can travel, attend workplaces or fulfil official requirements without hassle. Don’t wait for a last‑minute scramble; take a few minutes now to download your certificate and keep it safe.
While you take steps to protect your health, it is also wise to consider medical insurance to manage unexpected healthcare expenses with confidence. Additionally, if you wish to extend this protection to your loved ones, choosing a suitable health insurance for family plan can help ensure everyone receives timely and quality medical care. If you need personalised guidance, fill out the form on this page.
FAQs
1. Who is responsible for providing the COVID-19 vaccination certificate?
Typically, the Vaccination Centre generates and provides a printed copy of the vaccination certificate. It is usually available on the day of vaccination. Therefore, it’s essential to collect the certificate at the centre.
2. Can I register for the COVID-19 vaccination without an Aadhaar card?
Registration on the CoWIN portal for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine does not necessitate the possession of an Aadhaar card. Individuals can use one of the nine identity documents, such as a ration card, to get vaccinated. Consequently, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition alleging that Aadhaar cards were compulsory for vaccination on the CoWIN portal.
3. Is it necessary to get the booster dose certificate?
Individuals over 60 with comorbidities are not required to provide a doctor’s certificate to receive a booster or precautionary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is as per the guidelines of the Health Ministry. Prior consultation with a medical professional is always positively recommended before finally opting for the vaccine. But do remember to download the certificate for the Booster Dose or collect it from the vaccination centre.
4. Can I download someone else’s certificate using my mobile number?
Only if the other person’s vaccination record is registered under the same mobile number and the beneficiaries list; otherwise, you’ll need their registration details.
5. Is it safe to store and share my vaccination certificate?
Yes, the certificate is issued by the government with a secure QR code. But since it contains personal details, you should avoid sharing it publicly and save it securely.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.