If you have visited a government hospital or booked an OPD slot recently, you have probably been asked for your ABHA card or ABHA number. Creating one is completely free and takes less than five minutes online. This 2026 step-by-step guide explains exactly how to create an ABHA card and ABHA number — using either Aadhaar or a mobile number — and how hospitals can generate ABHA for patients right at the front desk using their hospital software.
What Is an ABHA Card and ABHA Number?
ABHA stands for Ayushman Bharat Health Account. It is a free, 14-digit health ID issued under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) that acts as a single, lifelong identifier for all your medical records. The ABHA number is the 14-digit ID; the ABHA card is the downloadable card that displays it along with a QR code. With an ABHA, your prescriptions, lab reports, and discharge summaries can be linked and accessed digitally — no more carrying a bag of old files to every appointment. Learn more in our guide on what an ABHA ID is and its benefits.
Documents You Need to Create an ABHA Card
- Aadhaar card with an Aadhaar-linked mobile number (fastest method), OR
- A mobile number (if you prefer not to use Aadhaar), OR
- A PAN card / driving licence for alternative verification.
How to Create an ABHA Number Online Using Aadhaar
This is the quickest way to make your ABHA card for free:
- Step 1: Go to the official ABHA portal (abha.abdm.gov.in) or download the ABHA app from the Play Store / App Store.
- Step 2: Click "Create ABHA Number" and choose "Using Aadhaar".
- Step 3: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and accept the consent declaration.
- Step 4: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Step 5: Verify your details, add a mobile number, and create your unique ABHA address (for example, yourname@abdm).
- Step 6: Your ABHA card is generated instantly — download and save it.
How to Create an ABHA Card Using Only a Mobile Number
Don't want to use Aadhaar? You can still create an ABHA number with just a mobile number: choose "Create ABHA using Mobile", enter your number, verify the OTP, and fill in your name, date of birth, gender, and address manually. Note that a mobile-only ABHA may need additional KYC later to unlock full record-linking features.
How to Download Your ABHA Card
Once created, log in to the ABHA portal or app with your ABHA number or address and an OTP, then tap "Download ABHA Card". You can save it as a PDF or add it to your phone for quick Scan and Share registration at hospitals.
How Hospitals Create ABHA for Patients at the Front Desk
Patients aren't the only ones creating ABHA — hospitals do it too, and it is one of the biggest reasons to use ABDM-ready hospital software. With Healthixio, the front-desk operator can create or verify an ABHA number in seconds during registration, then use Scan and Share QR so the patient walks up, scans a code, and their demographic details flow straight into the OPD queue — no re-typing, no long queues. Every prescription and report is then linked to that ABHA with the patient's consent. See how it works in our Scan and Share OPD registration guide.
Is Creating an ABHA Card Safe and Free?
Yes. Creating an ABHA number is 100% free and no one should charge you for it. Your records are shared only with your explicit consent, and data is protected under India's DPDP Act. You can also delete or deactivate your ABHA at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create an ABHA card online?
Visit abha.abdm.gov.in or the ABHA app, choose "Create ABHA Number", verify with your Aadhaar or mobile number via OTP, create an ABHA address, and download your card — all free and in under five minutes.
Is the ABHA card the same as the Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) card?
No. The ABHA card is your digital health record ID under ABDM, while the Ayushman Bharat / PMJAY card is for the free-treatment insurance scheme. Read our PMJAY and Ayushman Bharat guide to understand the difference.
Can a hospital create an ABHA number for me?
Yes. ABDM-integrated hospital software like Healthixio can create or link your ABHA right at registration, so you don't have to do it yourself beforehand.
Make ABHA Part of Your Hospital's Workflow
If your hospital wants to create ABHA numbers, run Scan and Share, and link records automatically, you need software that is built for ABDM. Explore Healthixio's ABDM & ABHA integration, see all features, or book a free demo at 07513135857.