Buying an electric vehicle in Delhi or planning to scrap an old petrol or diesel vehicle to claim EV benefits? A new verification requirement could change how you receive government incentives. Under the Delhi Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy, 2026, the transport department has introduced mandatory Aadhaar authentication for individuals applying for purchase and vehicle scrapping incentives. Delhi makes Aadhaar Mandatory for EV Incentives, requiring applicants to verify their identity through an OTP-based authentication process before receiving eligible benefits.
Introduced through a November 2026 gazette notification, the move aims to prevent fraudulent claims, eliminate duplicate beneficiaries, and improve transparency in subsidy distribution through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
What Is the New Aadhaar Rule for Delhi EV Subsidies?
The Delhi Transport Department has made Aadhaar number submission and OTP-based authentication mandatory for individuals claiming electric vehicle purchase or scrapping incentives under the Delhi EV Policy 2026.
Applicants must complete the verification process through the department’s designated online EV Incentive Portal. Eligible individuals without Aadhaar must first enroll at an authorized Aadhaar centre before registering for incentives.
Important Highlights: Delhi EV Aadhaar Rule at a Glance
New requirement: Mandatory Aadhaar authentication
Authentication method: OTP-based verification
Applicable applicants: Purchase and scrapping incentives
Application platform: Delhi EV Incentive Portal
Alternative documents: EID slip + accepted ID
Scrapping purchase window: Six months from CoD
What Has Changed Under the New Delhi EV Incentive Rules?
The latest notification, dated November 3, 2026, and published in the Delhi Gazette on November 12, 2026, introduces Aadhaar-based identity verification for all individual applicants seeking purchase or scrapping incentives under the Delhi EV Policy 2026.
The new requirement applies to both categories of financial assistance:
- EV Purchase Incentives: Individuals purchasing eligible electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and N1-category goods vehicles must complete the prescribed identity verification process while applying for incentives.
- EV Scrapping Incentives: Individuals scrapping eligible older vehicles and purchasing new electric vehicles must also undergo Aadhaar authentication to claim the applicable scrapping benefits.
The government intends to connect beneficiary identification with the Direct Benefit Transfer system. This will help establish the identity of applicants, improve eligibility verification, and reduce the possibility of duplicate or fraudulent subsidy claims.
Importantly, the Aadhaar requirement does not change the existing incentive amounts or automatically make every EV buyer eligible. Applicants must continue to satisfy the conditions, financial limits, registration requirements, and other provisions specified under the policy and its operational guidelines.
How Will Aadhaar OTP Verification Work?
Under the new rules, applicants must provide their Aadhaar number and complete electronic authentication through a One-Time Password (OTP).
The verification will be integrated into the online application process through the EV Incentive Portal designated by the Delhi Transport Department.
Here is how the process will work:
- Visit the EV Incentive Portal: Applicants must access the designated online platform to submit their purchase or scrapping incentive application.
- Enter Aadhaar Details: Individuals must furnish their Aadhaar number as part of the application.
- Complete OTP Authentication: An OTP-based electronic verification process will be used to authenticate the applicant’s Aadhaar details.
- Submit the Application: After completing the required verification, applicants can proceed with the incentive application.
- Eligibility Assessment: The department will process the application according to the eligibility conditions and other requirements under the Delhi EV Policy 2026.
The Aadhaar verification requirement will apply during the submission and processing of applications. Simply entering an Aadhaar number without completing the required authentication will not constitute successful OTP verification.
What If You Do Not Have an Aadhaar Card?
The Delhi government has also included provisions for eligible applicants who do not yet possess an Aadhaar number or have not completed Aadhaar enrolment.
According to the notification, individuals eligible to obtain Aadhaar under Section 3 of the Aadhaar Act must apply for enrollment before registering on the EV Incentive Portal.
However, they do not necessarily have to wait until their Aadhaar number is generated to receive the applicable benefits.
Until an Aadhaar number is assigned, eligible applicants can claim incentives by submitting:
- A valid Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID) slip.
- Any one of the following accepted identity documents:
- Bank or Post Office Passbook with photograph.
- Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card.
- Passport.
- Voter Identity Card.
These documents may be examined by an officer specifically designated by the Transport Department.
Where Can Applicants Enrol for Aadhaar?
Individuals who have not enrolled for Aadhaar can visit an authorized Aadhaar enrollment center. The list of available centres can be accessed through the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
The Transport Department is also required to facilitate Aadhaar enrollment through its district offices. If an enrollment center is unavailable in a particular locality, the department must arrange enrolment facilities at convenient locations in coordination with UIDAI registrars or by becoming a registrar itself. Gazette Tracker
What Happens If Aadhaar OTP Authentication Fails?
An important provision in the notification ensures that genuine beneficiaries are not automatically denied incentives because of authentication difficulties.
If Aadhaar OTP or Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) authentication is not possible, the department may provide the applicable benefits through an alternative verification method.
Applicants can use their physical Aadhaar letter, provided its authenticity is verified through the QR code printed on the document.
The Transport Department’s district offices will arrange the necessary QR code reader facilities at convenient locations.
Additionally, the department must follow the exception-handling mechanism prescribed in the Government of India’s Direct Benefit Transfer Mission Office Memorandum dated December 19, 2017.
This provision is particularly important because it provides an alternative for genuine applicants who encounter technical or authentication-related problems.
Delhi EV Policy 2026: How Much Subsidy Can Buyers Get?
While Aadhaar authentication is the latest change in the application process, the Delhi EV Policy 2026 continues to provide financial incentives for eligible electric vehicle buyers.
The policy covers electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and N1-category goods vehicles under its purchase incentive structure. It also provides separate scrapping incentives for individuals replacing eligible older vehicles with electric alternatives.
Here is a breakdown of the financial benefits.
1. Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentives
Indicative maximum incentives in the first year of the policy’s registration-based schedule.
| Electric Vehicle Category | Purchase Incentive |
|---|---|
| Electric Two-Wheelers | Up to ₹30,000 |
| Electric Three-Wheelers (L5M) | ₹50,000 |
| Electric N1 Goods Vehicles | Up to ₹1 lakh |
The incentive structure varies according to the vehicle category and registration year.
For electric two-wheelers, the first-year incentive is ₹10,000 per kWh of battery capacity, subject to a maximum of ₹30,000. The eligible vehicle’s ex-factory price must not exceed ₹2.25 lakh.
For electric three-wheelers, the purchase incentive is ₹50,000 in the first year, ₹40,000 in the second year, and ₹30,000 in the third year. The benefit applies to eligible auto-rickshaws, including vehicles replacing old CNG auto-rickshaws or new auto-rickshaws registered with a Delhi permit.
For N1-category electric goods vehicles, the first-year incentive is ₹1 lakh, followed by ₹75,000 in the second year and ₹50,000 in the third year.
These incentives are subject to the applicable vehicle eligibility conditions and the policy’s registration-based schedule.
2. Electric Vehicle Scrapping Incentives
The Delhi EV Policy 2026 also encourages owners to replace older, polluting vehicles with electric alternatives by offering scrapping incentives.
Eligible owners can receive the following benefits after scrapping qualifying Delhi-registered BS-IV or older vehicles at an authorized scrapping facility.
| New Electric Vehicle | Scrapping Incentive |
|---|---|
| Electric Two-Wheelers | ₹10,000 |
| Electric Three-Wheelers (L5M) | ₹25,000 |
| Electric Cars (Non-Transport) | ₹1 lakh |
| Electric N1 Goods Vehicles | ₹50,000 |
Important conditions for scrapping incentives:
- The old vehicle must meet the applicable BS-IV or older eligibility requirement.
- The scrapped vehicle must be registered in Delhi.
- Scrapping must take place at an authorized vehicle scrapping facility.
- The applicant must be the owner of the scrapped vehicle.
- The new electric vehicle must be purchased within six months of the issuance of the Certificate of Deposit (CoD).
- The electric car scrapping incentive of ₹1 lakh is subject to an ex-factory price limit of ₹30 lakh and is restricted to the first 1 lakh eligible applicants.
All applicable scrapping incentives will be transferred directly to eligible beneficiaries through DBT.
Important distinction for EV buyers
The ₹1 lakh incentive for electric cars is a scrapping incentive, not a general purchase subsidy for private electric cars. Similarly, the ₹50,000 N1 goods vehicle scrapping incentive is separate from its purchase incentive.
What Are the Important Deadlines for Claiming Delhi EV Incentives?
Applicants should pay attention to the timelines prescribed under the Delhi EV Policy 2026 and its operational guidelines.
One particularly important deadline relates to vehicle scrapping incentives.
- Six-month purchase window: Eligible applicants must purchase their new electric vehicle within six months of receiving the Certificate of Deposit from an authorised scrapping facility.
- Registration requirements: The new EV must satisfy the applicable Delhi registration and eligibility conditions.
- Application requirements: Applicants must submit their claims through the designated Transport Department mechanism and complete the prescribed verification process.
- Aadhaar enrolment: Applicants without Aadhaar must apply for enrolment before registering on the EV Incentive Portal, subject to the alternative documentation provisions.
The Aadhaar notification itself does not establish a universal 30-day application deadline or guarantee DBT payment within 60 days. Applicants should follow the latest operational guidelines for applicable submission and disbursement timelines.
How Will the New Aadhaar Rule Affect EV Buyers in Delhi?
The introduction of Aadhaar authentication is primarily an administrative change in how the government verifies beneficiaries and processes EV incentive applications.
For genuine electric vehicle buyers, the requirement adds an identity verification step to the subsidy application process. However, it also provides a more structured mechanism for connecting beneficiary records with government payments.
The new system is expected to offer several administrative advantages:
- Better Beneficiary Identification: Aadhaar authentication helps establish the identity of individuals applying for government incentives.
- Reduced Duplicate Claims: Electronic verification can help identify duplicate or potentially fraudulent applications.
- Improved DBT Transparency: Linking beneficiary authentication with the incentive process supports accurate transfer of government funds.
- Standardised Online Applications: Integrating verification into the EV Incentive Portal can make the application process more consistent.
- Alternative Verification Options: Physical Aadhaar letter verification and enrolment ID-based documentation help genuine applicants facing authentication difficulties.
For EV buyers, the most important thing is to keep their Aadhaar enrolment or identity documents ready before applying for purchase or scrapping incentives.
What Should EV Buyers Do Before Applying for Subsidies?
Individuals planning to purchase an electric vehicle or replace an old vehicle through scrapping should prepare their documents in advance.
Here are some important steps to consider:
- Check whether the selected electric vehicle is eligible for incentives under the Delhi EV Policy 2026.
- Confirm the applicable purchase or scrapping incentive amount.
- Ensure that the old vehicle meets the relevant scrapping eligibility requirements, if applicable.
- Keep the Aadhaar number and registered mobile number available for OTP authentication.
- If not enrolled for Aadhaar, visit an authorised enrolment centre and obtain an enrolment ID slip.
- Keep one accepted identity document ready if the Aadhaar number has not yet been assigned.
- Apply through the designated EV Incentive Portal and follow the department’s application instructions.
Preparing these documents beforehand can help applicants avoid unnecessary delays during the verification and subsidy application process.
Conclusion: Aadhaar Verification Becomes a Key Part of Delhi’s EV Subsidy System
The new Aadhaar authentication requirement marks an important administrative development under the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026. By introducing OTP-based identity verification for purchase and scrapping incentives, the Delhi Transport Department aims to improve beneficiary identification, prevent duplicate claims, and strengthen the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism.
Delhi makes Aadhaar Mandatory for EV Incentives, but the notification also provides alternative arrangements for eligible applicants who have not received their Aadhaar number or cannot complete OTP authentication.
For electric vehicle buyers, the key takeaway is straightforward: check your eligibility, keep your identity documents ready, and complete the prescribed verification before submitting your subsidy application.
As Delhi continues to encourage electric mobility through financial incentives, transparent verification and efficient subsidy delivery will remain important to the successful implementation of its EV Policy 2026.
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