Lost Aadhaar Card: Today, the Aadhaar card is considered an essential document. It is used for everything from opening bank accounts and availing benefits of government schemes to purchasing mobile SIM cards, applying for a passport, linking a PAN card, receiving gas subsidies, obtaining scholarships, and filing income tax returns. For these reasons, the Aadhaar card is deemed a crucial document for every Indian citizen.

If your Aadhaar card has been lost, stolen, torn, or damaged, there is no need to panic. You do not need to get a new Aadhaar card made. UIDAI provides an online service that lets you retrieve your Aadhaar number from the comfort of your home. You can download your e-Aadhaar and even order a PVC Aadhaar card for just ₹50. In this article, we explore how to retrieve a lost Aadhaar card.

What to do first if your Aadhaar card is lost?

If your Aadhaar card is lost, the first step is not to panic. You can download a digital copy using your existing Aadhaar number or order a new PVC Aadhaar card.

Do you need to get a new Aadhaar card made?

If you already have an Aadhaar card, there is no need to apply for a new one. You simply need to find your Aadhaar number, then download the e-Aadhaar or order a PVC Aadhaar card.

Forgotten your Aadhaar number? Here is how to find your UID

If you do not remember your 12-digit Aadhaar number, UIDAI offers an online facility to help you retrieve it. You can use this service to recover your Aadhaar number.
To do this, follow the “Retrieve Lost or Forgotten UID” process:
First, visit the official UIDAI MyAadhaar portal.
Select the “Retrieve Lost or Forgotten UID/EID” option.
Enter the required details, such as your name and registered mobile number.
Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
An OTP will then be sent to your registered mobile number.
Enter the OTP to complete the verification process. Once verified, your Aadhaar number will be sent to your mobile number via SMS.

What is e-Aadhaar?

e-Aadhaar is the digital version of the Aadhaar card. It is provided in PDF format and is considered just as valid as the regular Aadhaar card. You can save it on your mobile, laptop, or computer and print it out whenever needed.

How to download e-Aadhaar?

If you have your Aadhaar number, you can download your e-Aadhaar in just a few minutes.
First, open the MyAadhaar portal.
Next, select the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code.
An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number; enter that OTP.
Your e-Aadhaar will then be downloaded as a PDF file.

What is the password for e-Aadhaar?

Please note that the downloaded PDF file is password-protected. The password consists of the first four letters of your name and your year of birth. For example, if a person’s name is RAHUL and their birth year is 1995, the password would be RAHU1995. Downloading Aadhaar is also very easy on a mobile phone.

Downloading Aadhaar via the mAadhaar app

Download the official mAadhaar app from UIDAI. Then, log in and add your Aadhaar profile. Keep your digital Aadhaar secure and view your Aadhaar details whenever necessary. This method is convenient for those who wish to keep a digital copy of their Aadhaar on their mobile phone.

How to get Aadhaar via DigiLocker?

DigiLocker is also a popular way to securely store Aadhaar digitally.
To do this, open the DigiLocker app or website and log in.
Select the ‘Aadhaar’ option.
Enter your Aadhaar number.
Verify using the OTP.
Your digital Aadhaar will become available in your DigiLocker account.
You can then view or download it whenever needed.

What is a PVC Aadhaar card?

The PVC Aadhaar card is a durable plastic version of the Aadhaar card. It is similar in size to an ATM card, offers greater longevity, and includes several security features.

How to order a PVC Aadhaar card?

you have lost your Aadhaar card or wish to obtain a new PVC card, you can order it online.
First, visit the UIDAI PVC card portal.
Next, enter your Aadhaar number.
Verify your identity using the OTP (One-Time Password).
Then, pay the online fee of ₹50.
Once the application is successfully processed, the PVC Aadhaar card will be sent to your address via post.

Can a PVC card be ordered without the Aadhaar number?
If you do not remember your Aadhaar number, first retrieve it using the ‘Retrieve UID’ facility. You can then order the PVC card using that number.

If the mobile number is linked to Aadhaar

If your Aadhaar is linked to your mobile number, retrieving it becomes easy. You can download the e-Aadhaar immediately, and OTP-based verification can be completed without hassle. Subsequently, you can order the PVC card online.

If the mobile number is not linked

If your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar, or if the previously linked number is no longer active, your access to online OTP-based services may be limited. In such cases, you will generally need to visit a UIDAI enrollment or update centre to update your mobile number. Once the mobile number is updated, you will be able to access most online services.

Conclusion

If you have lost your Aadhaar card, there is no need to panic. Using UIDAI’s online services, you can retrieve your Aadhaar number from the comfort of your home, download the e-Aadhaar, save a digital copy in the DigiLocker or mAadhaar app, and even order a new PVC Aadhaar card for a fee of ₹50. If you do not remember your Aadhaar number, first use the ‘Retrieve Lost or Forgotten UID/EID’ facility. If your Aadhaar is linked to your mobile number, the entire process can be completed in just a few minutes.