The Aadhaar card has become the digital identity of every Indian today. From opening a bank account to availing government schemes, Aadhaar is a must. However, if your Aadhaar card is lost or torn, there’s no need to panic. You can easily obtain a duplicate Aadhaar card.
The government has provided several options for this purpose, including online portals, helpline numbers, and offline centers. In this article, we’ll explain in detail how you can get a new Aadhaar card without any hassle and what precautions you should take to keep it safe in the future.
Aadhaar Recovery from Online Portal
If you have internet access and your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar, this is the safest method. To do this, first go to the official UIDAI website and click on the ‘Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID’ option in the ‘Aadhaar Services’ section. Next, you’ll need to enter your full name and registered mobile number or email ID.
Once you enter the captcha code and press the ‘Send OTP’ button, a secret code will be sent to your mobile. Upon submitting the code, your lost Aadhaar number or enrollment ID will be sent to your phone via SMS. You can then download and print your e-Aadhaar card from the same portal.
Helpline Number 1947
If you don’t have a smartphone or don’t know the online process, the Government of India’s free helpline service, 1947, will be a boon. By calling this number, you can speak directly to a customer care executive. They will ask you for some basic information, such as your name, date of birth, and home address, to verify your identity.
Once your information matches the government records, they will provide your Enrollment ID (EID). You can then call the same number again and find out your Aadhaar number through the automated IVRS system by entering your date of birth and PIN code. This service is completely free and extremely useful for those living in remote areas.
Go to an Aadhaar Center
If you don’t remember your registered mobile number or can’t find the OTP, you can visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra. You’ll need to provide your identity information, after which the staff will begin the biometric matching process. This involves scanning your fingerprint or iris.
Once your fingerprints match the government database, the staff will issue you a digital printout of your e-Aadhaar. A nominal fee of approximately 30 to 50 rupees is charged for this service, as determined by the government. This is the easiest method for those whose old mobile number has been deactivated.
How to keep your Aadhaar safe
To avoid the hassle of losing your Aadhaar card, it’s crucial to take a clear photo of your Aadhaar card and save it in a secure folder on your phone or in the ‘DigiLocker’ app. Additionally, avoid carrying your original Aadhaar card with you when you leave home; instead, use a photocopy or digital copy. You can also use the ‘mAadhaar’ app, which is valid everywhere and reduces the risk of losing your physical card. Keeping your digital identity secure is the right thing to do these days.