Losing your Aadhaar card can feel stressful, especially when it’s required for banking, SIM verification, government schemes, or KYC processes. The good news is that even if you have misplaced your Aadhaar card or forgotten your Aadhaar number, retrieving it is simple and secure.
This guide explains how to recover your Aadhaar number, download e-Aadhaar, and order a reprint step by step.
Steps to Retrieve, Download, or Reprint your Aadhaar Card
Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to retrieve, download, or reprint your Aadhaar Card:
Step 1: Retrieve Your Aadhaar Number or Enrolment ID (If Forgotten)
If you don’t remember your Aadhaar number (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID), you can easily retrieve it online.
How to Retrieve Aadhaar Number:
- Visit the official UIDAI website.
- Select the “Retrieve Lost or Forgotten UID/EID” option.
- Enter your full name and registered mobile number or email ID.
- Verify via OTP.
- Your Aadhaar number will be sent to your registered mobile/email.
This service is completely free.
Step 2: Download e-Aadhaar Online
Once you have your Aadhaar number, you can download a digital copy instantly.
Steps to Download e-Aadhaar:
- Go to the UIDAI website.
- Click on “Download Aadhaar.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number or EID.
- Verify using OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Download the PDF file.
The downloaded e-Aadhaar is password-protected.
The password format is: First 4 letters of your name (in CAPITALS) + Birth Year.
Example: If your name is Rohit and birth year is 1995 → Password: ROHI1995
The e-Aadhaar is legally valid and accepted everywhere.
Step 3: Order a PVC Aadhaar Card Reprint
If you want a physical Aadhaar card again, you can order a reprint online.
How to Order Aadhaar PVC Card:
- Visit the UIDAI portal.
- Select “Order Aadhaar PVC Card.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify via OTP.
- Confirm your details.
- Pay a nominal fee (usually ₹50).
- The PVC card will be delivered to your registered address via Speed Post.
The PVC Aadhaar card is durable, pocket-sized, and contains security features like QR code, hologram, and micro text.
What If Your Mobile Number Is Not Linked?
If your registered mobile number is not active:
- Visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
- Request a mobile number update.
- Complete biometric verification.
After updating your mobile number, you can access online services.
Important Points to Remember for Aadhaar card
- Downloading e-Aadhaar is free.
- Reprinting PVC Aadhaar has a small fee.
- Aadhaar number never changes, even if the card is lost.
- Always keep your registered mobile number active.
Why e-Aadhaar Is Enough
Many people think they need the original printed card. However:
- e-Aadhaar is digitally signed.
- It is legally valid under IT Act provisions.
- It is accepted for KYC, banking, and government services.
So even if you lose the physical copy, your identity remains secure.
Final Thoughts
Losing your Aadhaar card is not a major issue anymore. With online retrieval, instant download options, and easy reprint services, you can restore access within minutes. Just ensure your mobile number is linked and updated for seamless services.
