Here’s How You Can Retrieve Your Lost Aadhaar Card

Updated: Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 14:00 [IST]

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number that serves as a most important proof of identity that is accepted widely. As an important document, it is a very serious responsibility to keep your Aadhaar safe and do not lose it. However, if you do lose or misplace your Aadhaar Card, you can easily get a duplicate one from the comfort of your home or workplace. The card number and other specifics on the duplicate card are identical to those on the original card. Residents who do not have a registered mobile number can also request a reprint of their Aadhaar card using a non-registered or alternative mobile number. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to know how to order a reprint of your Aadhaar card.

Steps to reprint a lost Aadhaar card online

Visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in/lost-uideid and click on the 'Order Aadhaar Reprint' link.
Now select either the 'Aadhaar No (UID)' or 'Enrolment No (EID)' option and enter the required basic details.
Now enter the CAPTCHA code and click on the "Send OTP" or "Send TOTP" option.
Now you will get an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP received on the mobile number and click on the 'Submit' button.
Now go to the 'Make Payment' section and choose an online payment method to pay.
The tab will direct you to a payment portal where you must make a Rs 50 payment (inclusive of GST & speed post charges).'
Now you can save the acknowledgement slip containing your SRN by downloading it.
Your Aadhaar card will be printed and sent to you through Speed Post within 15 days of receiving your order.

Steps to reprint a lost Aadhaar card via toll-free number

You can also get a duplicate copy of your Aadhaar card by calling a toll-free number.

Call the toll-free number of UIDAI at 1800-180-1947 or 1947 and select the option to speak with an Aadhaar representative from the IVR options.
File a request for a duplicate copy of your Aadhaar card. The representative will approve your request and start processing your request once it has been confirmed.
Once your request is approved you will get your duplicate Aadhaar Card by post at your registered address.

Steps to check Aadhaar card reprint status

Follow the steps below to verify the status of your Aadhaar reprint:

Visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in/check-reprint-status and enter the 28-digit SRN (Service Request Number), UID.
Click on 'Submit' and the status of your Aadhaar reprint will be displayed on your device screen.

How to lodge a complaint related to your Aadhaar Card?

If an Aadhaar cardholder is required to pay an additional fee for an Aadhaar update or enrolment, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has given three options for the Aadhaar cardholder to follow and get their issue resolved. Call the toll-free number 1947 to register your complaint, email at help@uidai.gov.in, or visit resident.uidai.gov.in/file-complaint are the three ways that are revealed by UIDAI to file a complaint. In its recent tweet, UIDAI has posted that "New Aadhaar Enrolment and MBU (at 5&15 yrs) are free. Charges for updating Aadhaar are fixed: ₹50 for demographic update & ₹100 for biometric update (with/without demographic update). Call 1947 or write to us at help@uidai.gov.in if you are asked to pay extra." Though these charges are fixed by UIDAI, if you are asked to pay additional fees for the same you can file a complaint through any of the above-discussed options. On its Twitter handle, UIDAI has stated that "If you're asked to pay extra while enrolling for Aadhaar or updating details, call 1947 or write to help@uidai.gov.in to register your complaint. You can also file your complaint at: https://resident.uidai.gov.in/file-complaint." However, if you want to file a complaint instantly online, you can do so by following the steps listed below:

Visit resident.uidai.gov.in/file-complaint and enter your 14-digit EID number, date and time.
Now enter your name and mobile number.
Now enter your email ID, postal PIN Code and other required details.
Now select your complaint type and category.
Now enter the description of your complaint and enter the CAPTCHA code.
Now click on 'Submit' and your complaint will be successfully submitted.

Note

Losing your Aadhaar card is not a big concern. But what matters the most is that scammers can use the 12-digit number and other personal details on the Aadhaar card to commit online banking theft. However, concerning the same, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is allowing individuals to lock and unlock their Aadhaar card number online in order to deter criminal activity. Since a Virtual ID authentication will be required, the 'lock and unlock your Aadhaar number' function will prevent anyone from misusing your Aadhaar card number. As a result, the functionality enhances the security of an Aadhaar cardholder's confidential info.

Follow the steps outlined below to lock your Aadhaar number.

You must send an SMS from your registered mobile number to 1947. Your SMS format should be GETOTP followed by the last four digits of your Aadhaar card number. After sending an SMS you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
Send another SMS with the format LOCKUID followed by the last four digits of your Aadhaar card number and the six-digit OTP once you get the OTP.
The UIDAI will lock your Aadhaar card number once your request is processed successfully, and you'll get a confirmation notification on your registered mobile number.