What to Do If You Lost Your Aadhaar Card

What to Do If You Lost Your Aadhaar Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing important documents like your Aadhaar card can be a cause for concern. The Aadhaar card is a vital identification document that serves as proof of identity and address in India. If you have lost your Aadhaar card, don't panic. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has provided a straightforward process to help you retrieve or replace your lost card. In this article, we will guide you through the necessary steps to follow if you find yourself in this situation. From reporting the loss to obtaining a duplicate Aadhaar card, we have you covered. So, let's explore what you should do if you have lost your Aadhaar card.

I. Report the Loss Immediately

When you realize that your Aadhaar card is lost or misplaced, the first step is to report the loss to the relevant authorities. Follow these steps:

Lodge a Police Complaint: Visit your nearest police station and file a First Information Report (FIR) stating that you have lost your Aadhaar card. Provide them with all the necessary details, such as your name, address, and any other relevant information.

Contact UIDAI Helpline: Reach out to the UIDAI helpline by calling 1947 (toll-free) and inform them about the loss of your Aadhaar card. Provide them with the details of the incident and any supporting documents, such as the FIR copy.

By reporting the loss promptly, you can prevent misuse of your Aadhaar card and protect yourself from potential identity theft.

II. Retrieve Your Aadhaar Number

If you have lost your Aadhaar card but still remember your Aadhaar number, you can retrieve it using the following methods:

Visit the UIDAI Website: Go to the UIDAI website (www.uidai.gov.in) and click on the "Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID" link under the "Aadhaar Online Services" section. Select the appropriate option based on whether you want to retrieve your Aadhaar number (UID) or enrolment number (EID).

Enter Personal Details: Enter your full name, registered email address, and mobile number as provided during the enrolment process. Additionally, fill in the security code displayed on the screen.

Get OTP: Click on "Send One Time Password." You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number or email address, depending on the option you selected. Enter the OTP in the designated field on the website.

Receive Aadhaar Number: After successful verification, you will receive your Aadhaar number or enrolment number on your registered mobile number or email address.

III. Request a Duplicate Aadhaar Card

If you are unable to retrieve your Aadhaar number or need a physical copy of your Aadhaar card, you can request a duplicate card by following these steps:

Visit the UIDAI Website: Go to the UIDAI website (www.uidai.gov.in) and navigate to the "My Aadhaar" section. Click on the "Order Aadhaar Reprint" option.

Enter Aadhaar Details: Fill in your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual Identification Number (VID), along with the security code displayed on the screen.

Generate OTP: Click on "Request OTP." You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the designated field on the website.

Pay the Fee: Once the OTP is verified, you will be directed to the payment page. Pay the nominal fee for the Aadhaar card reprint using net banking, credit card, or debit card. After successful payment, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt with a Unique Service Request (URN) number.

Track the Status: Use the URN number to track the status of your Aadhaar card reprint request. You can track it on the UIDAI website under the "Check Aadhaar Reprint Status" option.

Download and Print: Once your request is processed and the Aadhaar card is reprinted, you can download it from the UIDAI website. Download and print the duplicate Aadhaar card for your records.

IV. Update Your Aadhaar Details

In case you have updated your Aadhaar details after losing your card, it is essential to update your new Aadhaar card with the updated information. Follow these steps:

Visit the UIDAI Website: Go to the UIDAI website (www.uidai.gov.in) and click on the "Update Aadhaar" option under the "Aadhaar Update" section.

Select the Update Mode: Choose the appropriate option based on whether you want to update your Aadhaar details online or offline.

Complete the Update Process: Follow the instructions provided on the website for the chosen update mode. Provide the necessary documents and details to update your Aadhaar information.

Verify and Download Updated Aadhaar Card: Once your updated Aadhaar details are processed, you can download the updated Aadhaar card from the UIDAI website.

Conclusion

Losing your Aadhaar card can be a cause for concern, but with the UIDAI's well-defined process, you can easily retrieve or replace your lost card. The key is to act promptly by reporting the loss to the relevant authorities and following the necessary steps to retrieve your Aadhaar number or request a duplicate card. Remember to lodge a police complaint and inform the UIDAI helpline about the loss. If you still remember your Aadhaar number, you can retrieve it from the UIDAI website. Alternatively, you can request a duplicate Aadhaar card online by paying a nominal fee. Finally, ensure that you update your new Aadhaar card with any updated information to keep your records accurate. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the process smoothly and regain access to your Aadhaar card efficiently.