Lost Aadhaar Card: Steps to Recover or Reprint
What you need to know
Losing your Aadhaar card does not mean losing your Aadhaar number — the number remains active in UIDAI's database and cannot be cancelled or transferred. Under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, every enrolled resident has the right to access and reprint their Aadhaar at any time. You can get a reprint or download an e-Aadhaar online without visiting any office, provided you have access to your registered mobile number. If your mobile number is also lost or unregistered, you must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update it first.
Your rights
You have the right to reprint or re-download your Aadhaar at any time from UIDAI
Your Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated merely because the physical card is lost
You can use a downloaded e-Aadhaar (PDF) as a legally valid identity proof under UIDAI guidelines
You can lock your biometrics on UIDAI portal to prevent misuse while the card is missing
What you should do now
Action firstLock your biometrics immediately to prevent misuse
- Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and log in with your Aadhaar number and registered mobile OTP
- Go to 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics' and lock them — this prevents anyone from using your fingerprints fraudulently
Download e-Aadhaar (free, instant)
- On myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, click 'Download Aadhaar', enter your Aadhaar number or enrolment ID, and verify with OTP
- The downloaded PDF (password: first 4 letters of your name in CAPS + birth year e.g. RAVI1990) is a fully valid ID proof
Order an official PVC Aadhaar reprint (if you want a physical card)
- On myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, select 'Order Aadhaar Reprint' — fee is Rs. 50 (inclusive of GST and speed post)
- Card will be delivered to your registered address within 5–10 working days
If registered mobile number is unavailable, visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra
- Locate the nearest centre at appointments.uidai.gov.in and book a slot
- Carry any valid ID proof (PAN, Voter ID, Passport) and update your mobile number first, then proceed with reprint
Acts applicable
Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016
centralSection 3 — right to obtain Aadhaar
Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016
centralRegulation 12 — reprint and correction