Getting a duplicate Aadhaar card in 2026 is a stress-free process designed to help you recover your identity quickly. If you have lost your physical card the most practical solution is to download an e-Aadhaar from the official myAadhaar portal (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) using your Aadhaar number and an OTP. If you prefer a durable plastic card you can Order an Aadhaar PVC Card for a small fee of ₹50 and it will be delivered to your home by speed post.

Even if you have forgotten your Aadhaar number or lost your enrollment slip the government provides tools to retrieve these details online using just your name and registered mobile number.

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What to Do First if You Lose Your Aadhaar Card?

Losing an important document can be worrying but in 2026 your Aadhaar is safely stored in a digital database. You don't lose your identity; you only lose the piece of paper or plastic.

Don't Panic: Your Aadhaar is a 12-digit number not just a card. As long as you remember the number or have access to your registered mobile phone you can get a copy in minutes.
Lock Your Biometrics: If you are worried about misuse you can use the mAadhaar app to Lock your biometrics. This ensures no one can use your fingerprints for transactions while your card is missing.
File an FIR (Optional but Recommended): While not mandatory for getting a duplicate, filing a simple police report or Lost Document diary online helps protect you if someone tries to use your physical card for illegal activities.

Method 1: Download e-Aadhaar (Instant & Free)

The fastest way to get your Aadhaar back is to download the electronic version. In 2026 the e-Aadhaar is legally equal to the physical card for all purposes.

Steps to Download:

Visit the Portal: Go to https://uidai.gov.in/en/
Login: Click on the Login button and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
OTP Verification: Enter the captcha and click Send OTP. You will receive a 6-digit code on your linked mobile number.
Download: Once logged in click on the Download Aadhaar tile.
Masked Aadhaar Option: You will be asked if you want a Masked Aadhaar. This hides the first 8 digits of your number for extra privacy. Choose this only if you specifically need it for basic ID proof.
PDF Password: Your downloaded Aadhaar is a password-protected PDF. The password is the first 4 letters of your name in CAPITAL letters followed by your Year of Birth (e.g. if your name is ANISH and you were born in 1995 your password is ANIS1995).

Method 2: Order a Physical PVC Card (Durable & Professional)

If you want a physical card that fits in your wallet like a credit card you should order the PVC version.

How to Order:

Select PVC Service: On the myAadhaar portal click Order Aadhaar PVC Card.
Enter Details: You can use your Aadhaar number or your 28-digit Enrolment ID.
Authentication: If your mobile is linked, use the OTP. If NOT linked you can check the box My mobile number is not registered and enter any available phone number to receive a one-time code.
Preview: Check your name, photo and address on the screen to ensure everything is correct.
Payment: Pay the ₹50 fee. This includes the card cost GST and speed post delivery charges. You can pay via UPI Credit/Debit card or Net Banking.
Delivery: The card will be printed and handed over to the post office within 5 working days. You will receive a Service Request Number (SRN) to track the delivery.

Method 3: What if You Forgot Your Aadhaar Number?

Many people lose their card and also realize they don't have the 12-digit number written anywhere. You can still retrieve it!

Go to 'Retrieve EID/UID': Look for this option on the official website.
Select 'Aadhaar Number': Choose the option to get your UID (12-digit number).
Enter Personal Data: Type your Full Name exactly as it was on the card and your registered mobile number or email.
Verify: Solve the captcha and enter the OTP.
SMS Delivery: Your 12-digit Aadhaar number will be sent directly to your phone as a text message. Once you have the number you can use Method 1 or 2 to get the card.

Government Facilities: Available vs. Unavailable with Duplicate

Status of Your Aadhaar

Government Benefits

Banking & Loans

Travel (Airport/Train)

Physical Card Lost

Available (using e-Aadhaar)

Available (with e-KYC)

Available (e-Aadhaar/mAadhaar)

e-Aadhaar (Digital)

Fully Available

PVC Card(Plastic)

Fully Available

No Number & No Mobile Link

Blocked

Note: As long as you have the digital version (e-Aadhaar) or the mAadhaar app no government facility is unavailable to you. The physical paper card is just one way to show your identity.

Retrieval Options for 2026

Method

Best For

Cost

Time

e-Aadhaar Download

Immediate needs/KYC

Free

2 Minutes

mAadhaar App

Digital storage/Travel

Free

5 Minutes

Order PVC Card

Long-term use/Durability

₹50

7-15 Days

Enrolment Centre

No mobile link/No number

₹30

10 Minutes

Offline Way: Visiting a Center

If you don't have a mobile number linked or can't use the website you can visit a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Tell the operator you lost your card.
They will use your fingerprints to find your record in the system.
They can provide a printout of your Aadhaar on the spot.
The official charge for this Print Aadhaar service is ₹30.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a downloaded e-Aadhaar as valid as the original physical card?

Yes. According to the Aadhaar Act a downloaded e-Aadhaar is a legally valid document and must be accepted by all banks and government offices.

I don't have my registered mobile number anymore. How can I get a duplicate?

You cannot download it online without an OTP. You must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to verify your identity with fingerprints (biometrics) and update your mobile number first.

Can I get a duplicate Aadhaar card for free?

Downloading the e-Aadhaar from the website is completely free. However if you want a physical PVC card delivered to your home there is a ₹50 charge.

How do I open the Aadhaar PDF file?

The PDF is protected. Use the first 4 letters of your name in CAPITALS and your 4-digit birth year. Example: SURE1988.

How many times can I order a duplicate PVC card?

There is no limit. You can order it as many times as you need but you must pay the ₹50 fee for each request.

What is an SRN number?

SRN stands for Service Request Number. It is a 28-digit number you get after paying for a PVC card. You can use it on the UIDAI website to see if your card has been printed or dispatched.

Can I get a duplicate Aadhaar by just giving my name and date of birth?

Yes you can use the Retrieve Lost UID/EID tool on the website. As long as your name and mobile number match the records the system will send your Aadhaar number to your phone.

Can I use a photocopy of my lost Aadhaar?

A photocopy is generally accepted for basic identity proof but for banking or government schemes they will usually ask for a Verified copy which means an e-Aadhaar or the original PVC card.

My photo on the old Aadhaar was very blurred. Will the duplicate have the same photo?

Yes the duplicate is an exact copy of what is in the system. If you want a better photo you must visit a center to update your biometrics before ordering a duplicate.

Is there any way to get a duplicate card through a phone call?

You can call the toll-free helpline 1947. The IVR or an agent can help you find your Enrollment ID or status but they cannot send you a physical card over the phone. You still need to use the website or visit a center.

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