The Aadhaar card is a distinctive document for any Indian. It’s a unified identification card that all Indians must have. It’s the most accepted form of identity and citizenship. Since misplacing it can lead to many inconveniences and a threat of identity fraud, it’s best to keep a duplicate Aadhaar card handy. 

Why do you need a duplicate Aadhaar card? 

Have you lost or misplaced your Aadhaar card or the UID? Then, it is important that you get a duplicate Aadhaar card issued at the earliest. Your Aadhaar card is crucial in establishing your identity. Unless the card is reported as lost, and recorded as such, individuals may be at risk for fraudulent activity. For instance, Aadhaar numbers are connected to bank accounts and phone details. This makes it important to keep a duplicate handy.

How do you obtain an Aadhaar card duplicate? 

In case you lose your Aadhaar unique number, according to the website of the UIDAI, here is what you need to retrieve it: 

1. The unique number and enrolment ID of Aadhaar
2. An email ID and a phone number registered for Aadhaar

You can get your Aadhaar duplicate if you have any two of the details mentioned above. In the sections that follow, ways to get a duplicate Aadhaar card are elaborated on. 

Obtain an Aadhaar Card Duplicate with an Aadhaar Number and a Mobile Number

In case you have your Aadhaar number and your phone number on you, you can submit these on the UIDAI website to get your  duplicate e-Aadhaar. This can also be done through the Aadhaar app on your phone.  While you wait to receive your PVC Aadhaar card, you may use the e-Aadhaar for any related purpose. A Rs.50 charge is levied to obtain the PVC version of your card. 

How to Obtain a Duplicate Aadhaar with an Aadhaar Number

You can easily get an Aadhaar duplicate using your Aadhaar Number. This is how to do it from the UIDAI website:

1. Go to the My Aadhaar section

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2. You will see the sections to “order Aadhaar PVC card” or “Download Aadhaar Card” 

3. Fill in the details required and the captcha code

4. Fill in the OTP in the required section 

5. Your duplicate Aadhaar will be sent to you. 

You can also retrieve your EID/Aadhaar Number with your phone number or email ID, and then follow the process to get a duplicate card with your Aadhaar Number:

1. Go to the Aadhaar website as mentioned above.
2. Click on “My Aadhaar”
3. The below will show: 

4. Click on “Lost or forgotten EID/UID

5. Enter your name, email ID/mobile and the captcha

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6. You will receive an OTP

7. Enter that in the required field

8. Your Aadhaar number will be sent to you

Retrieval of an Aadhaar Duplicate

If you want a duplicate Aadhaar card, the first thing to know is that the UIDAI has discontinued the printing of the regular Aadhaar card. Now, the PVC online card is issued in case you have lost a card. The PVC cards are waterproof and sturdy enough to last long with regular handling. 

Concluding Lines

Getting a duplicate Aadhaar card can help you in untoward situations. It’s certainly an easy process to keep inconvenience and panic at bay. It’s also best to make multiple physical copies for the daily. 

Keep in mind though, that the Aadhaar carries crucial information around your identity, address, and bank details. It’s best to not share your details and keep your Aadhaar secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I reprint my Aadhaar card?

Reprinting of Aadhaar cards has been terminated by the issuing authority of Aadhaar, UIDAI. Instead, you can get an e-version or a PVC card which are the new ways to possess an Aadhaar card. 

2. Is a duplicate Aadhaar card valid?

A duplicate Aadhaar card is as valid as your original Aadhaar card was. As your Aadhaar details do not change and you are still on the records of the government under Aadhaar, duplicate cards have to be valid.