Lost your Aadhaar card or enrolment number? Here is how to revive it

Aadhaar is an important identification for Indian citizens, considering it is used for host of services like applying for Permanent Account Number, used for passport documentation, filing income tax return (ITR), mutual fund investment and much more. It has been used by the Modi government to bring transparency and efficiency. This is why is important to carry Aadhaar card with care.  The Aadhaar-maker Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has motivated citizens to update their Aadhaar and various guidelines are issued in times of error and lost. With this, you must first note two important numbers of Aadhaar - they are UID and EID, if they are lost then using Aadhaar will be an impossible task. 

 Aadhaar or Unique Identity Number (UID) is the 12-digit number involving random numbers given by UIDAI to the residents of India after satisfying the verification process laid down by the Authority.  This number is very important, as it is your Aadhaar identification code. When you visit a bank or file for ITR or apply PAN, it is this 12-digit biometric number which is asked to be feeded. 

Meanwhile, the EID is  an enrolment identity number which is given during the time you apply for an Aadhaar. Any individual, irrespective of age and gender, who is a resident of India, may voluntarily enrol to obtain Aadhaar number. Person willing to enrol has to provide minimal demographic and biometric information during the enrolment process which is totally free of cost. You must note, that you will not receive your actual Aadhaar card immediately while applying, but the EID holds the similar importance up till you are delivered with actual copy. 

Hence, it is important that you do not lose your UID or EID. But if this tragedy does takes place, then do not worry, UIDAI allow citizens to retrieve their UID or EID number online. 

Step 1 - Visit the UIDAI website www.uidai.gov.in

Step 2 - Click on My Aadhar section, then select ‘Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID’

Step 3 - Once clicked on the section, you will be directed to a page. There are two options available separately for retrieving UID or EID. Select as per your requirement. 

Step 4 - You will be asked to submit information like full name, email, mobile number and to enter a security code given on the page. 

Step 5 - After feeding the information, select on One-Time-Password (OTP) option.

Step 6 -  A confirmation code will be sent to you on your registered mobile number and email id. Once you have received, enter the OTP and you will receive your UID or EID number on the website. 

But before that, here’s a list of things you should note!

Your registered Mobile Number / Email which you had provided at the time of enrolment is mandatory to retrieve your lost UID / EID.

You can also Check your Email/ Mobile Number in Aadhaar to know if it is registered or not. Visit UIDAI website - select My Aadhaar - Go to Aadhaar services - select Verify Email/Mobile number option.

If you have not registered your Mobile number while enrolling for Aadhaar. You are required to visit a Permanent Enrolment Centre to get it registered.

In case you have changed your mobile number or you wish to change the registered Email you are required to get it updated in your Aadhaar as soon as possible.

Finally, no documents required to be submitted for Mobile and Email update.