Aadhaar is a distinct 12-digit identification number assigned to residents of India by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). One of the key benefits of Aadhaar is the facilitation of various government services. From receiving pensions and subsidies to applying for mobile connections passports and bank accounts Aadhaar serves as a single identity that can be verified reducing paperwork and preventing duplication. Aadhaar is further integrated into the digital system for online verification and authentication which expedites processes provides transparency and increases security.

But what if you have lost or misplaced your Aadhaar card or forgotten your Aadhaar number? No need to worry as the Unique Identification Authority of India has made it easy for citizens to retrieve their Aadhaar details.

The Aadhaar Number (UID) and Enrollment ID (EID) can both be retrieved online or offline. Aadhaar holders who have linked their mobile number with Aadhaar can retrieve their details quickly using the Retrieve UID/EID feature on the UIDAI website.

To utilise this option users are required to select one of the two choices for recovery - Aadhaar Number (UID) or Enrollment ID (EID). Afterwards users have to enter their full name registered mobile phone number or email address and enter the Captcha code.

Then an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number or email for authentication. Once successfully verified your Aadhaar Number or EID will be sent to you by SMS. Please remember that this Aadhaar service is completely free and the users can complete the process in a couple of minutes.

Anyone who has an unlinked mobile number with their Aadhaar shall visit an Aadhaar enrolment/updating centre. At the centre the user must provide their name gender and district or PIN code. Biometric verification is then carried out using either a fingerprint scan or an iris scan. If the system matches the submitted information with the database the operator at the centre will print and hand the user an e-Aadhaar letter. This process costs a fee of Rs 30.

Alternatively the user can contact a UIDAI helpline (1947). The user can then speak to a UIDAI representative to provide their demographic information. If the information matches the UIDAI records the user will receive their enrolment ID (EID).

Stage 2 (IVRS)

Call 1947 again. After selecting the Language option – Key-in option 1 (request status) followed by option 2 (request of Aadhaar enrolment status)
Provide the available EID number of the Aadhaar-generated enrolment to IVRS
Provide the Date of Birth and PIN code as per the Aadhaar-generated enrolment to IVRS
If a match is found IVRS shall communicate the Aadhaar number. This service is free of cost.

What is the process to get an Aadhaar letter in case the same is misplaced or lost?
By visiting the enrolment centre

Aadhaar number holder to visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre in person.
Provide the Aadhaar number or 28 digit EID available on the acknowledgement slip (14 digit number followed by date stamp- yyyy/mm/dd/hh/mm/ss format) as per the Aadhaar generated enrolment.
Please provide Biometric authentication using single fingerprint or single iris (RD device).
If match is found operator will provide printout of the e-Aadhaar letter.
Operator can charge Rs.30/- for providing this service.