Lost Aadhaar Card: Here is How to Prevent Misuse

The Aadhaar card is a crucial document that serves as a unique identifier for Indian citizens. It contains personal information such as a name, date of birth, and biometric data, making it vital for many government and financial transactions. Losing your Aadhaar card might be upsetting, but you must follow the proper processes to reclaim it or receive a replacement card.

However, you should be aware of what to do if you lose or misplace the physical copy of your Aadhaar. Here are five crucial steps you should take to safeguard your identity and prevent the misuse of your Aadhaar data.

Register an FIR

The first step after losing a valuable document is to file a FIR as soon as possible. To do this, visit your local police station or file it online. Filing a FIR acts as formal proof of the loss and protects you from any potential exploitation of your lost documents.

ALSO READ: https://stablemoney.in/blog/how-to-update-date-of-birth-in-aadhaar-card

Lock your Aadhaar.

The next step is to lock your Aadhaar number, also known as UID which can be done using the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app. This is important because locking UID prevents any type of authentication that uses UID, UID Token, or VID for Biometrics, Demographics, and OTP.

You can also use SMS to Lock your Aadhaar.

• You can send an OTP request in the format GETOTP (last four or eight digits of the Aadhaar number). 
• Send LOCKUID (the last four or eight digits of your Aadhaar number) and the six-digit OTP you received.

Lock Aadhaar Biometrics.

Locking Aadhaar Biometrics prevents your Aadhaar card from being exploited.

Steps for Locking Aadhaar Biometrics-

• Go to the UIDAI website 
• Now, select "Lock/Unlock Biometrics" option.
• Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha.
• To activate the locking feature, follow these instructions: - Click the "Send OTP" button. To authenticate, enter your OTP. - Select the "Enable locking feature" option.

To unlock, repeat the steps and select the 'Disable locking function' option. Use the Digital Aadhaar or mAadhaar application.

If possible, use the mAadhaar app, the digital form of Aadhar via the Digilocker app, or UIDAI's Virtual Aadhaar service. This not only safeguards your Aadhaar, but also ensures that it is never misplaced and that you have total control over it, even if your phone is stolen or lost.

Reprint a Physical Copy of Aadhaar.

• Visit the UIDAI official website
• Go to 'Aadhaar Services' and select 'Order-Aadhaar Reprint'.
• In the dialogue box, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual Identification Number (VID), as well as the security code (CAPTCHA).
• If mobile number is already registered then select send OTP option
• If your mobile number is not registered, tick the box labeled 'If you do not register your mobile number' before proceeding.
• Enter the OTP that you received on your phone.
• If all of the information is correct, use the 'Make Payment' option.

What to do if a Misplaced or Lost Aadhaar Card?

• Visit UIDAI website
• Select "Retrieve UID/EID" option. 

To verify, please provide your registered mobile number or email address.

Recover If Mobile is Linked 

• Visit this website .
• Select the Aadhaar/EID .
• Enter your full name as it appears on Aadhaar, your cellphone number/email address connected to Aadhaar, and the Captcha, then the OTP.
• Following mobile OTP authentication, the desired Aadhaar number/EID will be sent via SMS to the connected mobile phone.
• This service is free of charge.

If Mobile Number is not Linked-

• Visit Aadhaar enrolling centre
• Select "Print Aadhaar" option.
• Holders of Aadhaar numbers must physically visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre.
• Enter the required details such as Name, gender, district, or PIN code.
• If the details could not be traced, further demographic information such as year of birth, C/O, state, etc. provided to search.
• Provide biometric details with a single fingerprint or iris (RD).
• If a match is found, 
• The operator will print an e-Aadhaar letter.

How to Retrieve Forgotten or Lost Aadhaar Numbers by Giving a Call?

Call 1947 (toll-free).

• Provide the demographic data requested by the executive.
• If a match is found, the executive will provide the EID when called. This service is free of charge.

(IVRS)

• Call 1947 again and select the language
• you will be provided different options
• Send option 1 if you want to request status or option 2 to request Aadhaar enrolment status.
• Provide IVRs with the available EID number 
• If it's a match, IVRS will send an Aadhaar number. This service is free of charge.

How to get an Aadhaar Letter If Same Misplaced or Lost?

• To enroll, Aadhaar holders must physically go to an enrolment facility.
• Enter Aadhaar number or 28-digit EID 
• Provide biometric data with a single fingerprint or iris (RD).
• If a match is found, 
• The operator will print an e-Aadhaar letter.
• Aadhaar holders can get a PVC card 
• Visit UIDAI website . 
• Enter aadhaar number or 28-digit EID 
• Enter Captcha.  

This service is available to anyone if mobile number is linked or not

ALSO READ: https://stablemoney.in/blog/new-aadhaar-app-launched-features-benefits-impact

Conclusion

Losing an Aadhaar card can be upsetting but you can protect your identity and stop misuse by taking the appropriate actions, such as utilising digital Aadhaar services, locking your UID and biometrics, making a formal complaint, and learning how to retrieve or reprint your Aadhaar. The UIDAI has given various easily accessible tools to assist citizens in retrieving and securing their Aadhaar cards. Whether your cell number is linked or not, there is a solution for every situation. Being informed and proactive not only safeguards your personal information, but also keeps you in control, even in unforeseen situations.