How to Retrieve Lost Aadhaar Number or Forgotten UID/EID

People often misplace or forget their Aadhaar or Unique Identification Number (UID) or Enrolment Identification Number (EID) when they go to avail Aadhaar related services. To minimize this risk, the UIDAI provides a service to retrieve lost Aadhaar or forgotten UID/EID. For this, residents can go online, use the m-Aadhaar app or visit the nearest Permanent Enrolment Centre to retrieve the UID/EID easily. Let us find out how to retrieve a lost or forgotten Aadhaar number through various methods below.

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How to Retrieve Lost or Forgotten Aadhaar UID/EID Online

Step 1: Visit the official website of the UIDAI at uidai.gov.in and click ‘Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID’ under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab.

Step 2: Select if you want to retrieve either EID or Aadhaar number.

Step 3: Enter Full Name, Mobile No./Email Address, and Captcha Verification.

Step 4: Click ‘Send OTP’ to receive an OTP to your registered mobile number.

Step 5: Enter the OTP received. Post verification, the Aadhaar Number/Enrolment ID will be sent to your registered mobile number/email ID.

Retrieve Lost or Forgotten Aadhaar Number via mAadhaar App

Follow the steps given below to retrieve lost UID/EID using the mAadhaar app:

Step 1: Login to the mAadhaar app and click on ‘Retrieve EID/UID’.

Step 2: Select if you want to retrieve your Aadhaar number (UID) or Enrolment Number (EID).

Step 3: Enter your full name, mobile number/email id, the 4-digit captcha code and click on the ‘Request OTP’ button.

Step 4: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number to receive the Aadhaar Number/Enrolment ID post verification on your registered mobile number/email ID.

Note: Those residents who do not have their mobile number/email ID registered with their Aadhaar Card are required to visit the nearest Permanent Enrolment Centre for retrieval of UID/EID.

Suggested Read: mAadhaar App, How to Download, Register, Features and More

How to Retrieve Lost or Forgotten Aadhaar UID/EID Offline

Here is how you can easily retrieve your lost or forgotten Aadhaar UID/EID by visiting the nearest Permanent Enrolment Centre:

Step 1: Visit your nearest Permanent Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Step 2: Provide your demographic and biometric details.

Step 3: Post verification of details from the UIDAI database, you can know your UID/EID and even download your Aadhaar card and avail a printout of the same at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 30. 

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Retrieve Lost Aadhaar Card FAQs

Q. Are any documents required retrieve my lost UID/EID?

No documents are required to retrieve your lost UID/EID. 

Q. Do I have to pay any charges to retrieve my UID/EID?

No, you can access the UIDAI self-service portal free of cost to retrieve your Aadhaar number.

Q. How can I locate the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra to retrieve my UID/EID?

To locate the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra, click here.

Q. My mobile number registered with Aadhaar is not available. Can I get lost Aadhaar online?

Yes, if your email id is registered with your Aadhaar, you can receive the OTP on your email and retrieve your lost/forgotten UID/EID online. However, it is suggested you visit a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra and get your latest mobile number updated.

Q. I haven’t got my Aadhaar card and have misplaced the Enrolment document. Should I apply for Aadhaar again?

No. You can simply visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra and give your demographic and biometric details. Post verification, you will receive your Aadhaar UID/EID.

You can also find out the status of your Aadhaar card at the enrolment centre. You need not apply for an Aadhaar card again since it is already under process.

Q. Will UIDAI send me a new Aadhaar card if I retrieve lost Aadhaar online?

No, UIDAI does not send you a new Aadhaar card in case you retrieve your lost Aadhaar online. You can simply download an e-Aadhaar card online and take a printout of the same.

You can also apply for PVC Aadhaar card online. Do note that e-Aadhaar is equally valid and acceptable as a physical Aadhaar card.