In today’s digital age, where identity theft and data breaches are prevalent concerns, safeguarding personal information is paramount. The Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), serves as a vital document for Indian residents and NRIs, providing a unique identification number crucial for various transactions and services. However, if you’ve misplaced your physical Aadhaar card or Aadhaar number, fear not.
Here’s a guide on how to retrieve your Aadhaar number and safeguard your identity.
Preventing Misuse of Your Aadhaar Number:
The first step in the event of a lost Aadhaar card or number is to report it to UIDAI’s toll-free number, 1947, or online via their official portal. This proactive measure helps prevent unauthorised individuals or organisations from misusing your Aadhaar number. Additionally, avoid sharing your Aadhaar number with unapproved entities and refrain from storing it in unsecured locations such as public computers or cloud storage.
Options for Retrieving Your Aadhaar Number:
Thankfully, UIDAI offers several convenient options for retrieving your Aadhaar number:
- Retrieve Lost UID/EID Service: Visit the official UIDAI portal (https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/) and use the “Retrieve Lost UID/EID” service under the “My Aadhaar” section. This feature lets residents find their Aadhaar number using their registered mobile number or email ID.
- Call 1947: Residents can dial 1947 to speak with a contact centre agent who will assist in retrieving the Enrolment ID (EID) number. The EID can then be used to download the eAadhaar from the Resident Portal.
- IVRS System: By calling 1947, residents can retrieve their Aadhaar number from the EID using the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS).
Lost Enrolment ID Slip/Aadhaar Letter:
If you’ve misplaced your Enrolment ID (EID) slip or Aadhaar letter, follow these steps:
- Registered Mobile Number: If your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar, visit the UIDAI portal and select the “Retrieve Lost or Forgotten UID/EID” option. Provide your name, mobile number/email ID to receive your EID/Aadhaar number.
- No Registered Mobile Number: In the absence of a registered mobile number, call 1947 to obtain your EID. Once obtained, call 1947 again to retrieve your Aadhaar through IVRS.
- Visit the Aadhaar Center: Alternatively, visit the nearest Aadhaar centre and use the print Aadhaar service to obtain a copy of the e-Aadhaar by providing your EID and mobile number.
Losing your Aadhaar card or number can be a stressful experience, but with UIDAI’s comprehensive retrieval options, regaining access to your Aadhaar number is pretty simple. Following these steps and exercising caution in safeguarding your Aadhaar information can protect your identity and ensure peace of mind in an increasingly digital world.
