The Aadhaar card has become an indispensable identity document in India, serving as a cornerstone for accessing various government services, subsidies, and even private sector facilities. While the initial paper-based Aadhaar letter is widely used, its susceptibility to wear and tear often makes it less practical for everyday use. Recognizing this need for a more durable and convenient alternative, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) introduced the Aadhaar PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) card.This initiative allows citizens to obtain a credit card-sized, durable version of their Aadhaar, packed with enhanced security features that make it tamper-proof and visually appealing. The most significant convenience is the ability to order this Aadhaar PVC card from the comfort of your home, using just your mobile phone. This digital-first approach aligns with the government’s broader vision of accessible e-governance, simplifying the process for millions to secure a robust and secure physical representation of their unique identity.
What is an Aadhaar PVC Card?
It’s a more durable and portable version of your Aadhaar card, similar in size to a debit or credit card. It includes several enhanced security features, making it tamper-proof and resistant to damage.An Aadhaar PVC Card is a more durable, convenient, and secure physical version of your Aadhaar. It’s essentially your 12-digit Aadhaar number and associated demographic details printed on a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) card, similar in size and feel to a debit or credit card.
Key Features of Aadhaar PVC Card:
- Durable: Made of PVC, it’s more robust than the paper Aadhaar letter.
- Convenient Size: Easy to carry in your wallet.
- Security Features: Includes a secure QR code (digitally signed), hologram, guilloche pattern, ghost image, micro text, issue date, and print date, and an embossed Aadhaar logo.
- Water-resistant: Can withstand moisture better than paper.
What You Need Before You Start:
- Aadhaar Number (12 digits) or Virtual ID (VID – 16 digits) or Enrolment ID (EID – 28 digits).
- Mobile Number: Your mobile number registered with Aadhaar is ideal, as it directly verifies your identity.
- Non-Registered Mobile Number (Alternative): If your mobile number is not registered with Aadhaar, you can still order a PVC card by using any valid non-registered mobile number to receive the OTP for verification.
- Payment Method: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
Steps to Order Aadhaar PVC Card from Home (Using Mobile – Website/App):
Method 1: Using the UIDAI Official Website (Mobile Browser)
Open your mobile browser and go to the official UIDAI website: www.uidai.gov.in or directly to the order page: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricPVC
Look for the “My Aadhaar” section.
Click on “Order Aadhaar PVC Card.”
You will be prompted to enter your:
12-digit Aadhaar Number OR 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) OR 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID).
Security Code (Captcha) displayed on the screen.
For Registered Mobile Number:
- Click on “Send OTP.”
- Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- Click on “Terms and Conditions” checkbox and then “Submit.”
- You will see a preview of your Aadhaar details for verification.
For Non-Registered Mobile Number:
- Check the box that says “My Mobile number is not registered.”
- Enter any valid non-registered mobile number to receive the OTP.
- Click on “Send OTP.”
- Enter the OTP received on that mobile number.
- Click on “Terms and Conditions” checkbox and then “Submit.”
- Note: If using a non-registered mobile number, you will not see a preview of your Aadhaar details for security reasons.
Make Payment:
- Click on “Make Payment.”
- You will be redirected to a payment gateway.
- A nominal fee of Rs. 50/- (inclusive of GST & Speed Post charges) is required.
- Choose your preferred payment method (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI) and complete the transaction.
Confirmation and SRN:
- Upon successful payment, a digital receipt will be generated, which you can download.
- You will also receive a Service Request Number (SRN) via SMS to your mobile number. Keep this SRN safe for tracking.
Method 2: Using the mAadhaar App
- Download and install the mAadhaar app from Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) on your mobile.
- Launch the mAadhaar app.
- Log in using your Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to your registered mobile number (if registered). If not registered, you can still proceed with a non-registered number.
- Look for the “Order Aadhaar PVC Card” option, usually on the home screen or under “Services.”
- Review your Aadhaar details (if logged in with a registered number).
- Proceed to the payment section. The fee is Rs. 50/-.
- Choose your payment method and complete the transaction.
- You will receive a confirmation message and an SRN.
Charges:
The fee for ordering an Aadhaar PVC card is Rs. 50/-. This amount is inclusive of GST and Speed Post charges, meaning no extra delivery fees.
Delivery Time:
- After successfully placing the order, UIDAI hands over the printed Aadhaar PVC card to the Department of Post (DoP) within 5 working days (excluding the date of request).
- The card is then delivered to your registered address via Speed Post by India Post.
- Typically, it takes 5 to 15 working days for the card to be delivered to your address from the date of placing the order, depending on your location and postal service efficiency.
How to Track Your Aadhaar PVC Card Order:
- Visit the UIDAI official website or use the mAadhaar app.
- Go to the “My Aadhaar” section.
- Click on “Check Aadhaar PVC Card Status.”
- Enter your Service Request Number (SRN) and the Captcha code.
- Click “Submit” to view the current status (e.g., “Request Received,” “Under Process,” “Dispatched”).
- Once dispatched, you might also receive an Air Waybill (AWB) number via SMS. You can use this AWB number to track the delivery status on the India Post website (www.indiapost.gov.in/VAS/Pages/trackconsignment.aspx).
Important Points:
- The Aadhaar PVC card will be delivered to the address registered in your Aadhaar database. Ensure your address is updated if you’ve moved.
- You cannot change the details on the PVC card during the order process. If you need to update your Aadhaar details (name, address, etc.), you must do so first through an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or the online update portal (if applicable) before ordering the PVC card.
- All forms of Aadhaar (Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar, mAadhaar, and Aadhaar PVC card) are equally valid and acceptable as proof of identity and address.
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