The Aadhaar card has become one of the most crucial identity documents in India today, essential for availing government schemes, filing taxes, opening bank accounts, and much more. However, losing your Aadhaar card can lead to complications, particularly if the card falls into the wrong hands. To address such concerns, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced ways to lock your Aadhaar card temporarily using your EID Number. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to lock Aadhaar card in case it is lost, and how to retrieve it using your EID Number for secure future use.
Why Lock Your Aadhaar Card?
Your Aadhaar card contains sensitive personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and biometric details. If someone gains unauthorized access to this document, it could potentially result in misuse, identity theft, or fraud. Locking your Aadhaar ensures that even if someone has access to your Aadhaar card number and other details, they won’t be able to use it for authentication purposes. This security measure is highly beneficial for protecting your Aadhaar-linked services and your identity.
What Is an EID Number, and How Does It Help?
The EID (Enrolment ID) number is a 28-digit unique identifier provided to you during your Aadhaar enrollment or update process. It is printed on the acknowledgment slip given to you at the time of registration or when you update your details. The EID is divided into two parts: a 14-digit enrollment number and a 14-digit timestamp. Even if you’ve lost your Aadhaar card, you can use your EID number to retrieve your Aadhaar details online. This feature ensures that you can still access Aadhaar-linked services without the physical card.
Steps to Retrieve Your Aadhaar Card Using EID Number
1. Locate Your EID Number
- Check the acknowledgment slip you received during Aadhaar enrollment or update.
- Find the 28-digit EID number along with the date and time of registration.
2. Visit the UIDAI Website
- Go to https://uidai.gov.in.
3. Click on the ‘Retrieve Lost/Forgotten EID/UID’ Option
- Navigate to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section and select the relevant option.
4. Fill in the Required Details
- Enter your full name, registered mobile number, and email ID.
- Choose whether to retrieve your Aadhaar number (UID) or EID.
- Verify via the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Download your Aadhaar Card
- Once verified, you’ll get your Aadhaar number.
- Use it to download a digital copy of your Aadhaar card from the UIDAI portal.
How to Lock Aadhaar Card
Locking your Aadhaar card prevents unauthorized access to your Aadhaar number or biometric data, ensuring no one can misuse it for authentication purposes. Here’s how to lock Aadhaar card:
1. Visit the UIDAI Website
- Go to https://uidai.gov.in and sign in.
2. Use the ‘Lock Aadhaar’ Feature
- Click on ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar’ under the Aadhaar Services section.
3. Enter Your Aadhaar or VID
- Provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID (VID).
4. Authenticate with OTP
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Confirmation
- You’ll get a confirmation message once your Aadhaar is successfully locked.
When Should You Lock Your Aadhaar Card?
1. When your Aadhaar card is lost
2. If you suspect fraudulent activity involving your Aadhaar
3. When you want to temporarily suspend Aadhaar usage
How to Unlock Aadhaar Card
You may want to unlock your Aadhaar card later to resume authentication services.
1. Log in to UIDAI Website
- Visit the UIDAI portal or use the mAadhaar mobile app.
2. Navigate to ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar’
- Select the option to unlock your Aadhaar.
3. Provide UID or VID
- Enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID.
4. Validate with OTP
- Complete the OTP verification process.
5. Confirmation
- Your Aadhaar is now unlocked and ready for use.
Safety Tips for Aadhaar Card
1. Store EID safely
2. Enable Virtual ID (VID) to avoid using your actual Aadhaar number
3. Regularly check your Aadhaar authentication history
4. Never share Aadhaar details or biometric info publicly
5. Use the mAadhaar app for secure access and services
Conclusion
Losing your Aadhaar card doesn’t have to be a cause for major concern. Using the EID Number, you can easily retrieve your Aadhaar details online and download a digital copy for immediate use. To protect yourself from fraud or identity theft, locking your Aadhaar card through UIDAI’s online portal is a wise move. This temporary locking mechanism ensures that your Aadhaar details remain secure even if the physical card is lost or misplaced.
In today’s digital age, safeguarding personal identification has never been more critical, and the UIDAI provides numerous tools like locking, unlocking, authentication history, and virtual ID to help you achieve this. By following the steps outlined above, you can regain control of your lost Aadhaar card, lock it against misuse, and ensure a secure future for its usage.
Remember, security begins with prevention. How to lock Aadhaar card is no longer just a question but a solution to fortifying your identity. Take action today to protect your Aadhaar and mitigate the risks!
