The Aadhaar card is now one of the most important identity cards in India today, required for accessing government schemes, paying taxes, opening a bank account, and many more. Still, losing your Aadhaar card may give rise to issues, especially if the card gets 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 is filled with personal, sensitive details such as your name, address, date of birth, and biometric information. If any unauthorized person gets a hold of this document, then it may lead to misuse, identity theft, or fraud. Security locking your Aadhaar ensures that even if an unauthorized person has your Aadhaar card number and other information, they will not be able to use it for the purpose of authentication. This security feature is very useful in safeguarding your Aadhaar-linked services and yourself.
What Is an EID Number, and How Does It Help?
The EID (Enrolment ID) number is a unique 28-digit number given to you while you get enrolled or updated for your Aadhaar. This is also printed on the acknowledgment slip that has been provided to you during the registration process or when you are updating your information. EID consists of two parts: a 14-digit enrollment number and a 14-digit timestamp. Although you’ve lost your Aadhaar card, you can retrieve your Aadhaar details online with the use of your EID number. This feature helps you use Aadhaar-linked services even when you do not have the physical card.
Steps for Retrieving Your Aadhaar Card Using EID Number
- Find Your EID Number
Verify the acknowledgment slip you got at the time of Aadhaar enrollment or update.
Locate the 28-digit EID number and the registration date and time. - Get to the UIDAI Website
Proceed to https://uidai.gov.in. - Click on the ‘Retrieve Lost/Forgotten EID/UID’ Option
Head to the ‘My Aadhaar’ option and click the appropriate option. - Enter the Mandatory Details
Fill in your full name, registered mobile number, and email ID.
Select whether you want to retrieve your Aadhaar number (UID) or EID.
Verify via the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. - 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:
- Access the UIDAI Website
Access https://uidai.gov.in and log in. - Utilize the ‘Lock Aadhaar’ Feature
Click on ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar’ found under the Aadhaar Services option. - Fill in Your Aadhaar or VID
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID (VID). - Authenticate via OTP
Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number. - Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation message after successful locking of your Aadhaar.
When Should You Lock Your Aadhaar Card?
- When your Aadhaar card is misplaced
2. If you find fraud using your Aadhaar
3. When you need to temporarily lock Aadhaar usage
How to Unlock Aadhaar Card
You can decide to unlock your Aadhaar card at a later time in order to continue authentication services.
- Log in to UIDAI Website
Go to the UIDAI portal or mAadhaar mobile app. - Go to ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar’
Choose the option to unlock your Aadhaar. - Enter UID or VID
Enter your Virtual ID or Aadhaar number. - OTP Validation
Finish the OTP verification process. - Confirmation
Your Aadhaar is now active and ready to use.
Safety Tips for Aadhaar Card
- Keep EID securely
2. Enable Virtual ID (VID) to prevent using your real Aadhaar number
3. Periodically verify your Aadhaar authentication history
4. Never reveal Aadhaar information or biometric data openly
5. Use the mAadhaar app for safe access and services
Conclusion
Misplacing your Aadhaar card doesn’t have to be a reason for you to be worried. With the EID Number, you can simply get your Aadhaar information online and download a digital version for on-demand use. To shield yourself from identity theft or fraud, it’s an intelligent decision to lock your Aadhaar card using UIDAI’s online portal. This temporary lock feature ensures that your Aadhaar information is safe even if your physical card is lost or misplaced.
In this modern digital era, protection of personal identification has never been more important, and the UIDAI offers many facilities such as locking, unlocking, authentication history, and virtual ID to assist you in doing so. By going through the procedures mentioned above, you can retake control over your missing Aadhaar card, lock it for misuse, and assure a safe future for its use.
Always recall, security starts with prevention. How to secure Aadhaar card is no more a question but an answer for strengthening your identity. Act now and secure your Aadhaar and reduce the risks!
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