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Misplaced your Aadhaar card or can’t remember the Aadhaar number? No need to panic. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has made it extremely simple for residents to recover their Aadhaar Number (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID) within minutes. The process works both online and offline — ensuring that people can access their identification without stress or long delays.

Aadhaar has become one of the most essential identity documents in India, required for financial services, telecom verification, government benefits, travel, and more. Losing access to the Aadhaar number can create inconvenience for individuals, especially during important documentation or KYC verification. To help users, UIDAI offers multiple secure ways to retrieve Aadhaar information quickly.

How to Retrieve Aadhaar Number Online

If your mobile number or email ID is already linked to your Aadhaar, the fastest method is online retrieval. UIDAI’s official website provides a dedicated “Retrieve UID/EID” service.

Here’s how it works:

1. Visit the UIDAI website and click on Retrieve UID/EID

2. Choose whether you want to recover your Aadhaar Number (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID)

3. Enter your full name, registered email or mobile number, and the displayed captcha

4. You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered contact

5. Enter the OTP and submit

Within seconds, your UID/EID will be shared with you via SMS or email.

✔ No fees required
✔ Completed in minutes
✔ Fully secure with OTP verification

This method is ideal for people who have kept their Aadhaar-linked mobile number active.

Offline Method: Visit Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Center

If your mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar, you will need to visit the nearest Aadhaar centre. The process includes a biometric check to confirm your identity.

Steps to recover Aadhaar offline:

• Visit any authorised Aadhaar enrolment or update centre

• Provide basic identification details — name, gender, district or PIN code

• Biometric authentication through fingerprint or iris scan

• After verification, the operator will print your e-Aadhaar copy

A small fee of ₹30 is charged for the printout.

✔ Useful for those without Aadhaar-linked mobile
✔ Biometric verification ensures security

Retrieve Aadhaar Using UIDAI Helpline 1947

For individuals who cannot visit a centre, UIDAI also offers a helpline option.

How it helps:

• Call 1947 and provide your demographic details to receive EID

• On the next call, enter your EID, date of birth and PIN code via IVRS

• You will receive your Aadhaar number securely

✔ No service charge
✔ Convenient for remote areas or elderly users

If Your Aadhaar Letter is Lost

Even if you know your Aadhaar number but misplaced the printed letter:

• Visit an Aadhaar centre

• Provide Aadhaar number or 28-digit EID

• Complete biometric verification

• Receive a printed e-Aadhaar for ₹30

Final Takeaway

UIDAI has ensured that losing an Aadhaar card or forgetting the number doesn’t lead to unnecessary trouble. With multiple secure recovery methods — online retrieval, helpline support, and offline services through Aadhaar centres — citizens can access their identity documents anytime without hassle.

By enabling both digital and in-person options, UIDAI continues to make Aadhaar services more accessible, safe, and user-friendly across India.