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 an 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
Before locking your Aadhaar card, you must retrieve your Aadhaar details if they’ve been misplaced. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to retrieve your Aadhaar number online using your EID:
1. Locate Your EID Number
To start, look for the acknowledgment slip you received during Aadhaar enrollment or while updating your Aadhaar details.
The acknowledgment slip will display your EID number prominently, along with the timestamp.
2. Visit the UIDAI Website
Go to the official website of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) at [https://uidai.gov.in](https://uidai.gov.in).
UIDAI provides a user-friendly interface to retrieve lost Aadhaar details seamlessly.
3. Click on the ‘Retrieve Lost/Forgotten EID/UID’ Option
Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ section on the UIDAI homepage, select the option that says “Retrieve Lost/Forgotten EID/UID.”
4. Fill in the Required Details
Enter details such as your full name, registered mobile number, and email ID (as provided during Aadhaar enrollment).
Choose whether to retrieve your Aadhaar number (UID) or EID.
Verification will be conducted via OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Download your Aadhaar Card
Once the OTP is validated, you will be provided with your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
You can use the Aadhaar download feature from the UIDAI website to get a digital copy of your Aadhaar card. For added security, this digital version can be password-protected.
How to Lock Aadhaar Card
Locking your Aadhaar card is an important step to protect your personal information. When you learn how to lock Aadhaar card, you ensure that no one can access your Aadhaar number or use your biometric data without permission. This helps prevent misuse, especially if you’ve lost your Aadhaar card or suspect that your details might be compromised. Here’s the process for locking your Aadhaar:
1. Visit the UIDAI Website
Go to the [UIDAI website](https://uidai.gov.in) and log in with your Aadhaar account credentials.
2. Use the ‘Lock Aadhaar’ Feature
Under the Aadhaar Services section, click on ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar.’ This option is specifically designed to let users safeguard their Aadhaar number effectively.
3. Enter Your Aadhaar or VID
To lock your Aadhaar, you need either your 12-digit Aadhaar number or, if you’ve enabled virtual ID (VID), the 16-digit VID. If you don’t have your VID, generate one from the website.
4. Authenticate with OTP
Enter your registered mobile number to receive an OTP.
Use the OTP to validate the locking process.
5. Confirmation
Once locked, your Aadhaar number will not be usable for authentication unless it is explicitly unlocked via the UIDAI platform.
This gives you greater control over your Aadhaar usage.
When Should You Lock Your Aadhaar Card?
While the locking feature is not compulsory, it can significantly enhance your security in specific situations. Here are scenarios where locking your Aadhaar card is recommended:
1. When your Aadhaar card is lost: If your physical Aadhaar card is misplaced or stolen, locking it ensures no one can misuse it.
2. Suspected fraudulent activity: If you suspect your Aadhaar details have been leaked or used without authorization, locking your Aadhaar prevents further incidents.
3. Temporary suspension: Locking Aadhaar is also helpful if you wish to temporarily suspend its usage for personal reasons.
How to Unlock Aadhaar Card
After locking your Aadhaar card, you might want to unlock it to resume using its services. The unlocking process is straightforward:
1. Log in to UIDAI Website
Visit the UIDAI website or use the mAadhaar mobile app for unlocking.
2. Navigate to ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar’
Similar to the locking process, choose the ‘Unlock Aadhaar’ option.
3. Provide UID or VID
Enter your locked Aadhaar or Virtual ID along with your registered mobile number.
4. Validate with OTP
Authenticate the request by entering the OTP sent to your mobile device.
5. Confirmation
Once unlocked, your Aadhaar number will become active for authentication.
Safety Tips for Aadhaar Card
Aside from locking and unlocking your Aadhaar card, follow these best practices to ensure its security:
1. Store EID safely: Keep your enrollment acknowledgment slip securely; your EID Number plays a crucial role in retrieving lost Aadhaar details.
2. Enable Virtual ID (VID): Use VID for temporary authorization of your Aadhaar details instead of the actual Aadhaar card number.
3. Use Aadhaar authentication history: Check your Aadhaar authentication history on the UIDAI website regularly to ensure there’s no unauthorized usage.
4. Avoid Sharing Aadhaar Details: Never share your 12-digit Aadhaar number or biometric data publicly to avoid fraud.
5. Use mAadhaar App: Download and use the official mAadhaar app for secure and simplified Aadhaar 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!
