Aadhaar, the unique 12-digit number issued by the UIDAI (Unique Identity Verification Authority of India), is valid evidence and a significant document for availing government subsidies or grants.

Recently, the Unique Identity Verification Agency of India (UIDAI) launched the latest form of Aadhaar—Aadhaar PVC card. For the convenience of residents, UIDAI introduces various forms of Aadhaar from time to time, such as Aadhaar letters, eAadhaar, mAadhaar, and Aadhaar PVC cards.

Currently, there are three forms of Aadhaar card available: Letter, eAadhaar, and PVC cards, and they are all equally valid.

Unique Identity Verification Agency of India said that residents can choose to use any form of Aadhaar according to their own convenience. UIDAI also said in a tweet that all forms of Aadhaar are acceptable and are equally valid as proof of identity, and it does not give any preference to one form of Aadhaar over the others.

Residents can choose to use any form of Aadhaar as per their convenience and all forms of Aadhaar are acceptable as a proof of identity with due validation, without giving any preference to one form of Aadhaar over the other. Tweet us @UIDAI in case you have any queries. pic.twitter.com/QrQUsKqyZg

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) October 21, 2020

Let’s look at the different forms of Aadhaar available:

1) Aadhaar letter

Aadhaar letter is sent by post. After generating Aadhaar, you will also receive a text message on the registered mobile phone.

2) E-Aadhaar

You can download the e-Aadhaar card with detailed information through the UIDAI website. The electronic aadhaar card allows you to easily obtain aadhaar information. It is a digital version of your Aadhaar card, which is acceptable in any part of the country without any exceptions. E-Aadhaar will be in PDF format.

How to open E-Aadhaar PDF?

To open the PDF, you need to enter a password. The password will be the first four letters of your name (use capital letters and the year of birth). For example: If your name is Rohan Shukla and your year of birth is 1989, then the password will be ROHA1989.

3) Aadhaar PVC card

The new Aadhaar PVC card has come with intensified several security features and is more convenient to carry. UIDAI has allowed it to be reprinted as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) card. Therefore, now you can carry the Aadhaar card in your wallet, just like your ATM or debit card.

How Aadhaar PVC card is different from other forms of Aadhaar card?  

#AadhaarInYourWallet
Loaded with the latest security features, your Aadhaar is now more durable, convenient to carry, instantly verifiable offline. To order your Aadhaar PVC online, click https://t.co/TVsl6Xh1cX pic.twitter.com/79gfxaUga7

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) October 12, 2020

In addition to being easy to carry and durable, the PVC-based Aadhaar card also has a digitally signed secure QR code with photos and demographic details with multiple security features.

You can use the Aadhaar number, virtual ID or registered ID to order this form of Aadhaar online through uidai.gov.in or resident.uidai.gov.in and pay a nominal fee of Rs. 50 /-. The Aadhaar PVC card is delivered to the residence of the residents by speed post.

UIDAI said in a tweet: If your mobile number is not registered to your Aadhaar then don’t worry, you can use any mobile number to receive OTP to verify your Aadhaar PVC orders.

Security features of Aadhaar PVC Card

1. Secure QR Code
2. Micro text
3. Hologram
4. Ghost image
5. Guilloche Pattern
6. Issue Date & Print Date
7. Embossed Aadhaar Logo

How to raise a request for Aadhar PVC Card with an alternate mobile number or non-registered number

#AadhaarInYourWallet
You can use any mobile number to receive OTP for authentication, regardless of the registered mobile number in your Aadhaar. So, one person can order Aadhaar PVC card online for the whole family. Follow the link https://t.co/TVsl6WZqlp to order now. pic.twitter.com/jyaTGfNZYk

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) October 16, 2020

1. Kindly visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in or https://uidai.gov.in/
2. Click on the “Order Aadhaar Card” Service.
3. Enter your 12 digit Aadhaar Number (UID) or 28 digits Enrollment ID or 16 digits Virtual Identification Number (VID).
4. Enter the security code.
5. Click on the check box if you do not have a registered mobile number, kindly check in the box.
6. Now enter an alternate mobile Number or non-Registered number.
7. Click on the ‘Send OTP’ tab.
8. Click on the check box next to the terms and conditions.
9. Click on the submit button to complete one-time password verification.
10. Unable to preview the details of Aadhaar.
11. Click on the make payment option, you will be redirected to the Payment Gateway page with payment alternatives such as net banking, debit/credit card, and UPI.
12. After successful payment, a receipt with a digital signature will be generated, which residents can download in PDF format. Residents will also obtain a service request number via SMS.

How can you track the status of your Aadhaar PVC card?

The status of the Aadhaar PVC card can be tracked under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab on  www.uidai.gov.in. Click on “Check Aadhaar PVC Card Status” under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab. On the new screen, you will be asked to enter the 28-digit SRN, 12-digit Aadhaar number and verification code. After you click on “Check Status”, the status will be displayed.

In addition to this, residents can track the status of the SRN before checking the status of the Aadhaar card until the Aadhaar card is delivered or dispatched. After dispatching from the DoP, the SMS containing the AWB number will also be sent. Residents can also further track the delivery status by visiting the DoP website.

How long will it take you to receive the Aadhaar PVC card?

According to the FAQ on the UIDAI website, after the request is made, UIDAI will hand over the card to the post office within five working days (not including the request date) , and will use the express delivery service to deliver the PVC card.