How to Retrieve Lost or Forgotten Aadhaar Number — Complete Guide

Lost Your Aadhaar? Don't Worry

If you've lost your physical Aadhaar card or forgotten your 12-digit Aadhaar number, you can easily retrieve it online through UIDAI's official portal. There are multiple recovery methods available depending on what information you have.

Methods to Retrieve Lost Aadhaar Number

Method 1: Using Registered Mobile Number or Email

This is the fastest and most common method.

1. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Click on "Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID"
3. Select "Aadhaar Number (UID)"
4. Enter your full name (as in Aadhaar records)
5. Enter your registered mobile number or email address
6. Enter the security code (captcha)
7. Click "Send OTP"
8. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile/email
9. Your Aadhaar number will be sent to your registered mobile/email

Method 2: Retrieve Enrolment ID (EID)

If you need your Enrolment ID instead:

1. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Click on "Retrieve Lost or Forgotten EID/UID"
3. Select "Enrolment ID (EID)"
4. Enter your full name and registered mobile number/email
5. Complete OTP verification
6. Your EID will be sent to your registered contact

Method 3: Using Aadhaar Enrolment Slip

If you still have the acknowledgement slip from your original Aadhaar enrolment:

• Your Enrolment ID (EID) is printed on this slip
• Use this EID to download your e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website

Method 4: Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre

If your mobile number is not registered or no longer active:

1. Visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment/update centre
2. Carry a valid photo ID proof (Voter ID, PAN, Driving Licence, etc.)
3. Request Aadhaar retrieval through biometric verification (fingerprint/iris)
4. The operator will look up your Aadhaar using your biometrics
5. You can then update your mobile number and download e-Aadhaar

Method 5: Using mAadhaar App

1. If you had previously registered on the mAadhaar app, your Aadhaar details are stored
2. Open the app and view your stored Aadhaar profile
3. If not registered, you'll need your Aadhaar number to set up the app

How to Get a Replacement Aadhaar Card

Once you've retrieved your Aadhaar number, you have several options:

Important Tips

1. e-Aadhaar is legally equivalent to the physical card — you don't necessarily need a replacement physical card
2. Keep a digital copy of your Aadhaar saved on your phone (mAadhaar app) and in DigiLocker
3. Lock your Aadhaar biometrics if you suspect misuse — use the biometric lock feature
4. Register your mobile number with Aadhaar to make future retrieval easy
5. Never share your Aadhaar number publicly — use Masked Aadhaar or VID for privacy

What to Do If You Suspect Aadhaar Misuse

If you've lost your Aadhaar and suspect it may be misused:

1. Lock your biometrics immediately at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Generate a VID (Virtual ID) and use it instead of your Aadhaar number
3. Check Aadhaar authentication history on the UIDAI portal to see recent usage
4. File a complaint at UIDAI helpline 1947 if you notice unauthorized use
5. File a police complaint if you suspect identity theft

Related Guides

• How to Check Aadhaar Card Update Status Online
• Aadhaar Card Common Problems & Solutions
• Baal Aadhaar to Adult Aadhaar — Minor to Major Aadhaar Update Guide
• How to Download e-Aadhaar Card PDF Online — Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Link Aadhaar with PAN, Bank Account, Mobile & Other Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I retrieve my Aadhaar number without a registered mobile number?

Not online. You must visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre with a valid photo ID. The operator will use biometric verification to locate your Aadhaar record.

2. Is there any charge to retrieve a lost Aadhaar number?

No, retrieving your Aadhaar number online is completely free. You only pay if you order a reprint (PVC card or letter) — ₹50.

3. How long does it take to retrieve lost Aadhaar?

Online retrieval is instant — you receive your Aadhaar number via SMS/email within seconds of OTP verification.

4. Can someone misuse my lost Aadhaar card?

Aadhaar alone cannot be used for financial transactions without biometric or OTP verification. However, it's good practice to lock your biometrics and generate a VID. See our biometric lock guide.

5. I lost both my Aadhaar and my phone. What should I do?

Visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre with any valid government photo ID. Biometric verification (fingerprint/iris) will be used to retrieve your Aadhaar. Then update your mobile number.

6. Can I retrieve my child's Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar)?

Yes, a parent or guardian can retrieve a child's Aadhaar using the same methods. For children under 5 (without biometrics), the parent's Aadhaar-linked mobile number is used.

This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with UIDAI or the Government of India. Always verify the latest details on the official UIDAI website.

Related Aadhaar Guides

• How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Online — Step-by-Step Guide
• Aadhaar Card Common Problems & Solutions
• Tatkal Aadhaar Enrollment — Fast-Track Aadhaar Application Guide
• How to Find Nearest Aadhaar Centre — Google Maps, UIDAI Portal, Aadhaar Seva Kendra
• Aadhaar Enrollment ID Lost — How to Retrieve It