Identity Documents

How to Get Duplicate Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID — Lost Document Replacement Guide

Lost your Aadhaar, PAN card, Voter ID, driving license, or passport? Don't panic. Step-by-step guide to replace all lost government documents in India — online methods, fees, and timelines.

15 min read
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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. We are NOT affiliated with any government body. Always verify on official websites.

Official Links

myaadhaar.uidai.gov.ineaadhaar.uidai.gov.inincometax.gov.inonlineservices.nsdl.comvoters.eci.gov.inparivahan.gov.inpassportindia.gov.indigilocker.gov.innfsa.gov.incrsorgi.gov.in

How to Get Duplicate Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID — Lost Document Replacement Guide

Lost your important documents? Take a deep breath. Almost every government document in India can be replaced online — often for free and within minutes. This guide covers step-by-step replacement for Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, Ration Card, and Birth/Death Certificate.

💡 Quick Tip: Before anything else, check DigiLocker — your lost document might already be available there as a legally valid digital copy!

1. Lost Aadhaar Card — How to Get a Replacement

Good news: Your Aadhaar data is safe with UIDAI. You can get a digital or physical copy anytime.

Option A: Download e-Aadhaar Online (Free)

This is the fastest option — takes just 2 minutes.

  1. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
  2. Log in with your Aadhaar number + OTP on registered mobile
  3. Click "Download Aadhaar"
  4. Choose masked or full Aadhaar
  5. Download the PDF (password: first 4 letters of name in CAPS + birth year, e.g., RAJA1990)

Cost: ₹0 (Free) Time: Instant

👉 Detailed steps: How to Download e-Aadhaar Card Online

Option B: Order Aadhaar PVC Card (₹50)

Want a physical card? Order the official PVC (plastic) Aadhaar card:

  1. Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
  2. Log in and select "Order Aadhaar PVC Card"
  3. Pay ₹50 online
  4. Card delivered to your registered address in 15–20 days

Cost: ₹50 Time: 15–20 days delivery

👉 Full guide: How to Order Aadhaar PVC Card Online

Option C: Use mAadhaar App

Download the mAadhaar app (official UIDAI app) on your phone. It stores a digital copy of your Aadhaar that you can show anywhere.

  • Available on Android and iOS
  • Set up using Aadhaar number + OTP
  • Works as valid ID proof

What If Your Mobile Number is Not Linked?

If OTP doesn't come (mobile not linked to Aadhaar):

  • Visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with any other ID proof
  • Request Aadhaar reprint there

👉 Related: How to Change Mobile Number in Aadhaar

2. Lost PAN Card — How to Get a Duplicate

Your PAN number never changes. You just need a new copy of the card.

Option A: Download e-PAN (Free)

  1. Visit incometax.gov.in
  2. Click "Instant e-PAN" → "Check Status / Download e-PAN"
  3. Enter your Aadhaar number → Verify with OTP
  4. Download e-PAN PDF instantly

Cost: ₹0 (Free) Time: Instant

👉 Step-by-step: How to Download e-PAN Card Online

Option B: Reprint Physical PAN Card

Through Protean (NSDL):

  1. Go to onlineservices.nsdl.com
  2. Select "Reprint of PAN Card"
  3. Enter PAN number and Aadhaar
  4. Pay ₹50 (e-PAN) or ₹50 + delivery for physical card
  5. Physical card dispatched within 15–20 days

Through UTIITSL:

  1. Visit pan.utiitsl.com
  2. Apply for duplicate/reprint
  3. Fee: approximately ₹50 + GST for domestic delivery

Cost: ~₹50–107 depending on card type and delivery Time: 15–20 working days

👉 Also useful: PAN Card Status Check | PAN Card Correction

Don't Know Your PAN Number?

  • Go to incometax.gov.in → "Know Your PAN"
  • Enter name, date of birth, and mobile number
  • Your PAN will be displayed

3. Lost Voter ID (EPIC) — How to Get a Duplicate

Option A: Download e-EPIC (Instant & Free)

  1. Visit voters.eci.gov.in (National Voters Service Portal)
  2. Log in or register with your mobile number
  3. Go to "Download e-EPIC"
  4. Your digital Voter ID will be downloaded as PDF

Cost: ₹0 (Free) Time: Instant

Option B: Apply for Duplicate Voter ID

If you need a physical replacement:

  1. Visit voters.eci.gov.in
  2. Go to "Forms" → Select Form 001 (formerly Form 6)
  3. Select reason: "Replacement of lost/damaged EPIC"
  4. Upload passport photo and supporting documents
  5. Submit and note the reference number

Documents needed:

  • Passport-size photo
  • Any address proof
  • FIR copy (if stolen, recommended but not always mandatory)

Cost: Free Time: 15–30 days

👉 Detailed guide: How to Apply for Voter ID Card Online | Voter ID Correction

4. Lost Driving License — How to Get a Duplicate

Option A: Download from DigiLocker (Instant)

If your DL was issued after digitisation:

  1. Log in to digilocker.gov.in
  2. Search for "Driving License" under Ministry of Road Transport
  3. Enter your DL number → Fetch document
  4. Download the digitally signed copy

This is legally valid as original under IT Act.

👉 Full guide: DigiLocker Guide

Option B: Apply for Duplicate DL via Parivahan

  1. Visit parivahan.gov.in → Sarathi portal
  2. Select your state → Click "Duplicate DL"
  3. Fill in your DL number and details
  4. Upload documents:
    • Passport photo
    • Address proof
    • FIR copy (for lost DL) or affidavit
  5. Pay fee online (~₹200–600, varies by state)
  6. Book appointment if required at RTO
  7. New DL issued within 7–30 days

Cost: ₹200–600 (varies by state) Time: 7–30 days

👉 Related: How to Apply for Driving License Online | Driving License Renewal

5. Lost Passport — How to Get a Replacement

Losing a passport is more serious — it requires an FIR and a fresh application.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. File an FIR at your nearest police station reporting the loss. Get a copy of the FIR.

  2. Apply fresh on Passport Seva:

    • Visit passportindia.gov.in
    • Register/login → Select "Fresh Passport" (not re-issue)
    • In the form, mention that previous passport was lost
    • Upload FIR copy, old passport details (if you remember the number)

  3. Book appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

  4. Visit PSK with:

    • Printed application form
    • FIR copy (original)
    • Address & identity proof
    • Old passport photocopy (if available)

  5. Police verification will be conducted (mandatory for lost passports)

  6. New passport issued within 30–45 days after police verification

Cost: ₹1,500 (36 pages) / ₹2,000 (60 pages) — same as fresh passport Time: 30–45 days (longer due to police verification)

⚠️ Important: Keep a photocopy of your passport's first and last page separately. Also save it in DigiLocker.

👉 Detailed guide: How to Apply for Passport Online | Track Passport Status | Passport Renewal

6. Lost Ration Card — How to Get a Duplicate

Ration card replacement is handled at the state level, so the process varies.

General Process

  1. Visit your state's food & civil supplies portal (or nfsa.gov.in for links)
  2. Look for "Duplicate Ration Card" or "Issue of Duplicate" option
  3. Fill in the application with:
    • Old ration card number (if known)
    • Head of family details
    • FIR copy or affidavit for lost card
  4. Upload documents and submit
  5. New card issued within 15–30 days

Some states allow online application, others require visiting the local Food & Supply office (Tehsildar/Block office).

Cost: ₹0–50 (varies by state) Time: 15–30 days

👉 State guides: Ration Card — General Guide | UP | Bihar | Maharashtra | Tamil Nadu | Karnataka

👉 Also useful: Ration Card Status, Download & Update

7. Lost Birth or Death Certificate — How to Get a Duplicate

Online (Available in Many States)

  1. Visit crsorgi.gov.in (Civil Registration System)
  2. Select your state and search for your record by name and date
  3. If found, apply for a duplicate certificate online
  4. Pay the fee and download or receive by post

Offline Process

  1. Visit the Municipal Corporation / Nagar Palika / Gram Panchayat where the birth/death was registered
  2. Submit an application for duplicate certificate
  3. Provide:
    • Approximate date of birth/death
    • Hospital name (if applicable)
    • Parent/family details
    • Affidavit stating the certificate was lost
  4. Fee: ₹10–100 depending on municipality
  5. Certificate issued within 7–15 days

Cost: ₹10–100 Time: 7–15 days

👉 Detailed guides: Birth Certificate Online | Death Certificate Online

8. General Tips — Protect Yourself from Future Loss

✅ Use DigiLocker as Your Digital Backup

DigiLocker stores legally valid digital copies of your documents. Set it up today:

  • Aadhaar, PAN, Driving License, Vehicle RC, Marksheets — all available
  • Documents fetched directly from issuing authorities
  • Accepted everywhere as original under IT Act 2000

👉 Complete setup guide: How to Use DigiLocker

✅ Keep Photocopies & Scans

  • Take photos of all important documents and save them in a secure cloud folder (Google Drive, iCloud)
  • Keep one set of photocopies at home and one with a trusted family member
  • Note down important numbers: Aadhaar, PAN, DL, Passport number

✅ File FIR for Identity Theft Protection

If your documents were stolen (not just lost):

  1. File an FIR at the nearest police station immediately
  2. This protects you from misuse of your identity
  3. You can also file an online FIR in many states through the state police website
  4. Keep the FIR copy — you'll need it for all replacement applications

✅ Link Your Mobile Number

Make sure your current mobile number is linked to:

  • Aadhaar (for OTP-based services)
  • PAN (via Income Tax portal)
  • Voter ID (via NVSP)
  • Bank accounts

This ensures you can access replacements online without visiting offices.

Quick Reference Table

Document Online Replacement Cost Time Portal
Aadhaar ✅ e-Aadhaar (instant) Free – ₹50 Instant – 20 days myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
PAN ✅ e-PAN (instant) Free – ₹107 Instant – 20 days incometax.gov.in
Voter ID ✅ e-EPIC (instant) Free Instant – 30 days voters.eci.gov.in
Driving License ✅ DigiLocker / Sarathi ₹200–600 Instant – 30 days parivahan.gov.in
Passport ❌ Must visit PSK ₹1,500–2,000 30–45 days passportindia.gov.in
Ration Card ⚠️ Varies by state ₹0–50 15–30 days State portal
Birth/Death Cert ⚠️ Varies ₹10–100 7–15 days crsorgi.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions

Is e-Aadhaar valid as original Aadhaar?

Yes. e-Aadhaar downloaded from UIDAI is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card as per UIDAI guidelines.

Can I get a duplicate PAN card with a different number?

No. Your PAN number stays the same for life. A duplicate card will have the same PAN number with a new physical/digital copy.

Do I need an FIR to get duplicate documents?

For Aadhaar, PAN, and Voter ID — generally no FIR is needed. For Passport and Driving License — an FIR or affidavit is usually required. It's always a good idea to file an FIR if documents were stolen.

What if I don't remember my document numbers?

  • Aadhaar: Use the "Retrieve Aadhaar" feature on UIDAI using your registered mobile
  • PAN: Use "Know Your PAN" on the Income Tax website
  • Voter ID: Search by name on voters.eci.gov.in
  • DL: Check DigiLocker or contact your RTO

Can someone misuse my lost documents?

This is why filing an FIR is important if documents were stolen. Also:

  • Lock your Aadhaar biometrics on myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
  • Monitor your bank accounts and credit report (Check CIBIL Score)
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