How To Retrieve Lost Or Forgotten Aadhaar UID/EID Online And Offline?

Komal Bajpai

Author

Updated: 16-04-2025 at 12:44 PM

The Indian people require Aadhaar as their essential identity document to access bank accounts and government schemes and file taxes. The loss or forgetfulness of either the Aadhaar UID (Unique Identification Number) or EID (Enrolment ID) causes barriers to accessing these services. Through their online portal together with mobile applications and physical centres the UIDAI enables straightforward details retrieval for forgotten or misplaced Aadhaar information. The article guides users through the easy steps needed to recover their Aadhaar UID/EID without any complications.

Overview

Method	Requirement	Mode	Processing Time
Online Retrieval	Registered Mobile Number/Email	UIDAI Website	Immediate
mAadhaar App	Mobile Number Linked to Aadhaar	mAadhaar App	Immediate
Offline Retrieval	Aadhaar Centre Visit & Biometric Authentication	Aadhaar Seva Kendra	Varies A few Hours to Days
Contacting UIDAI	Registered Mobile Number & Personal Details	Phone & Email Support	24-48 Hours

What Is A UID Number?

The Unique Identification Number (UID) functions as a 12-digit identification label which the UIDAI gives to every Indian dweller. The UIDAI functions as a singular verification method which serves as a fundamental authentication tool needed for official and financial service operations.

The Aadhaar papers contain the UID value which serves as an identification tag.
The organisation handles identification details which serve as authentication elements.
Every person retains the same UID number from the time when they receive it until the end of their lifetime.

What Is The EID Number?

At the moment of Aadhaar enrollment, the administrative body provides a 28-digit Enrollment ID (EID) to the applicant. It consists of:

14-digit enrolment number (e.g., 1234/56789/01234)
14-digit timestamp (date and time of enrolment)
People can use this sequence to check their Aadhaar application status before they receive their UID. Per the guidelines, the enrolment slip contains this number at enrollment time.

Also Read: Baal Aadhaar: What To Know About Aadhaar Card For Newborns & Children?

How To Retrieve Lost Or Forgotten Aadhaar UID/EID Online

The UIDAI provides users with an internet-based process which allows them to retrieve their Aadhaar UID or EID.

Steps To Retrieve Aadhaar UID/EID Online:

Step 1: Visit UIDAI’s Official Website

Step 2: The service to retrieve lost UID/EID is accessible in the Aadhaar Services section.

Step 3: Users must enter their complete name together with their registered mobile number or email address into the provided field.

Step 4: Please fill in the CAPTCHA verification box by entering the on-screen display characters.

Step 5: Requesting an OTP prompts the system to deliver one-time password access through your registered mobile number or email.

Step 6: Click on "Verify OTP" after you type your OTP into the provided field.

Step 7: Your UID/EID will be delivered through mobile phone and email at the addresses you registered during the process.

Retrieve Lost Or Forgotten Aadhaar Numbers Via The mAadhaar App

Users can retrieve UID/EID information through the mAadhaar App which was developed by UIDAI as well as access other Aadhaar-related services with this application.

Steps To Retrieve Aadhaar UID/EID Via mAadhaar App:

Step 1: The mAadhaar App is available both on Google Play Store and Apple App Store enabling users to download and begin using the application.

Step 2: Select “Retrieve UID/EID” Option – Navigate to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section.

Step 3: To finish this process type your name and your linked mobile number along with completing the CAPTCHA challenge.

Step 4: Request and Enter OTP sends an OTP code to check your registered mobile number. Enter it to proceed.

Step 5: The displayed screen will show your retrieved Aadhaar UID or EID immediately.

Also Read: Masked Aadhaar Card Download: A Comprehensive Guide

How To Retrieve Lost or Forgotten Aadhaar UID/EID Offline

The Aadhaar UID/EID can be recovered offline by individuals who do not have internet access

1. Visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK)

You can identify the closest nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra by visiting the UIDAI website.
Guests seeking UID or EID retrieval must bring an identification document issued by the government which includes a PAN card, voter ID, passport and other similar official proofs.
People must use biometric authentication through fingerprint or iris scan authentication for verification.
The verification process will offer the Aadhaar UID/EID details to you.

2. Retrieve Aadhaar UID/EID Via Phone Support.

Dial UIDAI’s toll-free helpline 1947.
Voice instructions from the IVR system should be followed before picking the “Retrieve UID/EID” option.
Enter your verified mobile number alongside your other needed details.
Your UID/EID information will reach you through SMS at the mobile number which UIDAI has registered for you.

3. Request Aadhaar UID/EID Via Post

Submit an application containing your full name and registered mobile number alongside a photocopy of your ID proof to UIDAI.
Mail the request to UIDAI Headquarters at Bangla Sahib Road Gole Market New Delhi 110001.
Your UID or EID information will be delivered by UIDAI to the address registered with their system after successful verification.

Conclusion

The UIDAI maintains convenient tools to help users recover their Aadhaar UID or EID without any difficulties. You can easily retrieve your details through the UIDAI website and the mAadhaar app as well as from any Aadhaar centre. Your mobile number should always be up to date in Aadhaar records so future retrieval processes become easy.

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