PVC Aadhaar Card: What is it? How to Order PVC Card?

If you have struggled with carrying your Aadhaar card due to its fragile nature, then you are not the only one. Keeping it safe and intact can be a real challenge. But what if there was a way to make it more durable and easier to carry? The good news is, UIDAI now offers the option to reprint your Aadhaar card as a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) card, making it as convenient and sturdy as your debit or credit card. Your Aadhaar card is an important identity proof and comprises a 12-digit unique number, which cannot be assigned to any other individual. Other than PVC card, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has periodically introduced different forms of Aadhaar, such as Aadhaar letter, mAadhaar, and eAadhaar.

What is a PVC Aadhaar Card?

UIDAI now allows you to raise a request to reprint your Aadhaar card as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), allowing you to easily carry it just like a debit or credit card. The PVC card is durable and available in good-quality print and lamination. Additionally, you can conveniently verify the card offline using a QR code.

What are the security features of the Aadhaar PVC card?

The PVC Aadhaar card comes with advanced security features, which are as follows:

• Issue date
• Guilloche Pattern
• Invisible logo
• Secure QR code
• Ghost image
• Print date
• Hologram
• Micro text
• Embossed Aadhaar logo

Steps to apply for the new PVC Aadhaar card

You may apply for the new PVC Aadhaar card online in five steps given below:

1. Visit the UIDAI website and click the ‘order Aadhaar PVC’ tab under ‘My Aadhaar’.

2. Input your Aadhaar number or virtual ID or Enrolment ID (EID) number; then enter the captcha and click ‘send OTP’ (one-time password) or ‘send TOTP’ (time-based OTP). Thereafter, enter the OTP or TOTP, check the Terms and conditions box, and click the Submit button.
Note: If your mobile number is not registered, you need to check the box that states ‘My mobile number is not registered’ to get the OTP or TOTP.

3. Verify the Aadhaar details as shown on the preview screen and then click on the ‘Make payment’ tab.
Note: If your mobile number is not registered, you will not be able to view the preview.

4. Choose the payment option from cards (debit or credit card), net banking, and UPI.

5. On successful payment, a receipt is generated, which can be downloaded by clicking the ‘download payment receipt’ tab.

The UIDAI gives the card to the Department of Post within five working days from the date you order the Aadhaar PVC card. It will be sent to your address by speed post.

Advantages of Aadhaar PVC card

The new PVC card has multiple advantages, some of which are as follows:

• The small size enables you to carry it conveniently in your wallet just like your debit or credit cards
• It is safe, secure, and durable
• The digitally signed QR code with a photograph can be instantly verified offline

PVC Aadhaar application charges

The fees for an Aadhaar PVC are nominal. The UIDAI charges INR 50 that includes speed post and GST charges for the card.

How to check PVC Aadhaar card application status

Once you place your order, you can check the PVC Aadhaar card status by following the three steps mentioned below:

1. Click the ‘Check Aadhaar PVC Card Status’ option on the official UIDAI website.

2. Next, input your Aadhaar number and the captcha; followed by clicking on ‘send OTP’ or ‘send TOTP’. Once you receive the OTP/TOTP, check the ‘Terms and conditions’ box before clicking the ‘Submit’ button.

3. You will see the service request number (SRN Number) and ‘Status’ of your application; you may download the acknowledgment slip by clicking on the ‘Download Acknowledgement Slip’ tab.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible to apply for a PVC Aadhaar card?

Any individual who has an Aadhaar number can apply for a PVC Aadhaar card. Even if your mobile number is not registered with the UIDAI, you may use an alternate or unregistered number to apply for the PVC card.

How long does it take to get the PVC Aadhaar card?

Generally, the UIDAI hands over the card to the Department of Post within five working days from the date of your request. The card will be dispatched via speed post.

What are the different forms of Aadhaar?

The UIDAI issues Aadhaar in four forms, which include Aadhaar letter, mAadhaar, eAadhaar, and PVC card. The Aadhaar letter is a laminated paper that is sent to individuals in case of new enrolments or compulsory biometric updates.

eAadhaar can be downloaded by individuals in electronic format. Moreover, the mAadhaar can be downloaded in a digital format on their phones. The PVC card is a durable pocket-sized card that can be easily carried in your wallet.

All the four forms to Aadhaar are valid identity proof and you may use any as per your choice and convenience. One type of Aadhaar does not have any preference over the other options.

How can you apply for a PVC Aadhaar card?

You may apply for the PVC card by visiting the UIDAI official website. You may use your 12-digit Aadhaar number, the 16-digit Virtual Identification Number (VID), or the 28-digit Registration ID.

You can receive the OTP or the TOTP on your registered or unregistered mobile number. After entering the OTP/TOTP, you may complete the request for a PVC card.

What is SRN?

SRN is a 28-digit Service Request Number generated after you complete the process of requesting a PVC Aadhaar card. The SRN can be seen on the payment receipt.

It is generated every time you make a request even if the payment is not made or is unsuccessful. The SRN is also displayed when you check your application or request status.

Is the Aadhaar PVC secure?

The card comprises several security features, such as a secure QR code, embossed Aadhaar logo, hologram, Guilloche pattern, micro text, printing and issue date, and ghost image.

How much is the fee to apply for an Aadhaar PVC card?

The applicable fee is INR 50, which includes the speed post charges and GST. This amount must be paid while raising the request for the PVC card.

What options are available to pay the application charges?

The application fees can be paid via multiple methods, such as UPI, net banking, and credit or debit card.

What is the AWB number?

The Airway Bill Number (AWB) is the tracking number that is generated by the Department of Post. It allows you to track the package while in transit.

Can you change the details on the Aadhaar card before applying for the PVC card?

Yes, when you raise a request for a PVC card, a preview is displayed along with all your details. However, this preview is available only if your mobile number is registered with the UIDAI. If you require any changes, you can cancel the request and return to the previous screen.

To make any changes, you will have to visit the Permanent Enrollment Center or the Self-service update portal (SSUP). After the modifications are completed, you can raise a request for the PVC card.

Can you raise a request for a PVC Aadhaar Card if your mobile number is not registered?

Yes, when you apply for a PVC card, you will receive an option to check the box that states, ‘My Mobile number is not registered’.

When you check this option, the OTP or the TOTP is sent to your alternate or unregistered mobile number.

Use this TOTP or OTP to complete the application procedure.