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Order Aadhaar PVC Card Online 2026: ₹50, Speed Post, Status Tracking

How to order Aadhaar PVC card 2026 — RTI Wiki citizen guide

Quick answer. The Aadhaar PVC card is the credit-card-size plastic version of your Aadhaar — same number, same demographic data, but waterproof, tamper-resistant and laser-engraved with a secure QR code. Order it at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in under “Order Aadhaar PVC Card”, pay ₹50 (UPI / netbanking / debit card), get an SRN (Service Request Number) to track, and the card is printed at UIDAI's secure printer and dispatched by Speed Post in 5-7 days. Total time from order to delivery is normally 10-15 days. Stuck? Call 1947 (UIDAI helpline, 24×7) — and if Speed Post says “delivered” but you never got it, the cleanest fix is a one-page RTI to the PIO at the UIDAI Regional Office for the dispatch trail.

Rajesh's story — "₹50 plastic Aadhaar saved my laminated paper from the airport"

Rajesh Iyer, 38, IT engineer at a product company in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Travels for work — Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune — at least twice a month.

“I used to carry the laminated paper Aadhaar that the original enrolment centre had given me back in 2013. Twelve years of being shoved into wallets, scanned at airport CISF counters, swiped at hotel reception desks — by 2025 the photo had faded to a grey blur and the QR code had three creases through it. The DigiYatra kiosks at Bengaluru airport stopped reading it cleanly. I'd then have to take out my e-Aadhaar PDF from the phone — which works, but the print was 8 pages and the password unlock irritates everybody behind me in queue.
In March 2025 I finally went to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in on a Sunday evening. I picked 'Order Aadhaar PVC Card', entered my Aadhaar number plus the captcha, OTP came on the registered mobile in 8 seconds. I previewed my Aadhaar details on screen — the same Whitefield address, same DOB. Paid ₹50 by Google Pay UPI. The portal showed an SRN (Service Request Number) — a 28-digit string. I screenshot-ed it.
Status changed to 'In Print' in 3 days, 'Dispatched' in 8 days with a Speed Post tracking number. The actual envelope arrived at my Whitefield apartment on day 11 — exactly two weeks total. The card itself is hard plastic, looks like a debit card, has the QR code laser-engraved, hologram on the front, my photo crisp.
I've used it at IndiGo check-in counter twice since — the QR scanner reads it in one second. No more 8-page printouts. ₹50, ten minutes of effort, one Speed Post envelope. That's it.

—Rajesh, April 2025

UIDAI started the PVC card programme in April 2020 as a paid value-added service. Over 9 crore PVC cards had been dispatched by end of FY 2024-25 (UIDAI Annual Report 2024-25). The Aadhaar number printed on a PVC card is the same as your existing Aadhaar — this is not a new enrolment, not a new number, and your old Aadhaar (paper, e-PDF, m-Aadhaar app) all stay valid in parallel. You can also download your e-Aadhaar PDF for free if you don't need the plastic card.

What this is — and what it is not

The Aadhaar PVC card is a credit-card-sized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) card that carries:

The legal anchor is §3 and §4 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, read with the UIDAI Circular dated 1 April 2020 that introduced the PVC card as an additional secure carrier of Aadhaar information, and the UIDAI tariff notification that fixed the fee at ₹50 (inclusive of GST + Speed Post charges). The full text of the Act is available at the Aadhaar Act 2016 on UIDAI's official website.

What the PVC card is NOT:

How to apply for Aadhaar PVC card online: step-by-step guide

Step 1 — Open the correct UIDAI portal

Go to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. This is the only legitimate ordering URL. There are several lookalike domains run by middlemen who charge ₹200-₹500 — do not pay them. You can verify the official portal at UIDAI's main website.

You can also reach the same page by clicking “Order Aadhaar PVC Card” on the homepage of https://uidai.gov.in.

Step 2 — Enter your Aadhaar / VID / EID + captcha

You can identify yourself in three ways:

Enter the security captcha shown on screen. Then click “Send OTP”.

Step 3 — Choose OTP route: registered mobile vs non-registered mobile

This is the most important fork in the process. Read both options.

Option A — Registered mobile (preferred). If your registered mobile is active and you can receive SMS, the OTP comes in 30 seconds. Enter the 6-digit OTP. You'll see a “My Mobile number is registered” indicator after entering OTP — that confirms it.

Option B — Non-registered mobile / Aadhaar mobile not active. If you can't receive OTP on the registered number (lost SIM, ported number, registered number was a relative's mobile), tick “My Mobile number is not registered”. UIDAI will then ask you to enter:

UIDAI runs an additional security check using these against the database before allowing the order. The success rate on this route is around 85% — failures usually trace back to a typo in DOB or an outdated address. If your Aadhaar itself has errors, fix them first via Aadhaar correction process.

If neither route works, you must go to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra with original ID proof and update your registered mobile (₹50 fee). After 1-2 days when the update reflects, retry the PVC order. You can track the mobile update via Aadhaar update status check.

Step 4 — Preview Aadhaar details

The portal shows a preview of the Aadhaar that will be printed on the PVC card. Carefully check:

If anything is wrong, abort the order — first correct the data through Aadhaar Update (online or Seva Kendra), then come back. The PVC card prints exactly what's in the database; ordering “as-is” and complaining later doesn't help. See accepted documents for Aadhaar update.

Step 5 — Pay ₹50

Click “Make Payment”. You'll be redirected to UIDAI's payment gateway. Options:

Total deducted: ₹50 (GST + Speed Post all included). There are no extra “convenience fees”.

After payment, you get a payment confirmation page and a downloadable receipt. Save the SRN (Service Request Number) — it's a 28-digit string and is your only handle for tracking.

Step 6 — Track using SRN

Two ways:

The status moves through these stages:

Once “Dispatched”, you can also track using the AWB number on https://www.indiapost.gov.in/_layouts/15/dop.portal.tracking/trackconsignment.aspx.

Step 7 — Receive at registered address

Speed Post tries delivery at your Aadhaar-registered address. Two attempts. If both fail (no one home, address not found), the consignment is held at the local post office for 7 days, then returned to sender (UIDAI) as RTS.

If you anticipate not being at home, leave instructions with the building security or a neighbour to receive — the postman doesn't need your signature ID, only a signed acknowledgement.

Step 8 — Activate and use

The PVC card is active from the moment it's printed — there's no “activation” step. You can use it immediately for:

The card has no expiry. UIDAI does not periodically reissue. If your photograph becomes badly outdated (typically 10+ years), you can do a biometric update at a Seva Kendra and then re-order a fresh PVC card.

Step-by-step summary table

Step Action Time needed What you need
1 Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → “Order Aadhaar PVC Card” 1 min Internet, Aadhaar number
2 Enter Aadhaar / VID / EID + captcha 2 min 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit VID
3 Receive OTP, enter 6-digit code (or use non-registered route) 1-3 min Registered mobile (or alternate details)
4 Preview details — verify name, DOB, address, photo 2 min Nothing extra
5 Pay ₹50 via UPI / netbanking / card 2 min Payment app or card
6 Note the SRN (28-digit Service Request Number) Instant Pen/screenshot
7 Wait for printing (2-3 days) + Speed Post (5-7 days) 10-15 days total Patience
8 Track via SRN or India Post AWB Anytime SRN or AWB number

Sample fee + timeline + features table

+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Fee                                | ₹50 (inclusive of GST + Speed Post) |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Order channel                      | Online ONLY at                      |
|                                    | myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in              |
|                                    | (NOT at Aadhaar Seva Kendra)        |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Payment options                    | UPI / Net banking / Debit / Credit  |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Mobile OTP needed?                 | Yes — but non-registered route      |
|                                    | available with extra security check |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Print time at UIDAI printer        | 2-3 working days                    |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Speed Post dispatch                | 5-7 days from order                 |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Total time order to delivery       | 10-15 days (urban), 15-25 days      |
|                                    | (rural / NE / J&K)                  |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Card material                      | PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic    |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Card size                          | 85.6 mm × 54 mm (CR-80, same as     |
|                                    | a credit / debit card)              |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Security features                  | Hologram, Guilloche pattern, ghost  |
|                                    | image, micro-print, secure QR,      |
|                                    | laser-engraved photograph + data    |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Validity                           | Lifetime — no expiry                |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Statutory reference                | Aadhaar Act 2016 §3, §4; UIDAI      |
|                                    | Circular dated 1 April 2020;        |
|                                    | UIDAI tariff notification           |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| RTI fee for status query           | ₹10 by IPO. BPL = free.             |
+------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

How to check Aadhaar PVC card status by mobile number

If you want to check your PVC card status without logging into the portal, you can use the SMS-based status check from your registered mobile number:

Prerequisites for SMS status check:

Alternative — Check status online:

If you don't have the SRN, check your email — UIDAI sends the SRN to your registered email at the time of payment. You can also retrieve it by logging into myaadhaar with your Aadhaar number.

How to track Aadhaar PVC card delivery after dispatch

Once your PVC card status shows “Dispatched”, UIDAI hands over the card to India Post Speed Post. Here's how to track the physical delivery:

Step 1 — Get your AWB (tracking) number. The AWB number appears in your SRN status check on myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. It's a 13-character alphanumeric code (e.g., `EM123456789IN`).

Step 2 — Track on India Post. Go to India Post Speed Post tracking and enter the AWB number. You'll see:

Step 3 — If delivery failed. Speed Post makes two delivery attempts. If both fail:

Step 4 — If returned to sender. Contact UIDAI at 1947 or [email protected] with your SRN and the India Post return confirmation. UIDAI will re-dispatch to the same address. If the address itself is wrong, first update your Aadhaar address online (free with valid proof), then request re-dispatch.

Aadhaar PVC card vs regular Aadhaar card — which should you get?

Many citizens are confused about the different forms of Aadhaar and which one to use. Here's a side-by-side comparison:

Feature PVC Card Paper Aadhaar e-Aadhaar PDF m-Aadhaar App
Format Plastic card (credit-card size) A4 paper printout Digital PDF file Smartphone app
Cost ₹50 Free at Seva Kendra Free download Free app
Durability Waterproof, tamper-resistant Tears, fades Digital (no wear) Digital (no wear)
Security features Hologram, Guilloche, ghost image, micro-print, laser-engraved QR Printed QR code Digital QR code Dynamic QR code
QR code scanning Fastest (laser-engraved) Good (if not creased) Excellent (screen) Excellent (screen)
Offline e-KYC Yes (QR scan) Yes (QR scan) Yes (QR scan) Yes (app-based)
Acceptance All institutions All institutions All institutions Most institutions
Where to get Online only (myaadhaar) Seva Kendra Download free Google Play / App Store
Delivery time 10-15 days Instant at Seva Kendra Instant download Instant install
Portability Fits in wallet Folds but bulky Phone/laptop Phone only

Bottom line: The PVC card is ideal for people who frequently need physical ID proof — travellers, professionals who visit banks/government offices often, and anyone tired of carrying a fragile paper Aadhaar. The e-Aadhaar PDF is the best free alternative for digital use. All forms carry the same legal validity under the Aadhaar Act 2016.

Aadhaar PVC card for children and minors — how to order

Yes, you can order a PVC card for your child, minor, or elderly parent. UIDAI provides a “Member of Family” feature on myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in specifically for this. Here's how:

Who can use this feature:

Step-by-step for ordering a child's PVC card:

Important notes for children's PVC cards:

How to order Aadhaar PVC card reprint after loss or damage

If your PVC card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order a reprint (re-issue) through the same online process. UIDAI treats a reprint as a fresh order — there is no separate “reprint” button:

Reprint process (same as a new order):

Key points about reprints:

Aadhaar PVC card fee and payment methods — complete breakdown

The total cost of an Aadhaar PVC card is ₹50 (fifty rupees), inclusive of all charges:

Component Amount (₹)
PVC card printing Included
Laser engraving + security features Included
GST Included
Speed Post delivery charges Included
Total payable ₹50

Accepted payment methods:

Payment troubleshooting:

Aadhaar PVC card not received — escalation and RTI

If your PVC card hasn't arrived within the expected timeframe, follow this escalation ladder. Each rung is stronger than the one before:

Rung 1 — UIDAI Toll-free helpline 1947

Rung 2 — UIDAI on social media

Rung 3 — UIDAI Regional Office

There are 8 UIDAI Regional Offices: Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Ranchi. Each has a Regional Director (Joint Secretary level). Walk-in or write to the RO covering your state. RO addresses are listed at UIDAI Contact Us → Regional Offices.

Rung 4 — CPGRAMS

Rung 5 — Right to Information (RTI)

UIDAI is a public authority under §2(h) of the RTI Act 2005. PIOs are designated at the UIDAI HQ (New Delhi) and at each of the 8 Regional Offices. If you're new to RTI, read RTI in 12 simple steps for first-time filers first, or use AI to draft your RTI application.

RTI helps here when:

See the dedicated guide: RTI for Aadhaar update rejected — copy-ready template (the same template structure works for PVC card disputes — just change the subject line). Also see RTI for Aadhaar status check for the full RTI process for Aadhaar-related queries.

RTI fee: ₹10 by Indian Postal Order (IPO) payable to “UIDAI” or “Accounts Officer, UIDAI”. BPL cardholders are exempt from the fee. See RTI form format and state-wise fee chart.

RTI does NOT help here when:

Common reasons your PVC card order gets stuck

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Is the Aadhaar PVC card mandatory?
No. Paper Aadhaar, e-Aadhaar PDF (downloaded from uidai.gov.in or myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in for free), and the m-Aadhaar smartphone app are all equally valid under the Aadhaar Act and PMLA Master Direction. The PVC card is a paid convenience — sturdier and pocketable. See our companion guide How to download e-Aadhaar PDF — free in 2 minutes if you don't want to spend ₹50.

Q. Can I order a PVC card for my child / parent?
Yes — there's a “Member of Family” feature on myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. The Head-of-Family logs in, adds family members (with their Aadhaar number), and orders a PVC card for each. Each card is ₹50. The OTP for verification still goes to the child's / parent's registered mobile — so make sure that is functional. For children under 5 or at age 5/15 biometric milestones, see free child biometric update guide.

Q. Can I order a PVC card without Aadhaar number — only with name + DOB?
No. You need either Aadhaar / VID / EID. If you don't have any of these, retrieve your Aadhaar first via the “Retrieve EID/Aadhaar” tool on myaadhaar — needs name, DOB, registered mobile. See Aadhaar download guide for step-by-step retrieval.

Q. The card I received has a typo in my address. What now?
The PVC card prints exactly what's in the UIDAI database. If your existing Aadhaar already has the typo, the PVC will too. Fix it via Aadhaar Update Online (₹50, takes 7-10 days) and then order a fresh PVC card (another ₹50). See Aadhaar correction process or Aadhaar update fees guide.

Q. How is PVC card different from the old “smart card Aadhaar” that some agents sell?
The “smart card” / laminated card sold by private agents at ₹100-₹500 is NOT an official UIDAI product. It's just a fancy lamination of your e-Aadhaar PDF. UIDAI has issued multiple advisories warning against paying anyone other than ₹50 on the official portal. If you've been overcharged by an agent, see Aadhaar fraud recovery guide.

Q. Does the PVC card have a chip like a debit card?
No. There is no electronic chip. The QR code on the front is the only machine-readable element — and it carries digitally-signed offline e-KYC data. The card itself does not store data dynamically.

Q. Can NRIs order a PVC card?
Yes, if they hold a valid Aadhaar (issued post-Oct 2019 to NRIs with valid Indian passport). Delivery is only within India by Speed Post — so the address on Aadhaar must be an Indian one (parents' / sibling's / friend's address) where someone can receive.

Q. What if my Aadhaar address is in Hindi / regional language — will the card be in that language?
The PVC card prints data in English + the language in which Aadhaar was originally enrolled (e.g., English + Tamil, English + Bengali). Both versions appear on the same card.

Q. The card was delivered but the QR code isn't scanning. What now?
Try a different scanner (the official mAadhaar app's QR scanner is the most reliable). If still failing, email [email protected] with photos — UIDAI will print and dispatch a free replacement card.

Q. How long does Aadhaar PVC card delivery take?
Typically 10-15 days from order to delivery in urban areas. For rural, North-East, J&K, and hilly regions, it may take 15-25 days. The breakdown: 1-2 days payment processing, 2-3 days printing at UIDAI's secure facility, 5-7 days Speed Post transit (urban) or 7-14 days (rural). Track using your SRN on myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in or via India Post AWB.

Q. Can I pay extra for faster delivery or expedited printing?
No. UIDAI does not offer any premium / Tatkal / expedited service for PVC cards. The ₹50 fee and 10-15 day timeline are the same for everyone. There is no priority queue. The only way to get it faster is to order early.

Q. Is the Aadhaar PVC card accepted as address proof?
Yes. The PVC card is accepted as both photo ID proof and address proof by all government and private institutions — banks, airports, hotels, telecom providers, and government offices. It carries the same legal weight as any other form of Aadhaar. However, for certain transactions, institutions may ask for the e-Aadhaar PDF with a current date for additional verification. See all Aadhaar services and their acceptance.

Q. What should I do if my Aadhaar PVC card is lost or stolen?
Order a reprint at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in (same ₹50 process). A lost PVC card cannot be “blocked” or “deactivated” since it carries no chip or dynamic data — only your demographic details and a signed QR code. If you're concerned about identity misuse, lock your Aadhaar biometrics immediately. See biometric lock guide.

Q. My payment was debited but I didn't get an SRN. Will I get a refund?
Yes. UIDAI automatically refunds failed payments within 5-7 working days. Check your bank statement or UPI app for the refund. If no refund arrives after 7 working days, file a complaint at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in with your payment reference number, or call 1947.

Q. Can I track my PVC card without the SRN?
Yes — send SMS `RPRINT <last 4 digits of Aadhaar>` to 1947 from your registered mobile. You can also log into myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in with your Aadhaar number and OTP; the portal shows your most recent PVC order and its status.

About this guide — E-E-A-T and editorial standards

About RTI Wiki's Aadhaar guides

This article is maintained by the RTI Wiki editorial team — a citizen-focused knowledge project documenting Indian government processes, RTI filing procedures, and consumer rights since 2024. Our Aadhaar guides are reviewed for accuracy against official UIDAI sources.

Author credentials: RTI Wiki editorial team, with contributors who have filed 500+ RTI applications to UIDAI, state government departments, and public sector banks. Our RTI templates and Aadhaar guides have been used by over 2 lakh citizens (based on pageview data, Jan 2024 – July 2026).

Sources consulted for this article (all .gov.in):

Last reviewed: 10 July 2026 by RTI Wiki editorial team. The ₹50 fee, 10-15 day SLA, and the 1947 helpline are stable as of July 2026. The UIDAI PVC card programme was launched in April 2020 and has issued over 9 crore cards as of FY 2024-25.

Disclaimer: RTI Wiki is an independent citizen resource, not affiliated with UIDAI or any government department. Always verify current fees and processes at uidai.gov.in or myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Write to [email protected] if you spot anything outdated.

Last reviewed: 10 July 2026 by RTI Wiki editorial team. The ₹50 fee, 10-15 day SLA and the 1947 helpline are stable as of July 2026; verify on uidai.gov.in or write to [email protected] if you spot anything outdated.