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—apply-aadhaar-pvc-card-2026 [2026/08/02 02:28] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(Aadhaar PVC card 2026,order Aadhaar plastic card,myaadhaar UIDAI portal,Aadhaar PVC ₹50 fee,Aadhaar Speed Post delivery,UIDAI 1947 helpline,SRN tracking PVC card,Aadhaar Act 2016,offline e-KYC QR code,non-registered mobile PVC,Aadhaar PVC dispatched,UIDAI regional office RTI,PVC card status check,Aadhaar PVC card tracking,Aadhaar PVC vs regular Aadhaar,Aadhaar PVC card for children,Aadhaar PVC card reprint,Aadhaar PVC not received,Aadhaar PVC payment methods,laser engraved Aadhaar,tamper resistant Aadhaar)&metatag-description=(Complete 2026 guide: how to apply for Aadhaar PVC card online at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in — step-by-step process, ₹50 fee, SRN tracking, Speed Post delivery, status check by mobile, PVC vs regular Aadhaar, reprint after loss, RTI escalation. Updated July 2026.)}}
 +
 +====== Order Aadhaar PVC Card Online 2026: ₹50, Speed Post, Status Tracking ======
 +
 +{{ :social:auto:apply-aadhaar-pvc-card-2026.png?direct&1200 |How to order Aadhaar PVC card 2026 — RTI Wiki citizen guide}}
 +
 +
 +<WRAP info>
 +**Quick Reply:** 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, 24x7) — 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.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Rajesh's story — "₹50 plastic Aadhaar saved my laminated paper from the airport" =====
 +
 +<WRAP center round box 80%>
 +//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
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +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 [[/apply-new-aadhaar-enrolment-2026|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-e-aadhaar-2026|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:
 +
 +  * Your **same** 12-digit Aadhaar number.
 +  * Your **photograph**, name, gender, DOB, address — laser-engraved (not printed in normal ink).
 +  * A **secure QR code** that contains your demographic + photograph data signed digitally by UIDAI — this enables **offline e-KYC** without needing the internet or an OTP.
 +  * A **tamper-resistant hologram** on the front and **micro-print** in the background.
 +  * A **Guilloche pattern** (the wavy line background like on currency notes) and a **ghost image** (faint copy of your photo) — both anti-counterfeit features.
 +  * **Issued date** and **printed date** on the back.
 +
 +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 [[https://uidai.gov.in/images/the_aadhaar_act_2016.pdf|the Aadhaar Act 2016 on UIDAI's official website]].
 +
 +What the PVC card is **NOT**:
 +
 +  * **Not a new Aadhaar.** Your Aadhaar number does not change.
 +  * **Not mandatory.** The paper Aadhaar, e-Aadhaar PDF, m-Aadhaar app are all equally valid under the Act and PMLA notifications.
 +  * **Not available offline at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra.** The Seva Kendras issue paper Aadhaar / coloured A4 printouts. The PVC card can be ordered **only** through the online myaadhaar portal.
 +  * **Not a replacement for biometric update.** If you need to update your photo or fingerprints, that's a separate process at the Seva Kendra — see our guide on [[/aadhaar-update-fees-2025-name-address-biometric-india|Aadhaar update fees and process]].
 +
 +===== 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 [[https://uidai.gov.in|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:
 +
 +  * **Aadhaar number** — the 12-digit number itself.
 +  * **VID (Virtual ID)** — the 16-digit revolving ID generated from your Aadhaar (more privacy-friendly).
 +  * **EID (Enrolment ID)** — the 28-digit ID issued at the time of original enrolment, useful if you are a recent enrolee whose Aadhaar number has not been generated yet. If you don't have your Aadhaar number handy, see our guide on [[/aadhaar-download-2026|how to check Aadhaar status and download]].
 +
 +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:
 +
 +  * An alternate mobile (any working number).
 +  * Your full name as per Aadhaar.
 +  * Date of birth.
 +  * State.
 +  * Pincode.
 +
 +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-rti|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-2026|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:
 +
 +  * Name spelling.
 +  * DOB.
 +  * Address (the **full** postal address — this is also where Speed Post will deliver).
 +  * Photograph.
 +  * Gender.
 +
 +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 [[/aadhaar-update-accepted-documents-2026|accepted documents for Aadhaar update]].
 +
 +==== Step 5 — Pay ₹50 ====
 +
 +Click "Make Payment". You'll be redirected to UIDAI's payment gateway. Options:
 +
 +  * UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM).
 +  * Net banking — all major banks.
 +  * Debit card (most cards work; some prepaid cards may be blocked).
 +  * Credit card.
 +
 +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:
 +
 +  * On myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → click "**Check Aadhaar PVC Card Status**" → enter SRN + captcha + OTP.
 +  * Via SMS — send "RPRINT <last 4 digits of Aadhaar>" to **1947** from your registered mobile.
 +
 +The status moves through these stages:
 +
 +  * **In Process** — payment received, queued for printing (1-2 days).
 +  * **In Print** — at UIDAI's secure printer (2-3 days).
 +  * **Dispatched** — handed to India Post Speed Post, with an India Post AWB number (5-7 days from order).
 +  * **Delivered** — Speed Post confirmed delivery.
 +
 +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:
 +
 +  * **ID proof** at airports (DigiYatra, CISF), railway stations, hotels, banks.
 +  * **Offline e-KYC** — anyone with a UIDAI-licensed scanner can scan the QR code and instantly verify your identity without internet (used by SIM card sellers, gas agency, post office RD).
 +  * **PMLA-compliant KYC** for new bank accounts, mutual funds, demat accounts.
 +  * **Self-attested copy** for application forms — photocopy the PVC and self-sign.
 +
 +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 =====
 +
 +<code>
 ++------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
 +| 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.             |
 ++------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
 +</code>
 +
 +===== 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:
 +
 +  * **Send SMS:** `RPRINT <last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number>` to **1947**
 +  * Example: If your Aadhaar ends in 5678, send: `RPRINT 5678` to 1947
 +  * You'll receive an SMS back with the current status (In Process / In Print / Dispatched / Delivered)
 +
 +**Prerequisites for SMS status check:**
 +
 +  * SMS must be sent from the **mobile number registered with your Aadhaar**. If your mobile is not registered, this method won't work — use the online portal's non-registered route instead.
 +  * Standard SMS rates apply (UIDAI does not charge extra for this).
 +  * The response comes within 1-5 minutes during working hours.
 +
 +**Alternative — Check status online:**
 +
 +  * Go to [[https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in|myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in]] → "Check Aadhaar PVC Card Status"
 +  * Enter your **SRN** (the 28-digit Service Request Number you received at payment) + captcha + OTP
 +  * The portal shows detailed status including the India Post AWB number once dispatched
 +
 +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 [[https://www.indiapost.gov.in/_layouts/15/dop.portal.tracking/trackconsignment.aspx|India Post Speed Post tracking]] and enter the AWB number. You'll see:
 +  * Date of booking (when UIDAI handed it to Speed Post)
 +  * Transit through sorting offices
 +  * Arrival at your local delivery post office
 +  * Out for delivery
 +  * Delivered (with date and time)
 +
 +**Step 3 — If delivery failed.** Speed Post makes **two delivery attempts**. If both fail:
 +  * The consignment is held at your local post office for **7 days**
 +  * You can collect it in person by showing ID proof and the AWB number
 +  * After 7 days unclaimed, it is **returned to sender (UIDAI)**
 +
 +**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.
 +
 +  * **Typical delivery timeline after dispatch:** 2-5 days (urban), 5-10 days (rural / hilly / NE / J&K)
 +  * **Speed Post customer care:** 1800-266-6868 or [[https://www.indiapost.gov.in|indiapost.gov.in]]
 +
 +===== 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-e-aadhaar-2026|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 |
 +
 +**Quick Reply:** 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:**
 +
 +  * The **Head of Family (HoF)** — typically the parent whose Aadhaar is linked to the family's address.
 +  * Any family member whose Aadhaar is linked to the HoF's address can be added.
 +
 +**Step-by-step for ordering a child's PVC card:**
 +
 +  * **Step 1:** Log into myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in with the HoF's Aadhaar number + OTP.
 +  * **Step 2:** Navigate to "Order Aadhaar PVC Card" → select "Member of Family".
 +  * **Step 3:** Enter the child's Aadhaar number (children get a full 12-digit Aadhaar after enrolment — baal Aadhaar is issued in blue colour for children under 5).
 +  * **Step 4:** OTP verification — the OTP goes to the **child's registered mobile** (if the child has one) or the HoF's mobile (if the child's mobile is linked to the HoF).
 +  * **Step 5:** Preview the child's details — verify name, DOB, photo.
 +  * **Step 6:** Pay ₹50 per card. Each family member's card is a separate ₹50 transaction.
 +  * **Step 7:** Note the SRN for each card separately.
 +
 +**Important notes for children's PVC cards:**
 +
 +  * **Children under 5** have baal Aadhaar (blue card). At age 5, they must do a **mandatory biometric update (MBU)** — see our guide on [[/aadhaar-child-biometric-update-mbu-free-2026-india|free biometric update at age 5]].
 +  * After the MBU at age 5, the child's Aadhaar is converted to a regular (white) Aadhaar. You can then order a PVC card with the updated biometric data.
 +  * **Children between 5-15** also need a biometric update at age 15. Order the PVC card **after** completing the age-15 update so the card has the latest photo.
 +  * The OTP for ordering always goes to the **registered mobile** — if the child doesn't have a mobile, link the parent's mobile to the child's Aadhaar first.
 +
 +===== 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):**
 +
 +  * Go to **myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in** → "Order Aadhaar PVC Card"
 +  * Enter your Aadhaar number + captcha + OTP
 +  * Preview details (unchanged from your last order)
 +  * Pay ₹50 again
 +  * Get a new SRN
 +  * Card is printed and dispatched in 10-15 days
 +
 +**Key points about reprints:**
 +
 +  * **No additional fee for reprint** — it's the standard ₹50, same as a first-time order.
 +  * **No limit on reorders** — you can order as many times as you need (but only one order per Aadhaar can be "In Process" at a time; wait for the current order to complete or be cancelled before placing a new one).
 +  * **Duplicate order block** — if a PVC order is already "In Process" or "In Print", a second order on the same Aadhaar will be blocked for 30 days. Wait, or check the existing SRN status first.
 +  * **Damaged card with wrong data?** If the card was printed correctly but your data has since changed (address update, name correction), first update your Aadhaar data, then order a fresh PVC card with the corrected information. See [[/aadhaar-correction-rti|Aadhaar correction guide]].
 +  * **Lost card security concern?** A lost PVC card cannot be "deactivated" — it carries no chip, no dynamic data. The QR code is digitally signed but contains only demographic data (no biometric). However, if you're concerned about misuse, you can [[/aadhaar-biometric-locked-authentication-failed-india|lock your Aadhaar biometrics]] as a precaution.
 +
 +===== 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:**
 +
 +  * **UPI** — PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM, Amazon Pay, and any UPI-enabled app
 +  * **Net banking** — all major Indian banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Kotak, PNB, BoB, and 50+ others)
 +  * **Debit card** — Visa, Mastercard, RuPay (most cards work; some prepaid cards may be blocked)
 +  * **Credit card** — Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, Amex (select gateways)
 +
 +**Payment troubleshooting:**
 +
 +  * **Payment debited but SRN not generated?** This happens when the bank's payment gateway times out. UIDAI auto-refunds within **5-7 working days**. If no refund comes, raise a complaint at [[https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in|myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in]] with your payment reference number (from your bank statement or UPI app).
 +  * **UPI payment failed?** Try a different UPI app or switch to net banking. The UIDAI payment gateway is operated by BillDesk/CC Avenue and occasionally has temporary outages.
 +  * **International card?** Not accepted. Only Indian-issued cards work. NRIs must use an Indian payment method (UPI through an Indian bank account, or net banking).
 +  * **Need a receipt for reimbursement?** The payment confirmation page has a downloadable PDF receipt with the SRN, transaction ID, and GST details. Save it immediately — re-downloading later requires logging into myaadhaar.
 +
 +===== 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 ====
 +
 +  * **1947** — works from any landline / mobile, 24x7 (English, Hindi + 12 regional languages).
 +  * Email: **[email protected]**.
 +  * Best for: order status, SRN tracking, payment refund, dispatch query.
 +  * Keep ready: SRN, Aadhaar number (last 4 digits enough), payment receipt.
 +  * **Expected response:** 24-48 hours for email; immediate for phone.
 +
 +==== Rung 2 — UIDAI on social media ====
 +
 +  * Twitter / X: **@UIDAI** and **@uidaitechsupport** — public tweets get faster answers than DMs in our experience.
 +  * UIDAI Facebook page.
 +  * Mention SRN and a one-line problem; do **not** post your full Aadhaar number publicly.
 +
 +==== 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 [[https://uidai.gov.in/en/contact-us.html|UIDAI Contact Us → Regional Offices]].
 +
 +==== Rung 4 — CPGRAMS ====
 +
 +  * **https://pgportal.gov.in** → ministry "Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)" → "Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)".
 +  * 30-day SLA, automatically routed to the relevant Regional Office.
 +  * Useful for documented escalation — every action is timestamped on the portal.
 +
 +==== 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-for-beginners|RTI in 12 simple steps for first-time filers]] first, or use [[/ai-to-draft-your-rti|AI to draft your RTI application]].
 +
 +**RTI helps here when:**
 +
 +  * Speed Post status shows "Delivered" but you never received the card — RTI to PIO at your Regional Office for the **dispatch trail, AWB number, postman acknowledgement signature, and date of physical handover**.
 +  * Card was returned-to-sender by Speed Post and re-dispatch hasn't happened despite a fresh request — RTI for the **return reason recorded by Speed Post and the next dispatch date**.
 +  * SRN status has been stuck on "In Process" for more than 21 days and helpline / CPGRAMS gave only stock replies — RTI for the **internal note on the SRN and the cause of delay**.
 +  * Payment ₹50 was debited from your bank but no SRN was issued and no refund came — RTI for the **payment reconciliation log between PG and UIDAI for that transaction**.
 +
 +See the dedicated guide: [[/rti-for-aadhaar-update-rejected|RTI for Aadhaar update rejected — copy-ready template]] (the same template structure works for PVC card disputes — just change the subject line). Also see [[/aadhaar-status-rti|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|RTI form format and state-wise fee chart]].
 +
 +**RTI does NOT help here when:**
 +
 +  * You want to **change the photograph or address** on the card — that's a biometric / demographic update at the Seva Kendra, not an RTI matter.
 +  * You want UIDAI to **deliver to an address different** from the registered Aadhaar address — they cannot legally do that; first update Aadhaar address.
 +  * You want the Aadhaar Act / UIDAI policy explained — RTI is for "information held", not for **legal opinions** or for explanation of why the law is structured a certain way. See [[/section-8-rti-exemptions|RTI Section 8 exemptions]] for what can't be disclosed.
 +  * You ordered yesterday and just want a status — wait the 10-15 day SLA. PIOs treat premature RTIs as an irritant and reply "matter is under processing".
 +  * You want a **fresh Aadhaar number** because you have privacy concerns about the existing one — UIDAI does not re-issue Aadhaar numbers (except in the rare deactivation/re-enrolment cases under §28). See [[/aadhaar-deactivated-suspended-reactivation-uidai|Aadhaar deactivation and reactivation guide]].
 +
 +===== Common reasons your PVC card order gets stuck =====
 +
 +  * **Registered mobile is not active.** SIM lost, number ported, or the registered number is no longer with you. OTP doesn't arrive. Fix: try the non-registered-mobile route; or visit a Seva Kendra and update mobile (₹50, separate process).
 +  * **Aadhaar in "exception" condition.** If the original enrolment had no usable biometrics (very young child, elderly with worn fingerprints, certain disabilities), the system may flag the Aadhaar as biometric-exception and certain online services either go through extra checks or fail. Visit Seva Kendra for biometric update. See [[/aadhaar-biometric-locked-authentication-failed-india| Aadhaar biometric locked / authentication failed guide]].
 +  * **Address mismatch with Speed Post delivery.** Your registered Aadhaar address might be your father's village house, but you're physically in Bengaluru. Speed Post delivers to the registered address only. Either get someone to receive there, or first update your Aadhaar address (online, free, with proof of new address), then order PVC.
 +  * **Speed Post cannot find address (rural / new layout).** Pincode correct but house number / landmark unclear. Postman attempts, fails, returns. Fix: track via India Post tracking; if returned, file complaint at indiapost.gov.in or write to UIDAI for re-dispatch.
 +  * **Duplicate order attempt.** If a PVC card order is already "In Process" / "In Print", a second order on the same Aadhaar will be blocked for 30 days. Wait, or check the existing SRN status.
 +  * **Payment debited but SRN not generated.** Bank's gateway hiccup. Money is auto-refunded by UIDAI in 5-7 working days. If not, raise a complaint with payment reference number.
 +  * **Card delivered but in wrong / damaged condition.** Visible damage to PVC, wrong photo, blurred QR. Email **[email protected]** with photos within 7 days for a free re-print.
 +
 +===== 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 [[/download-e-aadhaar-2026|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 [[/aadhaar-child-biometric-update-mbu-free-2026-india|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-2026|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-rti|Aadhaar correction process]] or [[/aadhaar-update-fees-2025-name-address-biometric-india|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 [[/pan-aadhaar-fraud-recovery|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 [[/aadhaar-services|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 [[/aadhaar-biometric-locked-authentication-failed-india|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 =====
 +
 +<WRAP round box 95%>
 +**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):**
 +  * [[https://uidai.gov.in|UIDAI official website — uidai.gov.in]]
 +  * [[https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in|MyAadhaar portal — myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in]]
 +  * [[https://uidai.gov.in/en/about-uidai/about-uidai-2.html|About UIDAI — statutory authority under MeitY]]
 +  * [[https://uidai.gov.in/images/the_aadhaar_act_2016.pdf|The Aadhaar Act, 2016 (full text)]]
 +  * [[https://uidai.gov.in/en/contact-us.html|UIDAI Contact Us — Regional Offices and helpline]]
 +  * [[https://www.indiapost.gov.in|India Post — Speed Post tracking]]
 +  * [[https://pgportal.gov.in|CPGRAMS — Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System]]
 +
 +**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 [[https://uidai.gov.in|uidai.gov.in]] or [[https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in|myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in]]. Write to [email protected] if you spot anything outdated.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Related on RTI Wiki =====
 +
 +  * [[/download-e-aadhaar-2026|How to download e-Aadhaar PDF — free, in 2 minutes]]
 +  * [[/aadhaar-download-2026|Aadhaar download and status check guide]]
 +  * [[/apply-new-aadhaar-enrolment-2026|How to apply for new Aadhaar enrolment]]
 +  * [[/aadhaar-update-fees-2025-name-address-biometric-india|Aadhaar update fees — name, address, biometric]]
 +  * [[/aadhaar-update-status-check-2026|Check Aadhaar update status online]]
 +  * [[/aadhaar-update-accepted-documents-2026|Accepted documents for Aadhaar update]]
 +  * [[/aadhaar-correction-rti|Aadhaar correction process and RTI]]
 +  * [[/aadhaar-child-biometric-update-mbu-free-2026-india|Free child biometric update at age 5 and 15]]
 +  * [[/aadhaar-biometric-locked-authentication-failed-india|Aadhaar biometric locked / authentication failed]]
 +  * [[/aadhaar-deactivated-suspended-reactivation-uidai|Aadhaar deactivated — reactivation guide]]
 +  * [[/aadhaar-status-rti|RTI for Aadhaar status check]]
 +  * [[/rti-for-aadhaar-update-rejected|RTI for Aadhaar update rejected — template]]
 +  * [[/rti-for-beginners|RTI in 12 simple steps — for first-time filers]]
 +  * [[/rti-form-format|RTI form format + state-wise fee chart]]
 +  * [[/ai-to-draft-your-rti|Use AI to draft your RTI application]]
 +  * [[/section-8-rti-exemptions|RTI Section 8 exemptions — what can't be disclosed]]
 +  * [[/aadhaar-services|All Aadhaar services and acceptance]]
 +  * [[/citizen-rti-playbook|Citizen's RTI playbook — strategies and templates]]
 +  * [[/top-rti-websites-india|Top RTI websites and portals in India]]
 +  * [[/pan-aadhaar-fraud-recovery|Aadhaar/PAN fraud recovery guide]]
 +
 +//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 [[https://uidai.gov.in|uidai.gov.in]] or write to [email protected] if you spot anything outdated.//
 +
 +{{tag>aadhaar aadhaar-pvc-card uidai myaadhaar-portal aadhaar-act-2016 speed-post-aadhaar offline-ekyc qr-code section-3-aadhaar 1947-helpline citizen-guide help-first 2026 pvc-card-status pvc-card-tracking pvc-vs-regular-aadhaar pvc-card-children pvc-card-reprint pvc-card-fee pvc-card-rti}}
  
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