How To Apply For PVC Aadhaar Card Online?

Aadhaar number is now an integral part of personal documents. It is an identity proof and, at times, also used as address proof. The single document that bears one’s name, age, address, photo, and biometric details. Aadhaar number has a long list of usage ranging from opening bank accounts, getting a mobile connection, applying for a passport, availing subsidies on various government schemes,  filing tax to availing services such as e-KYC, digital lockers, etc.

“Aadhaar system provides single-source offline/online identity verification across the country for the Aadhaar number holders. Since Aadhaar is a universal identity accepted across the whole country, the Aadhaar system enables mobility to millions of people who migrate from one part of the country to another by providing a portable proof of identity that can be verified through Aadhaar authentication online anytime, anywhere.”

Aadhaar was introduced in 2010 when it was issued only in paper (Aadhaar Letter) form, but due to its size and the inconvenience of carrying it, the government launched the PVC Aadhaar card in 2020. The Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Aadhaar is a plastic card with Aadhaar details printed on it.

Benefits Of Holding A PVC Aadhaar Card

The benefits it offers include a tamper-proof QR code, a hologram, micro text, ghost image, issue date and print date, guilloche pattern, and an embossed Aadhaar Logo. 

PVC Aadhaar card is durable, easy to carry, and comes with an additional security feature to prevent unauthorised use or duplicate card creation. Further, it can be used for verification or authentication even without the internet, using its QR code. As the plastic card is small and does not easily get damaged, users can carry it in their wallets.

How To Apply For A PVC Aadhaar Card Online?

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

Step 2: Enter the security code and 12-digit Aadhaar number or 28-digit Aadhaar enrolment ID

Step 3: An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number. Enter the OTP, check the terms and conditions, and tick the checkbox

Step 4: Click ‘Submit’ to complete OTP verification

Step 5: The next screen will show the preview of Aadhaar details. Verify and place the order to print the PVC Aadhaar

Step 6: The next step is payment. Click ‘Make Payment’. It will open the Payment Gateway page with different payment options. Select the option (debit card, credit card, Net banking, UPI, etc.)

Step 7: Once the payment is done, the screen will show the receipt with a digital signature. The applicant can download this receipt in PDF format

An SMS will be sent to the applicant acknowledging the application. One can track the status of the supplication on the Check Aadhaar Card Status on the website. The card will be sent to the applicant by the Department of Post (DoP). SMS will have AWB details with which one can track the dispatch status from the DoP website.

The cost involved in applying for a PVC Aadhaar is Rs 50, and the card is delivered at the address of the applicant.