How to Order a PVC Aadhaar Card
Order a tamper-proof PVC Aadhaar card with security features for a small fee through the UIDAI portal — works even if you don't have a mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- uidai.gov.in ↗
- Application Mode
- Online
- Validity
- Lifetime
- Issuing Authority
- UIDAI
- Online
- Available
- Offline
- Not available
The PVC Aadhaar card is UIDAI's polycarbonate version of your Aadhaar — same data as the old paper card, but with security features (hologram, micro-text, ghost image, QR code) and a more durable build. UIDAI charges a fixed fee per card and dispatches by India Post.
Your registered address on Aadhaar is the delivery address. If you've moved, update the address before placing the order — otherwise the card lands at the old address.
If you don't have a registered mobile, UIDAI provides a fallback that lets you verify with a one-time OTP on an alternate mobile, so you're not locked out of ordering.
Eligibility
- You hold an Aadhaar.
- Either your registered mobile is active for OTP, or you can use a non-registered mobile via the 'Order with Non-Registered Mobile' option.
Required documents
Aadhaar / VID / Enrolment ID
RequiredIdentifies which Aadhaar record to print on the PVC card.
Any one of: 12-digit Aadhaar, 16-digit Virtual ID (VID), or 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID).
digitalMobile number
RequiredOTP authentication to confirm you are authorised to order the PVC card.
Aadhaar-linked or alternate (a fallback flow exists for non-registered mobiles).
digital
Step-by-step process
- 1
Open the PVC Aadhaar order page
Log in to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and choose 'Order Aadhaar PVC Card'.
myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in ↗ - 2
Enter Aadhaar / VID / EID
Type your Aadhaar (or VID / EID) and captcha.
- 3
Choose OTP destination
If your registered mobile is available, choose 'Send OTP'. Otherwise pick 'My mobile number is not registered' and enter an alternate mobile.
- 4
Verify with OTP
Enter the OTP to authenticate the request.
- 5
Preview the details
Confirm the name, address, and photo shown for the PVC print.
- 6
Pay the order fee
Pay via UPI, net banking, debit / credit card.
- 7
Track delivery with the SRN
You'll receive a Service Request Number (SRN). The PVC card is dispatched by India Post — track with the SRN on myAadhaar.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
uidai.gov.in
Who issues this?
- Issuing Office
- Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
- Approving Officer
- UIDAI Regional Director
- For Offline Applications
- Not applicable — PVC card ordering is online only
What happens after applying
- 1
Order placed
You authenticate via OTP, preview your Aadhaar details, and pay the fee. An SRN is generated.
- 2
Card printing
UIDAI prints the PVC card at a secured facility with hologram, ghost image, micro-text, and QR code security features.
- 3
India Post dispatch
The PVC card is handed to India Post for delivery to your registered Aadhaar address.
- 4
Delivery
India Post delivers the PVC card by Speed Post. Track using the SRN on myAadhaar or the India Post tracking portal.
Common mistakes & rejection reasons
Outdated address on Aadhaar before ordering
Why: UIDAI dispatches the PVC card to the address currently on your Aadhaar record. If you've moved and not updated Aadhaar, the card goes to the old address.
Fix: Update your Aadhaar address online via myAadhaar first. Wait for the update to reflect, then place the PVC order.
Entering the wrong alternate mobile
Why: If you use the non-registered mobile fallback but enter an incorrect number, the OTP is lost and the order cannot proceed.
Fix: Double-check the alternate mobile before clicking 'Send OTP'. Use the registered mobile if available.
Not noting the SRN after ordering
Why: The SRN is the only tracking reference for your PVC card delivery. Without it, you cannot track or raise a complaint.
Fix: Screenshot or write down the SRN immediately after the order confirmation. It is also sent to your mobile.
Expecting the PVC card to replace the old Aadhaar
Why: The PVC card is a new physical format, not a replacement of older Aadhaar. The old paper format remains equally valid.
Fix: Keep your e-Aadhaar PDF as a backup regardless. The PVC card is an additional convenience, not mandatory.
Ordering PVC for a minor whose face has significantly changed
Why: The PVC card is printed with the photo on record in UIDAI's database. For children, the stored photo may be outdated.
Fix: Update the child's Aadhaar photo at an enrolment centre before ordering the PVC card if the stored photo is outdated.
Special situations
Your Aadhaar address is in a remote or difficult-to-access location▾
India Post Speed Post delivers to most PIN codes, but remote areas may see longer delivery timelines. Track with the SRN and contact the local post office if undelivered.
Ordering PVC for a child whose Aadhaar was created at birth▾
Baal Aadhaar (blue Aadhaar for children under 5) does not have biometrics. A PVC card can still be ordered, but it will not have fingerprint data.
Your PVC card is lost or stolen after receipt▾
Order a fresh PVC card by repeating the process — each order generates a new card with the same Aadhaar data. There is no formal replacement or FIR required.
PVC card delivered with a printing error (wrong name, blurry photo)▾
Raise a complaint via the myAadhaar portal or call UIDAI on 1947. UIDAI may issue a replacement card. Do not use a visibly defective card.
Biometrics locked — does it affect PVC card ordering?▾
No. PVC ordering uses OTP-based authentication. Locked biometrics do not affect the ordering process.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PVC Aadhaar card different from the printed Aadhaar I got at enrolment?▾
Yes. PVC is a polycarbonate card with security features (hologram, ghost image, QR code), more durable than the older paper-laminate format.
How long does delivery take?▾
Typically a few working days to a couple of weeks, depending on India Post delivery to your address.
Can I order multiple PVC cards for family?▾
Yes — order one per Aadhaar number. Each requires the respective Aadhaar holder's OTP.
Will my old paper Aadhaar still be accepted?▾
Yes. The old format remains valid for KYC. The PVC is a convenience upgrade, not a replacement.
What is the fee for a PVC Aadhaar card?▾
UIDAI charges a fixed fee per card. The exact amount is shown at checkout on the myAadhaar portal — it is typically in the range of ₹50.
Can I order a PVC card if I don't have my Aadhaar registered mobile?▾
Yes. UIDAI provides a fallback flow — select 'My mobile number is not registered' and enter any active mobile to receive the OTP.
What security features does the PVC Aadhaar card have?▾
The PVC card includes a hologram, ghost image, micro-text, a secure QR code, and a Guilloche pattern — making it harder to counterfeit than the paper version.
What is a Service Request Number (SRN)?▾
The SRN is the tracking number issued after a successful PVC order. Use it on myAadhaar or the India Post tracking site to follow the delivery status.
Can I use a PVC Aadhaar card as ID for flights or trains?▾
Yes. The PVC Aadhaar card is a government-issued photo ID accepted at airports (for domestic travel) and railway ticket counters.
What if my PVC card is not delivered after several weeks?▾
Track the SRN on myAadhaar or India Post. If it shows as undelivered, raise a complaint on the UIDAI portal or call 1947.
Does the PVC card show my full Aadhaar number?▾
The standard PVC card shows only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar. The full number is encoded in the QR code for secure verification.
Can I change the photo on the PVC card?▾
The PVC card uses the photo currently stored in UIDAI's database. To update the photo, visit a UIDAI enrolment centre to update your Aadhaar photo, then order a new PVC card.
Is the PVC Aadhaar card valid for international use?▾
Aadhaar is a domestic identity document. It is not valid for international travel. Use a passport for international purposes.
What if I move after ordering but before the card arrives?▾
The card is already dispatched to your registered Aadhaar address. Coordinate with your old address to receive it, or update Aadhaar address and order a new PVC card after the address update reflects.
Can I cancel a PVC order after placing it?▾
UIDAI does not provide a cancellation mechanism once the PVC order is placed and payment is made. The card will be dispatched to the registered address.
Official sources
- myAadhaar — Order PVC Card ↗
myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
Official UIDAI portal to order a PVC Aadhaar card.
- UIDAI — Official Website ↗
uidai.gov.in
UIDAI's main website for all Aadhaar services.
- UIDAI Helpline ↗
uidai.gov.in
Contact UIDAI on 1947 for PVC order tracking and complaints.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.