FAQs

The process of Aadhaar Offline e-KYC Verification by Service Provider is:

Aadhaar number holders who have registered mobile number may lock their biometrics. This facility aims to strengthen privacy and confidentiality of Aadhaar number holder's Biometrics Data

After locking biometrics if a UID is used for invoking any of the Authentication services using a biometric modality (Fingerprint/Iris/Face) a specific error code '330' indicating biometrics are locked will be displayed and the entity will not be able to perform the biometric authentication.

Once Aadhaar number holder enables Biometric Locking system their biometric remains locked till the Aadhaar Holder chose any below mentioned option:

Unlock it (which is temporary )or
Disable the Locking system

The biometric unlock can be done by Aadhaar number holder either by visiting UIDAI website, enrolment centre, Aadhaar Seva Kendra(ASK), through m-Aadhaar.

Note: Registered Mobile Number is essential to avail this service. In case your mobile number is not registered with Aadhaar visit the nearest Enrolment Centre/Mobile Update End Point.

Locked Biometrics confirms that Aadhaar holder will not be able to use Biometrics (fingerprints/iris/Face) for authentication, it is a safety feature to stop any kind of biometric authentication.
It also ensures that any entity by any means cannot perform biometric based Aadhaar authentication for that Aadhaar holder.

Fingerprint, iris and Face as a biometric moadlity will be locked and after biometric locking, Aadhaar holder will not be able to perform the Aadhaar authentication using the above mentioned biometric modalities.

Biometric Locking/Unlocking is a service that allows an Aadhaar holder to lock and temporarily unlock their biometrics. This facility aims to strengthen privacy and confidentiality of Aadhaar number holder's Biometrics Data.

After Locking UID if Aadhaar number holder forgot VID, Aadhaar number holder can make use of SMS service to Retrieve 16 digit VID. Aadhaar number holder will receive VID on his/her register mobile number.

Send SMS to 1947 from Aadhaar Register mobile number,
RVID Space last 4 or 8 digit of UID.

Ex:- RVID 1234

For Unlocking UID Aadhaar number holder should have latest 16 digit VID and if Aadhaar number holder forgot 16 digit VID he can retrieve latest VID through SMS services

RVID Space last 4 or 8 digit of UID. SMS to 1947. Ex- RVID 1234

To unlock UID, Aadhaar number holder may visit UIDAI website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock), select Unlock radio button, Enter Latest VID and security Code and click on send OTP or select TOTP and click on Submit. Your UID will be unlocked successfully.
Aadhaar number holder may also use Aadhaar lock or unlock service through mAadhaar app.

For Locking UID, Aadhaar number holder should have 16 digit VID number and it's a pre-requisite for locking. If Aadhaar number holder don't have VID can generate via SMS Service or UIDAI website (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in).

SMS Service. GVID space last 4 or 8 digit of UID. SMS to 1947. Ex- GVID 1234.

Aadhaar number holder may visit UIDAI website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock), Under My Aadhaar tab, Click on Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services. Select UID Lock Radio Button and enter UID Number, Full Name, and Pin Code as in latest details and enter Security code. Click on Send OTP or select TOTP and click on submit. Your UID will be locked successfully.

For an Aadhaar number holder, security and privacy of personal data is always a primary concern. To strengthen the security of his/her Aadhaar number and to provide control to the Aadhaar number holder, UIDAI provide a mechanism of locking and unlocking Aadhaar number (UID).

Aadhaar number holder can lock his or her Aadhaar (UID) via UIDAI website (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) or through mAadhaar app.

By doing this Aadhaar number holder cannot perform any sort of Authentication using UID, UID Token & VID for Biometrics, Demographic & OTP modality

If Aadhaar number holder wants to unlock UID he/she can do so by using latest VID, through UIDAI website or mAadhaar app.
After unlocking Aadhaar (UID), Aadhaar number holder can perform authentication using UID, UID Token & VID.

For Locking Aadhaar Number:

Send OTP request as -> GETOTPLAST 4 or 8 DIGITs of Aadhaar Number Then send Locking Request as -> LOCKUIDLast 4 or 8 DIGIT of Aadhaar Number6 DIGIT OTP

You will get a confirmation message for your request. Once it is locked you will not be able to perform any form of Authentication (Biometric, Demographic or OTP) using your Aadhaar Number. However, you can still use your latest Virtual ID for performing Authentication.

For Un-Locking Aadhaar Number you must have your latest Virtual ID.

Send OTP request with last 6 or 10 DIGITs of Virtual ID number as ->

GETOTPLAST 6 or 10 DIGITs Virtual ID

Then send Unlocking Request as -> UNLOCKUIDLAST 6 or 10 DIGIT Virtual ID 6 DIGIT OTP

Please check if your SMS service is working properly. In case of any issue with respect to the SMS not being sent, kindly contact your telecom service provider. It may be a case of bad network or non-functioning SMS service or low Balance etc

OTP Auhtentication is must for Aadhaar Lock/unlock and Biometric Lock/unlock Function. You don’t need OTP for VID Generation & Retrieval function.

To get OTP send SMS -> GETOTPLAST 4 or 8 DIGITs of Aadhaar Number

Example - GETOTP 1234.

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a service called “Aadhaar Services on SMS” which enables Aadhaar Number holders, who do not have access to internet/resident portal/m-Aadhaar etc. to use various Aadhaar services like Virtual ID generation/retrieval, Aadhaar lock/unlock etc. through SMS.

• Aadhaar Number holder can avail Aadhaar Service by sending SMS from Registered Mobile to 1947.
• Aadhaar Number holder can perform VID Generation/Retrieval, Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Number etc. by sending an SMS in the given format to 1947 from their registered mobile number.
• For More details on Virtual ID (VID) please visit: https://uidai.gov.in/contact-support/have-any-question/284-faqs/aadhaar-online-services/virtual-id-vid.html

No, the Aadhaar PVC Card is just a compact and more durable version. It holds the same validity as the e-Aadhaar and paper Aadhaar letter.

The Aadhaar PVC Card is a durable, credit-card-sized version of Aadhaar with enhanced security features. It can be ordered online for ₹75 through the UIDAI website or M-Aadhaar Application.

Yes, you can order a reprint of your Aadhaar as Aadhaar PVC card  from the UIDAI website by paying ₹75. It will be delivered via speed post.