Forgetting or losing your Aadhaar number can be inconvenient, especially when you need it for banking, KYC, government services, taxation, travel, SIM-related services or other identity verification requirements.
Fortunately, you do not need to apply for a new Aadhaar just because you have forgotten your 12-digit Aadhaar number. UIDAI provides a Retrieve Lost or Forgotten UID/EID facility through which an Aadhaar holder can recover their Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID.
The recovery method depends mainly on whether you have access to the mobile number or email address registered with Aadhaar. If your registered mobile number is available, the online recovery process is straightforward. If you do not have access to the registered mobile number or it was never registered, UIDAI also provides alternative methods through an Aadhaar centre and its toll-free helpline 1947.
What to Do If You Forgot Your Aadhaar Number?
If you have forgotten your Aadhaar number, there are several ways to retrieve it:
- Online through the UIDAI Retrieve UID/EID service
- Through your registered mobile number or email
- By visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
- By contacting UIDAI helpline 1947
The easiest option is normally the online method if your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active.
UIDAI currently provides a dedicated Retrieve Lost/Forgotten UID/EID service.
How to Retrieve Forgotten Aadhaar Number Online
If your mobile number or email address is registered with Aadhaar, you can retrieve your Aadhaar number online.
Step 1: Open the UIDAI Retrieve UID/EID Service
Visit the official UIDAI website and select the Retrieve Lost or Forgotten UID/EID service.
UIDAI’s current enrolment and update information directs residents to the MyAadhaar retrieval service for this purpose.
Step 2: Select What You Want to Retrieve
The service allows you to choose the identification information you want to retrieve.
You can select:
- Aadhaar Number (UID), or
- Enrolment ID (EID)
If you have forgotten your Aadhaar number, select the option for Aadhaar Number.
Step 3: Enter Your Full Name
Enter your full name as it appears in your Aadhaar record.
Try to enter the name accurately because the details are used for verification.
Step 4: Enter Your Registered Mobile Number or Email
Enter the mobile number or email address registered with your Aadhaar.
UIDAI’s current guidance states that the online retrieval process requires the registered mobile number or email for verification.
Step 5: Complete the Captcha
Enter the security code displayed on the page.
Step 6: Request OTP
Submit the details and request an OTP.
The OTP is sent to the registered contact information used for authentication.
Step 7: Enter the OTP
Enter the OTP received and complete the verification.
Step 8: Receive Your Aadhaar Number
After successful authentication, UIDAI sends the Aadhaar number or EID as applicable through the registered mobile number.
UIDAI states that this service is free of cost.
Can I Retrieve Aadhaar Number Without a Registered Mobile Number?
Yes.
This is important because many people lose access to the mobile number that was registered with Aadhaar years ago.
UIDAI provides alternative methods when a mobile number or email address is not linked with Aadhaar.
According to UIDAI, one option is to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and use the Print Aadhaar service with demographic and biometric authentication. Another option is to contact UIDAI’s toll-free number 1947.
Therefore, losing your old mobile number does not automatically mean that your Aadhaar number is permanently inaccessible.
How to Retrieve Aadhaar Number Without Mobile Number
If you do not have access to the registered mobile number, visiting an Aadhaar centre can be an option.
UIDAI states that the Aadhaar holder can visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre personally and provide certain demographic information.
The mandatory information can include:
- Name
- Gender
- District or PIN code associated with the original Aadhaar enrolment
If multiple records are found, additional information may be requested to narrow down the search, such as:
- Year of birth
- Care of (C/O) details
- State
- Other available demographic information
Biometric authentication using a fingerprint or iris may then be performed. If the record is successfully matched, the operator can provide a printout of the e-Aadhaar letter through the Print Aadhaar service.
UIDAI’s current information states that an operator may charge ₹30 for providing this service.
Retrieve Forgotten Aadhaar Number Through UIDAI Helpline 1947
Another option is the UIDAI toll-free helpline 1947.
If you cannot use the online recovery process, UIDAI states that residents can call 1947 and provide the demographic information requested by the customer-care executive. If the information matches, the EID can be provided through the helpline process.
UIDAI’s current website also displays 1947 as its toll-free Aadhaar assistance number.
This can be particularly useful if:
- You forgot your Aadhaar number.
- You lost your Aadhaar card.
- Your registered mobile number is unavailable.
- You cannot complete the online retrieval process.
- You need assistance understanding the recovery procedure.
Can I Retrieve Aadhaar Number If My Mobile Number Is Lost?
Yes.
If the mobile number previously registered with Aadhaar is lost or you no longer possess it, UIDAI provides alternative routes.
You can:
- Visit an Aadhaar centre.
- Use the applicable biometric authentication process.
- Contact UIDAI at 1947.
- Update your mobile number after recovering access to your Aadhaar record.
UIDAI separately states that if you no longer possess the mobile number registered with Aadhaar, you need to personally visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra for mobile-number updation.
If you need to update your number, see Aadhaar Mobile Number Update.
Can I Retrieve Aadhaar Number Using Name and Date of Birth?
Name and demographic information can be used as part of UIDAI’s recovery process, but you should not assume that simply entering your name and date of birth on a random website will reveal your Aadhaar number.
For an online retrieval request, UIDAI’s current process requires your full name and registered mobile number or email, followed by verification.
If the registered mobile/email route is unavailable, UIDAI provides an Aadhaar-centre process involving demographic information and biometric authentication.
Always use official UIDAI channels.
Forgot Aadhaar Number and Lost Aadhaar Card: Are They the Same?
Not exactly.
Forgot Aadhaar Number
You still have your Aadhaar record but cannot remember the 12-digit number.
Lost Aadhaar Card
You may know your Aadhaar number but no longer have the physical Aadhaar letter/card.
Both Lost and Forgotten
You have neither the physical document nor the number.
In the third situation, UIDAI’s Retrieve Lost/Forgotten UID/EID facility is particularly useful.
After retrieving the Aadhaar number, you can use UIDAI’s official services to download e-Aadhaar.
What Is UID and What Is EID?
When recovering a forgotten Aadhaar number, you may see the terms UID and EID.
UID
UID stands for Unique Identification Number. In the Aadhaar context, it refers to your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
EID
EID stands for Enrolment ID.
It is associated with your Aadhaar enrolment and appears on the Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement.
If you have lost both your Aadhaar number and your enrolment information, UIDAI provides the Retrieve UID/EID facility for recovering the relevant information.
What If I Forgot Both Aadhaar Number and Enrolment ID?
You can still attempt recovery.
If your registered mobile number or email is available, use the UIDAI online retrieval service.
If you do not have access to the registered mobile/email, UIDAI provides alternative recovery methods through:
- Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
- Biometric authentication
- UIDAI helpline 1947
The exact route depends on the information and authentication options available to you.
Can I Download e-Aadhaar After Recovering My Aadhaar Number?
Yes.
Once you have recovered your Aadhaar number, you can use UIDAI’s Download Aadhaar service.
UIDAI’s current My Aadhaar page states that Aadhaar can be downloaded instantly and that the download service is free, with mobile OTP authentication required.
The downloaded e-Aadhaar can then be used as an Aadhaar document according to applicable requirements.
If you need a physical card, UIDAI also provides the option to order an Aadhaar PVC Card.
You can read Aadhaar PVC Card Order for more information.
What If I Do Not Receive the OTP?
If you are trying to retrieve your Aadhaar number online and the OTP does not arrive, check the following:
- Is the mobile number active?
- Is the number actually registered with Aadhaar?
- Is your phone receiving SMS messages?
- Did you enter the correct mobile number?
- Is there a temporary network problem?
- Did you request multiple OTPs?
If your old number is no longer available, repeatedly requesting an OTP will not solve the problem.
In that situation, use the alternative UIDAI recovery process.
You can also check whether a particular number is registered with Aadhaar using UIDAI’s Verify Mobile Number service. For related information, see Aadhaar Linked Mobile Number Check.
Can I Retrieve Aadhaar Number From DigiLocker?
DigiLocker may contain Aadhaar-related documents if you have already added or fetched them through the platform, but it should not be treated as a replacement for UIDAI’s official lost-Aadhaar recovery process.
If you are specifically trying to recover a forgotten Aadhaar number, the safest approach is to use UIDAI’s Retrieve UID/EID facility or the alternative methods officially provided by UIDAI.
This is particularly important when you no longer have access to your old phone or documents.
What If My Aadhaar Details Have Changed?
Forgetting your Aadhaar number is different from correcting Aadhaar information.
If you have forgotten the number but your name, date of birth or address has changed, first focus on recovering your Aadhaar number.
After that, you can follow the appropriate update process.
For example, you can read:
Do not submit a new Aadhaar enrolment merely because you have forgotten the existing number.
Is There Any Fee to Retrieve a Forgotten Aadhaar Number Online?
UIDAI states that online retrieval of a lost or forgotten Aadhaar number through the official retrieval service is free of cost.
However, if you use a service at an Aadhaar enrolment centre, UIDAI’s current information states that an operator may charge ₹30 for the Print Aadhaar service used in the centre-based recovery process.
Be careful with third-party websites or agents charging money for a service that UIDAI provides online for free.
Common Mistakes When Trying to Recover a Forgotten Aadhaar Number
1. Using unofficial websites
Never enter your Aadhaar-related information on an unknown website simply because it claims to retrieve your Aadhaar number.
Use UIDAI’s official services.
2. Sharing OTP
Never give your Aadhaar OTP to someone who calls claiming to be from UIDAI.
3. Applying for a new Aadhaar unnecessarily
Forgetting your Aadhaar number does not mean that you need a new Aadhaar enrolment.
First try UIDAI’s recovery service.
4. Entering an incorrect name
When using online retrieval, enter your name as it appears in your Aadhaar record.
5. Assuming mobile access is the only option
If you no longer have access to your registered mobile number, UIDAI provides alternative methods through Aadhaar centres and its 1947 helpline.
Aadhaar Number Recovery: Quick Comparison
| Situation | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Forgot Aadhaar number, mobile linked | UIDAI online Retrieve UID/EID |
| Forgot Aadhaar number, email linked | UIDAI online recovery |
| Mobile number lost | Aadhaar centre / UIDAI 1947 |
| Mobile number not registered | Aadhaar centre |
| Aadhaar card lost but number known | Download e-Aadhaar |
| Forgot Aadhaar and EID | Retrieve UID/EID |
| Need physical Aadhaar again | Download/order the applicable Aadhaar format |
| Need mobile number changed | Follow UIDAI mobile update process |
How to Keep Your Aadhaar Number Safe After Recovery
Once you recover your Aadhaar number, take a few simple precautions.
Keep a secure digital copy
Download your e-Aadhaar from the official UIDAI service and keep it in a secure location.
Keep your mobile number updated
Your registered mobile number is important for many Aadhaar online services. UIDAI states that a registered mobile number is essential for accessing Aadhaar Online Services.
Avoid unnecessary sharing
Do not send your Aadhaar number to unknown people through WhatsApp, social media or email.
Use masked Aadhaar when appropriate
UIDAI provides a Masked Aadhaar option in which only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number are visible.
Consider Aadhaar security features
UIDAI also provides facilities such as biometric lock/unlock and Aadhaar lock/unlock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
If you have forgotten your Aadhaar number, there is no need to panic or apply for a new Aadhaar simply because you cannot remember the 12-digit number.
The easiest solution is to use UIDAI’s official Retrieve Lost/Forgotten UID/EID service when your registered mobile number or email is available. The online recovery service is free.
If you no longer have access to your registered mobile number, UIDAI provides alternative options through an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and the 1947 toll-free helpline.
After recovering your Aadhaar number, download your e-Aadhaar and keep your registered mobile number updated so that future Aadhaar services are easier to access.
For more practical guides on Aadhaar, documents and government services, visit Sarkari Bakery.
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