The Unique Identification Authority of India provides individuals with a unique Aadhaar number that serves as an identity proof and grants access to various government services. Over the years, UIDAI has introduced different forms of Aadhaar, including mAadhaar, Aadhaar letter, and e-Aadhaar. The latest addition to these forms is the Aadhaar PVC Card, a portable and durable version of the Aadhaar. The PVC Aadhaar card prints on polyvinyl chloride material, resembling a debit card’s size, which makes it convenient to carry in wallets or purses. It is also possible to get a duplicate Aadhaar PVC Card.

All Indian residents who already have an Aadhaar number can request or order a PVC Aadhaar card. In addition to its enhanced durability and portability, the Aadhaar PVC card incorporates several advanced security features to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the document. These features include micro text, issue and print dates, a secure QR code, hologram for tamper protection, embossed Aadhaar logo, guilloche pattern for complexity, and a ghost image to prevent conventional copying. Together, these measures make the Aadhaar PVC card a highly secure and reliable form of identification.

HOW TO APPLY / DOWNLOAD PVC CARD ONLINE: 

1. Visit the UIDAI portal and access the “my Aadhaar” section.

2. Choose “Get Aadhaar” and select “Download Aadhaar PVC”. 

3. You will be redirected to a page where you need to click “Download Aadhaar PVC” again.

4. Enter your Aadhaar number and security code accurately. If your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar, indicate by checking the “My mobile number is not registered” statement.

5. If you selected the option in step 4, provide your mobile number and click on “Send OTP”. Enter the OTP received on your phone.

6. Verify all the details displayed in the preview of your Aadhaar card. Click on “Make Payment”. You need to pay a nominal charge of ₹ 50 to order a PVC Aadhaar card on the UIDAI portal.

7. Select a payment gateway and download the payment receipt. You can download the payment receipt as proof of your application.

HOW TO CHECK STATUS OF PVC CARD ONLINE:

1. Visit the official UIDAI website at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/checkStatus.

2. Enter your SRN (Service Request Number) along with the captcha code.

3. The screen will display the status of your Aadhaar PVC order.

4. After 5 working days of receiving your order, UIDAI sends your PVC Aadhaar via speed post to the Department of Post (DoP). 

5. The DoP then delivers your reprinted card to your residential address in accordance with the standard delivery procedures.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD PVC CARD ONLINE:

1. Visit the official website of the Unique Identification Authority of India at https://uidai.gov.in/en/my-aadhaar/get-aadhaar 

2. Click on ‘Order Aadhaar PVC card’ button under ‘My Aadhaar’ on the home page.

3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, 16-digit Virtual ID, or 28-digit Enrolment ID on the following page. Provide the captcha code and click on the ‘Send OTP button. Enter the received one time password on your registered mobile number.

4. If your mobile number is not registered, select ‘My mobile number is not registered’ and enter the non-registered mobile number. You will receive an OTP on that number, which you must enter to proceed.

5. Review your Aadhaar details on the screen.

6. Pay the fee of ₹50 using UPI, Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card.

7. After successful payment, download the payment slip that appears on the page.

MORE INFORMATION RELATED TO ORDERING PVC CARD ONLINE: 

• To apply for the document, you need one of these numbers: Aadhaar number, Virtual ID, or Enrolment ID.
• Payment is mandatory to place the order; you cannot proceed without it.
• After ordering, UIDAI speed posts your PVC Aadhaar to the Department of Post (DoP) within 5 working days.
• The DoP follows its delivery norms to deliver your card.
• You should expect delivery at your doorstep within 7 days from the application date.
• Ordering a PVC Aadhaar card on the UIDAI website has made the process easier.
• UIDAI ensures timely delivery of the card to your provided residential address.

FEATURES OF AADHAAR PVC CARD: 

• The Aadhaar PVC card includes micro text, which consists of tiny characters that are difficult to replicate, ensuring protection against counterfeiting.
• The card displays both the issue date and print date, adding an extra layer of verification for enhanced security.
• The card contains a secure QR code embedding encrypted information for validation.
• A hologram safeguards against tampering, making any alterations visibly evident.
• The card includes the embossed Aadhaar logo, providing a tactile feature to confirm its authenticity.
• A guilloche pattern is intricately woven into the design, making it challenging to duplicate the card.
• A ghost image is incorporated to prevent copying through conventional means, enhancing the card’s security.
• All these security features combined make the Aadhaar PVC card a robust and trustworthy form of identification for individuals.

BENEFITS OF AADHAAR PVC CARD: 

• Durability: The PVC material ensures the card’s longevity and resistance to damage.
• Portability: The compact size of the PVC card allows easy carrying in a wallet or purse.
• Enhanced Security: Advanced security features like micro text, hologram, QR code, guilloche pattern, and ghost image make counterfeiting difficult.
• Contactless Verification: The embedded QR code enables convenient and contactless authentication.
• Versatility: The PVC card serves multiple purposes, including identity verification, e-KYC, and accessing government and private services.
• Convenient Application: Individuals can apply for the PVC card online and have it delivered to their residential address.
• Flexibility for Mobile Numbers: Ordering the card is possible even with non-registered or alternate mobile numbers.
• Eco-Friendly Solution: The PVC card reduces paper and plastic usage, contributing to environmental sustainability.

HOW IS AADHAAR DIFFERENT FROM PVC CARD?

• A regular Aadhaar card is typically printed on laminated paper, resembling a standard ID card, whereas a PVC Aadhaar card is crafted from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, which is sturdier and longer-lasting.
• The PVC material utilized in the PVC Aadhaar card enhances its resistance to wear and tear, ensuring it maintains its good condition over an extended period compared to a traditional paper-based Aadhaar card.
• The PVC Aadhaar card incorporates advanced security elements like micro text, hologram, QR code, guilloche pattern, and ghost image, heightening its security and making it significantly more challenging to duplicate. Such security features are absent in the regular paper-based Aadhaar card.
• The PVC card’s compact size, akin to a debit card, enables easy carriage in wallets or purses, guaranteeing accessibility at any time and place. Conversely, the normal Aadhaar card may be bulkier and less convenient to carry around.
• Obtaining a PVC Aadhaar card can be accomplished online, with the card delivered to the applicant’s residential address. In contrast, acquiring a regular Aadhaar card may necessitate an in-person visit to an enrollment center, with issuance in paper form.
• The PVC Aadhaar card’s embedded QR code enables contactless verification, adding convenience and reducing the need for physical contact during identity authentication. This functionality is not commonly available with the traditional Aadhaar card.