Retrieve Lost EID/UID – Complete Guide to Recover Your Aadhaar Number or Enrolment ID (2025)

Aadhaar has become one of the most important identity proofs in India. Issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), it is linked with essential services such as banking, mobile SIMs, subsidies, PAN, and income tax filings. Every resident of India is issued a 12-digit Aadhaar Number (UID), and whenever you apply for Aadhaar, you receive a 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID).

But what if you lose your Aadhaar number (UID) or misplace your enrolment slip (EID)? Don’t worry! UIDAI provides a simple way to retrieve lost UID or EID online and offline.

This page is a step-by-step, detailed, 2000-word guide on how to recover your lost Aadhaar UID/EID quickly and securely.

What is UID and EID?

Before we move into the retrieval process, let’s understand the basics:

UID (Unique Identification Number):
This is your 12-digit Aadhaar number issued after enrolment. It is used as an identity proof across India.
EID (Enrolment ID):
When you enrol for Aadhaar at a centre, you get a 14-digit enrolment number + 14-digit date/time stamp, together called 28-digit EID. This helps you check the status of your Aadhaar before you receive the actual UID.

Example:

EID: 1234/12345/12345 12/01/2025 12:50:30
UID: 1234 5678 9101

Why Do You Need to Retrieve UID or EID?

You may need to recover your lost UID/EID in the following cases:

Lost Aadhaar Slip: If you misplaced the enrolment slip after applying.
Forgot Aadhaar Number: When you don’t remember your 12-digit UID.
Required for Linking Services: UID/EID may be required for banking, SIM cards, PAN, etc.
Download Aadhaar: Without UID/EID, you cannot download e-Aadhaar.
Apply for Reprint: To order an Aadhaar PVC card, UID is mandatory.

Methods to Retrieve Lost UID/EID

There are two official ways:

Online Method – through UIDAI website
Offline Method – through Aadhaar enrolment centre or toll-free helpline

We’ll explain both in detail.

Retrieve Lost UID/EID Online (Step by Step)

The online method is the easiest and fastest. Here’s how:

Step 1: Visit UIDAI Website

Go to https://uidai.gov.in.
Click on “Retrieve Lost UID/EID” under the My Aadhaar section.

Step 2: Choose UID or EID

You will see two options:
- Retrieve Aadhaar Number (UID)
- Retrieve Enrolment ID (EID)
Select the one you want to recover.

Step 3: Enter Details

Enter your Full Name (as per Aadhaar).
Enter your Registered Mobile Number or Email ID.
Fill in the captcha code displayed.

Step 4: Generate OTP

Click Send OTP.
You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile/email.

Step 5: Verify OTP

Enter the OTP and click Login.

Step 6: Get UID/EID

Your UID/EID will be sent to your mobile/email instantly.

Retrieve Lost UID/EID Offline

If you don’t have internet access or your mobile number is not linked, use offline methods:

1. Through Aadhaar Enrolment Centre

Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Carry Identity Proof (PAN, Passport, Voter ID, etc.).
Request retrieval of UID/EID.
The operator will verify your biometrics (fingerprint/iris).
You will be provided with your Aadhaar number or enrolment ID.

2. Through Toll-Free Helpline

Call UIDAI’s helpline 1947.
Provide your details (name, DOB, etc.).
After verification, UIDAI will send your UID/EID to your registered mobile/email.

Things Required to Retrieve UID/EID

Registered Mobile Number OR Registered Email ID (for OTP).
If not registered, you must visit Aadhaar Centre with valid ID proof.
A stable internet connection (for online method).

Difference Between UID and EID Retrieval

Feature	UID Retrieval	EID Retrieval
Purpose	Recover lost Aadhaar number	Recover enrolment slip ID
When Required	To use Aadhaar services, download card	To track status of Aadhaar application
OTP Delivery	Yes (mobile/email)	Yes (mobile/email)
Valid For	Lifetime	Only until Aadhaar is generated

How to Download Aadhaar After Retrieval

Once you retrieve UID or EID, you can immediately download your Aadhaar:

Visit UIDAI e-Aadhaar portal.
Choose Aadhaar (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID).
Enter details and OTP.
Download e-Aadhaar PDF (password: first 4 letters of name + birth year).

Charges for Retrieval

Online Retrieval: Free of cost.
Aadhaar Centre Retrieval: Free (only ID proof required).
Toll-Free Helpline: Free.

Benefits of UID/EID Retrieval

Quick Access: Instantly get back lost Aadhaar details.
Secure Process: Verified via OTP or biometrics.
Mandatory for Aadhaar Services: Without UID/EID you cannot update, reprint, or download Aadhaar.
Offline Backup: Useful if you don’t remember your number.

Security Concerns

Many people worry if retrieving UID/EID online is safe. Yes, it is completely safe because:

OTP verification ensures only the rightful owner can retrieve.
UIDAI never shares Aadhaar data with third parties.
Retrieval is done only via official UIDAI portal or helpline.

⚠️ Warning: Never share your UID/EID with unauthorized agents. Always use uidai.gov.in.

Common Problems & Solutions

Problem 1: OTP Not Received

Ensure mobile is in network area.
Use email option if available.
Try again after some time.

Problem 2: Mobile Not Linked

Visit Aadhaar centre to update mobile number.

Problem 3: Wrong Details Entered

Enter details exactly as per Aadhaar.

Problem 4: Lost Both Mobile & Email Access

Only option: Visit Aadhaar enrolment centre.

FAQ – Retrieve Lost EID/UID

Q1. Can I retrieve Aadhaar without mobile number?

Yes, but you must visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre with valid ID proof.

Q2. Is retrieving UID/EID online free?

Yes, completely free.

Q3. How long does it take to retrieve UID/EID?

Instantly, if OTP verification succeeds.

Q4. What is SRN in Aadhaar?

Service Request Number – a unique ID generated for Aadhaar requests.

Q5. Can I retrieve Aadhaar for my child?

Yes, if the child’s Aadhaar is linked to your mobile/email.

Q6. Is UID different from Aadhaar?

No, UID is the Aadhaar number itself.

Q7. How to check Aadhaar status using EID?

Visit UIDAI > Check Aadhaar Status > Enter EID > Get update.

Q8. Can NRIs retrieve Aadhaar?

Yes, if they already have Aadhaar issued.

Why Retrieve UID/EID Immediately?

Required for banking and KYC.
Needed for PAN-Aadhaar linking.
Required for income tax return filing.
Useful for ordering Aadhaar PVC card.
Acts as backup ID proof in emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Losing your Aadhaar number or enrolment slip can be stressful, but UIDAI has made the recovery process simple and secure. With just your registered mobile/email, you can instantly retrieve UID/EID online. And if you don’t have internet or registered mobile, you can use offline methods via Aadhaar centres or the toll-free helpline.

In 2025, when Aadhaar is linked to almost every government and private service, keeping your UID handy is extremely important. So, if you have lost it, don’t delay — retrieve it today.

✅ Pro Tip: After retrieval, always download an e-Aadhaar PDF and save it on your phone/cloud. Also, consider ordering a PVC Aadhaar card for convenience.