There are various forms of Aadhar Card available by UIDAI. One such popularly used form is the Aadhaar PVC smart card, which comes with a QR Code, hologram, and photograph along with other features.

This was introduced, keeping in mind the inconvenience faced by people while using the paper-like Aadhar Card. The paper-like Aadhar Card can be cut into a card shape or can be carried like a postcard. While the postcard form is difficult to carry and the small one gets lost easily owing to its size. Further, the card’s shape gets distorted or develops a crease over time as it is in a paper-like format and becomes dirty. So, UIDAI has introduced a credit or debit card-like form commonly known as Aadhaar PVC Card. First, let us check out the various types of Aadhar cards available.

Who Can Apply for a PVC Aadhar Card?

Any Indian citizen with an Aadhaar number can apply for the PVC Aadhar Card. It is accessible even if the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar is not registered. In such cases, you can provide an alternate mobile number during the application process.

Types of Aadhar Cards

There are four types of Aadhar Cards issued by UIDAI. They are:-

1. Aadhaar Letter

• This is the most common type of Aadhaar available.
• It is a paper-based laminated sheet in which one’s QR code and date of issue and print date are written.
• After registration, it is sent to the applicant via ordinary post free of cost.
• If lost, one needs to pay Rs 50 as the cost of printing for reissuing the card.

2. e-Aadhaar

• e-Aadhaar is the virtual Aadhar Card, which is availed through the official website of UIDAI.
• It is digitally signed and has a QR code for verification of the same offline and issue and download date.
• After the offline verification process is completed, e-Aadhaar is available almost immediately.
• You can see your e-Aadhaar by logging into the portal using a registered mobile number.

3. m-Aadhaar

• m-Aadhaar is another digital type of Aadhar Card which is available on mobile through the official UIDAI app.
• The official app is available on the iOS store and also on Google Play Store for downloading.
• For using m-Aadhar, a registered mobile number is required.

4. Aadhaar PVC Card

• This is the newest form of an Aadhar Card, which looks like a credit card. 
• The card has more unique features like hallmarks, photographs, and other features.
• There are various security features like embossed logos, ghost images, etc.
• One can get this card online easily or get it printed nearby.
• It is optional to get this card.
• For getting this Aadhaar, one needs to pay Rs 50 as an issuing charge. The steps for getting a PVC Aadhar Card are mentioned below.

Benefits of PVC Aadhaar Card

Opting for a PVC Aadhar Card offers several advantages:

• Quality: Although it is not mandatory to get a PVC Aadhar Card, the PVC smart card has better quality. It is crafted from premium polymer due to which it resists damage and lasts longer compared to traditional options.
• Portability: The Aadhar card size is of the same size as that of a  Credit/Debit Card size, which helps in carrying the same easier.
• Convenience: The PVC card image has key details such as Aadhaar number, name, and address in a handy format, eliminating the need for multiple documents. 
• Ease of Access: Applications can be made online or in person, with doorstep delivery for added convenience. 
• Enhanced Security: Features such as micro text, a QR code, and a hologram make it tamper-proof and resistant to forgery.
• Cost-Effective: A one-time fee makes it an affordable alternative, reducing frequent replacement costs.

PVC Aadhar Card Fee

Unlike a paper-like Aadhar Card, you need to pay a fee of Rs 50 for generating a new PVC card for this one. Below is a stepwise process for ordering PVC Aadhar Cards.

Ordering PVC Aadhar Card Online

The PVC Aadhar Card can be ordered online only. Further, you need to have an existing Aadhar Card (m-Aadhar/Paper-like Aadhar/e-Aadhar).

Below are the steps for an Aadhaar PVC Card order online.

• Step 1 – Visit the official UIDAI website only – https://uidai.gov.in/. Go to the My Aadhaar section. Select under sub menu – Order Aadhaar PVC Card.
• Step 2 – On this page, you need to enter any one of the following: 16-digit Virtual ID, 12-digit Aadhaar number, or 28-digit EID. After that, you are required to enter the security code and click on send OTP on your registered number. Enter & submit OTP. 
• Step 3 – On the next page, one can see their Aadhar Card details: date of birth, gender, name, address, and photograph. 
• Step 4 – If a person finds any missing or incorrect, or outdated information, you can update your Aadhaar information.
• Step 5 – Select the ‘Make Payment’ button. You get redirected to the payment page. One is required to pay Rs 50. There are various payment options available like debit cards, credit cardss, net banking, etc.
• Step 6 – Choose the suitable payment option for paying Rs 50. On completion of your application form for a PVC card, choose one of the payment options & download one receipt once the payment is completed. The SRN or Service Request Number generated by the system gets displayed on the webpage.
• Step 7 – It usually takes 15 days to get your PVC Aadhar Card, which one can track using the SRN number. Thus, your Aadhaar PVC Card is ordered.
  

How to Track PVC Aadhar Card Online?

Tracking the status of your PVC Aadhar Card order is simple and can be done directly on the UIDAI website. Follow these steps to stay updated on your smart Aadhar Card status:

• Step 1 – Go to the UIDAI portal and locate the “Check Aadhaar PVC Card Status” option under the Get Aadhaar section. 
• Step 2 – Enter the SRN service request number provided during the order process along with the captcha code. 
• Step 3 – Click “Submit” to view the PVC Aadhaar order status.

How to Place an Aadhar Reprint Request?

To request an Aadhaar reprint, you need your Aadhaar number or VID (Virtual Identification Number). Follow these steps:

• Step 1 – Go to the Aadhaar login page, then visit the reprint page on the PVC Card UIDAI website.
• Step 2 – Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit VID and the security code. 
• Step 3 – Use your registered mobile number for OTP verification. Alternatively, enter an unregistered mobile number to receive OTP.
• Step 4 – Submit your request after agreeing to the terms and conditions. 
• Step 5 – Preview the details if using a registered number, then make a payment of Rs. 50 via the payment gateway. 

After successful payment, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt with a digital signature. Your SRN will be sent via SMS for tracking purposes. 

How to Check Aadhaar PVC Print Status?

Use the SRN to monitor the status of your reprint request. Once dispatched, you will receive an Airway Bill Number (AWB) to track the delivery through India Post’s Speed Post services. This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free way to obtain your updated or replacement PVC Aadhar Card. 

Difference Between Aadhaar PVC Card and Traditional Paper Aadhar Card

Here are the key distinctions between the new PVC plastic card and the traditional paper format

Conclusion

 The Aadhaar PVC card offers a convenient, durable, and secure alternative to traditional Aadhaar formats. From the process of placing a smart Aadhar Card online order to checking your Adhar PVC status, the process is seamless and affordable. For those individuals who are always on-the-go, the Aadhaar PVC card would be suitable. It would fit the wallet perfectly and will continue to remain so even upon long usage. More importantly, it is much more dependable for things when it concerns in-person identity verification. This is more convenient especially because one can track how their card status is – thus making this process clear and hassle-free. All these benefits are given by the Aadhaar PVC card to make sure that you carry a durable, secure, and easy-to-carry ID, so you need not worry wherever you go. The introduction of Aadhaar PVC ensures enhanced portability and longevity, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a reliable identification option.

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