- Date : 30/12/2020
- Read: 3 mins
The new PVC Aadhaar card makes offline identity verification effortless.
The Aadhaar card is getting a makeover more than 10 years after it was first introduced. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is issuing new-format cards that will not only be more durable but also have a number of security features. Here’s what it means for you in a nutshell: you can now easily carry your Aadhaar card in your wallet and instantly confirm your identity, wherever you are.
Read on to find out what’s new about the latest version of the Aadhaar card.
Related: What are the benefits of having an Aadhaar card?
- Better quality: The new card comes printed on PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material. This enhances print quality. Besides, it is also laminated, which protects it from scratches, spills, and smudges. Lamination also improves the visibility of the printed details, besides making the card waterproof. In terms of aesthetics, the latest Aadhaar card looks as good as any debit or credit card.
- Robust security features: Given the rising cases of counterfeit Aadhaar cards, the UIDAI has added several security features that will make them tamper-proof. These include a ghost image, hologram, micro-text, and a Guilloche pattern that make the new cards impossible to duplicate. Moreover, the new PVC Aadhaar card also features an embossed UIDAI logo, which was absent in the older version.
Related: 6 Documents that can be linked with your Aadhaar card
- Instant verification: Offline verification has been made much simpler with the new Aadhaar card. It has a QR code containing basic user details such as name, address, and date of birth. This means you can now validate your identity without having to provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number or a physical photocopy.
- Issue date and print date: Earlier, the date of issue was often confused with the original date of enrolment (when one registered for Aadhaar for the first time at an enrolment centre). However, it is a little-known fact that the date mentioned on the Aadhaar card is actually the date on which it was printed. The date of issue does not appear on the original Aadhaar card at all. UIDAI has finally resolved this issue by listing both the issue date as well as the print date on the new PVC Aadhaar card. As a result, the Aadhaar card issue date will now remain constant, while the print date will be updated every time you request a reprint.
Related: Virtual ID and limited KYC: How do these new Aadhaar features work?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for the new Aadhaar PVC card?
You can easily get a reprinted PVC Aadhaar card online by using UIDAI’s newly launched ‘Order Aadhaar Card’ service. If you do not have a registered mobile number listed with UIDAI, it is still possible for you to order a new PVC print using an alternate number.
What are the applicable charges?
A nominal fee of Rs 50 is applicable for every new PVC Aadhaar card you order. This is inclusive of GST and Speed Post charges. You can pay via credit/debit card, UPI, netbanking, etc.
How can I track the application status?
Go to the UIDAI website and click on the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, followed by ‘Check Aadhaar PVC card status’. Next, enter the 28-digit service request number (SRN), your 12-digit Aadhaar number, and the captcha code. Finally, click on ‘Check status’.
The Aadhaar card is getting a makeover more than 10 years after it was first introduced. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is issuing new-format cards that will not only be more durable but also have a number of security features. Here’s what it means for you in a nutshell: you can now easily carry your Aadhaar card in your wallet and instantly confirm your identity, wherever you are.
Read on to find out what’s new about the latest version of the Aadhaar card.
Related: What are the benefits of having an Aadhaar card?
- Better quality: The new card comes printed on PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material. This enhances print quality. Besides, it is also laminated, which protects it from scratches, spills, and smudges. Lamination also improves the visibility of the printed details, besides making the card waterproof. In terms of aesthetics, the latest Aadhaar card looks as good as any debit or credit card.
- Robust security features: Given the rising cases of counterfeit Aadhaar cards, the UIDAI has added several security features that will make them tamper-proof. These include a ghost image, hologram, micro-text, and a Guilloche pattern that make the new cards impossible to duplicate. Moreover, the new PVC Aadhaar card also features an embossed UIDAI logo, which was absent in the older version.
Related: 6 Documents that can be linked with your Aadhaar card
- Instant verification: Offline verification has been made much simpler with the new Aadhaar card. It has a QR code containing basic user details such as name, address, and date of birth. This means you can now validate your identity without having to provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number or a physical photocopy.
- Issue date and print date: Earlier, the date of issue was often confused with the original date of enrolment (when one registered for Aadhaar for the first time at an enrolment centre). However, it is a little-known fact that the date mentioned on the Aadhaar card is actually the date on which it was printed. The date of issue does not appear on the original Aadhaar card at all. UIDAI has finally resolved this issue by listing both the issue date as well as the print date on the new PVC Aadhaar card. As a result, the Aadhaar card issue date will now remain constant, while the print date will be updated every time you request a reprint.
Related: Virtual ID and limited KYC: How do these new Aadhaar features work?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for the new Aadhaar PVC card?
You can easily get a reprinted PVC Aadhaar card online by using UIDAI’s newly launched ‘Order Aadhaar Card’ service. If you do not have a registered mobile number listed with UIDAI, it is still possible for you to order a new PVC print using an alternate number.
What are the applicable charges?
A nominal fee of Rs 50 is applicable for every new PVC Aadhaar card you order. This is inclusive of GST and Speed Post charges. You can pay via credit/debit card, UPI, netbanking, etc.
How can I track the application status?
Go to the UIDAI website and click on the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, followed by ‘Check Aadhaar PVC card status’. Next, enter the 28-digit service request number (SRN), your 12-digit Aadhaar number, and the captcha code. Finally, click on ‘Check status’.
