Aadhaar is one of the most commonly used identity documents in India, but the regular paper Aadhaar printout can easily get damaged over time. To solve this problem, UIDAI introduced the PVC Aadhaar Card, a more durable and secure version of Aadhaar that comes in a plastic card format, similar to a debit or ATM card.
In this detailed guide, you will learn what PVC Aadhaar is, its benefits, fees, security features, eligibility, how to order it online from UIDAI, and how to track your PVC Aadhaar status.
What is PVC Aadhaar Card?
A PVC Aadhaar Card is an Aadhaar card printed on a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic card. It contains the same details as your regular Aadhaar, such as:
- Name
- Aadhaar number
- Photograph
- Date of Birth / Year of Birth
- Gender
- Address
- QR code
The only difference is the format. PVC Aadhaar is a compact, wallet-friendly card designed for daily use. PVC Aadhaar Card is completely valid. It is officially issued by UIDAI and has the same validity as:
- e-Aadhaar
- Aadhaar letter delivered by post
- Aadhaar printout
So, you can use it as identity proof wherever Aadhaar is accepted.
Apply for PVC Aadhaar Card Online
Applying for a PVC Aadhaar Card is a simple online process provided by UIDAI. You can order it from the official UIDAI portal using your Aadhaar number or other enrollment details. Below is the complete step-by-step process in detail.
Step 1: Open the UIDAI PVC Aadhaar Service
- First, visit the official UIDAI MyAadhaar website - myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and login using your Aadhaar number and OTP.
- Select service called “Order Aadhaar PVC Card”. This is the official page where UIDAI accepts PVC Aadhaar requests.
Step 2: Check Your Aadhaar Details Preview
Now, see preview of your Aadhaar details, such as:
- Name
- Photo
- Date of Birth / Year of Birth
- Gender
- Address (If your address is incorrect, it is better to update Aadhaar address first, and then order the PVC card.)
Carefully check the details because your PVC Aadhaar will be delivered to the same address mentioned in Aadhaar. Now click on NEXT button
Step 3: Make Payment for PVC Aadhaar
Next, you will be asked to pay the PVC Aadhaar card fee Rs 75/-(inclusive of GST & Speed post charges). UIDAI usually allows multiple payment options like:
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
Complete the payment successfully and wait for the confirmation.
Step 4: Note Down SRN (Service Request Number)
Once payment is completed, UIDAI generates a Service Request Number (SRN).
This SRN is very important because it helps you:
- Track PVC Aadhaar status
- Check dispatch updates
- Confirm that your order is successful
You should save the SRN or take a screenshot for safety.
Step 5: Download the Acknowledgement/Receipt
After placing the order, you may also get an option to download the payment receipt or acknowledgement slip. It is recommended to keep it for reference until your PVC Aadhaar is delivered.
Important Notes Before Applying
- PVC Aadhaar is delivered only to the address printed in Aadhaar
- OTP is usually required, so your mobile number should be linked
- You can order PVC Aadhaar even if you already have a normal Aadhaar letter or e-Aadhaar
PVC Aadhaar Card Status Check Process
After you order your PVC Aadhaar Card from UIDAI, you can track the progress online to know whether it is processed, printed, dispatched, or delivered. UIDAI provides an official status tracking facility using the SRN (Service Request Number) generated after payment.
Below is the complete PVC Aadhaar status check process in detail.
- Go to the official UIDAI website and open the option “Check Aadhaar PVC card order status”.
- Now enter your SRN (Service Request Number) in the given field.
Make sure:
- You enter SRN correctly (no extra spaces)
- SRN matches the one received after payment
- After entering SRN, type the captcha code shown on the screen and click on Submit / Check Status.
Once you submit the details, the portal will display your PVC Aadhaar order status.
It generally shows:
- Current processing stage
- Whether the request is accepted
- Dispatch details (when available)
PVC Aadhaar Status Messages and Meaning
Here are common PVC Aadhaar status updates and what they mean:
- Order Accepted / Request Received; This means UIDAI has successfully received your PVC Aadhaar request.
- Under Process: Your PVC card request is being processed for printing.
- Printing in Progress: Your Aadhaar PVC card is being printed and prepared for dispatch.
- Dispatched: Your PVC Aadhaar card has been sent through post. In many cases, tracking details may appear after dispatch.
- Delivered: Your PVC Aadhaar card has been delivered to your Aadhaar address.
- SRN Not Found / Invalid SRN: This usually happens if:
- SRN entered is wrong
- Payment was not successful
- The order is not yet updated in the system
In such cases, recheck SRN and try again after some time.
Track PVC Aadhaar Delivery After Dispatch
Once the status shows Dispatched, you may be able to track the delivery using postal tracking details (if provided).
If tracking details are not visible immediately:
- Wait for a few hours or 1 day
- Check status again using SRN