Losing your Aadhaar card can feel like a serious problem — it's your primary identity document for almost everything in India. But the good news is: replacing a lost Aadhaar is quick, cheap, and doesn't require an FIR in most cases.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the exact process — from filing the lost Aadhaar affidavit to downloading a fresh e-Aadhaar and ordering a physical copy.
Do You Need an FIR for Lost Aadhaar?
No. UIDAI does not require an FIR for a lost Aadhaar card. You can simply download the e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website using your Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID.
However, there are situations where a lost Aadhaar affidavit is useful or required:
- When the receiving authority specifically asks for an affidavit of loss
- When you suspect misuse of your lost Aadhaar
- When updating records with banks, colleges, or government offices
- When you want an official record of the loss
Important: Even if you don't need an affidavit for a duplicate Aadhaar, keeping one notarized copy on hand is a smart move — you never know when it might be needed.
Lost Aadhaar Affidavit — Format
The affidavit is a simple declaration stating that you lost your Aadhaar, along with your details and the Aadhaar number (if you remember it). A standard format includes:
- Header: "Affidavit of Loss of Aadhaar Card" on non-judicial stamp paper.
- Deponent details: Your full name, father's name, address, and mobile number.
- Aadhaar details: Aadhaar number (if known) or Enrolment ID.
- Loss declaration: "I lost my Aadhaar card on [date] at [place]."
- Purpose: "This affidavit is submitted for obtaining a duplicate Aadhaar / updating records."
- Verification clause: "I declare the above information is true to the best of my knowledge."
- Signatures: Deponent, Notary, and two witnesses.
Sample declaration:
"I, Rohit Sharma, son of Shri Mohan Sharma, resident of [Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare that I have lost my Aadhaar card bearing number XXXX-XXXX-1234 on [date] at [place]. I have not handed it over to anyone and it is not in my possession. This affidavit is submitted for the purpose of obtaining a duplicate Aadhaar card."
Stamp Paper Value
The lost Aadhaar affidavit is usually made on ₹10 or ₹20 non-judicial stamp paper, depending on your state. In Maharashtra, it may require ₹100.
| State | Typical Stamp Value |
|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹10 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹10 |
| Maharashtra | ₹100 |
| Karnataka | ₹20 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹20 |
| West Bengal | ₹10 |
| Gujarat | ₹20 |
Step-by-Step Process to Get Duplicate Aadhaar
- Download e-Aadhaar (Fastest). Go to uidai.gov.in → "Download Aadhaar" → Enter Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID + OTP. Download the password-protected PDF.
- Order a Reprint (Physical Copy). On the UIDAI portal, select "Order Aadhaar Reprint" → Pay ₹50 → Aadhaar is delivered by post in 7-15 days.
- Prepare the Affidavit (if needed). Draft the lost Aadhaar affidavit, print on stamp paper, and notarize it.
- Visit an Aadhaar Centre (if biometrics update needed). If your mobile is also lost or you need biometric updates, visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with the affidavit and ID proof.
- Update Your Records. Inform banks, employer, college, and other authorities about the loss, and provide them a copy of the affidavit + new e-Aadhaar.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID (if known)
- Alternative ID proof (PAN, Voter ID, Passport, Driving Licence)
- Address proof
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP)
- Non-judicial stamp paper (₹10 / ₹20)
- Two witnesses with valid ID
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Aadhaar download | Free |
| Aadhaar Reprint (physical) | ₹50 (incl. delivery) |
| Stamp Paper | ₹10 – ₹100 |
| Notary Charges | ₹50 – ₹200 |
| Total (with affidavit) | ₹60 – ₹300 |
Preventing Aadhaar Misuse
If you've lost your Aadhaar, take these steps to protect yourself from identity theft:
- Lock your biometrics. Use the UIDAI portal or mAadhaar app to lock biometric authentication temporarily.
- Check your Aadhaar authentication history. Log in to the UIDAI portal and review the last 6 months of authentication requests.
- File a police complaint (if misused). If you notice unauthorised activity, file an FIR at your local police station.
- Inform UIDAI. Report the misuse to UIDAI via their helpline (1947) or online portal.
- Get a fresh Aadhaar. Apply for a reprint so you have a valid copy on hand.
Pro Tip: Always keep a password-protected PDF copy of your e-Aadhaar in your email or cloud storage — it's legally valid and saves you from future loss problems.
Is e-Aadhaar Legally Valid?
Yes. As per the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and UIDAI guidelines, the e-Aadhaar PDF (downloaded from uidai.gov.in) is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card. It's accepted by all government and private authorities, including banks, telecom companies, and educational institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
No FIR is required for a lost Aadhaar card. You only need an affidavit declaring the loss, and you can download a new Aadhaar from the UIDAI website.
You can download the e-Aadhaar from uidai.gov.in using your Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID. If you need a physical copy, order a reprint for ₹50.
A lost Aadhaar affidavit is usually made on ₹10 or ₹20 non-judicial stamp paper, notarized by a Notary Public.
Yes, e-Aadhaar (password-protected PDF from UIDAI) is legally valid and accepted everywhere the physical Aadhaar is accepted.
Immediately lock your biometrics on the UIDAI portal, file a police complaint, and inform UIDAI. You may also need to file a fresh affidavit of loss.
Final Thoughts
Losing Aadhaar is not a legal crisis — you can have a new one within minutes (e-Aadhaar) or within 2 weeks (physical reprint). An affidavit adds legal cover, especially if you suspect misuse or need to notify authorities.
At AffidavitFormat.com, you can generate a free lost Aadhaar affidavit in Hindi and English — ready to print on stamp paper and notarize.
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