UIDAI Launches PVC Aadhaar Card for Enhanced Durability and Security

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that Indian citizens can now obtain a more durable and secure version of their Aadhaar card issued on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. The initiative aims to provide residents with a high-tech Aadhaar variant resistant to damage and equipped with several security features.

The new PVC Aadhaar card is available for order through the official UIDAI website for a nominal fee of INR 50, which includes the cost of delivery via speed post. UIDAI has actively recommended this upgraded version through social media platforms, citing its superior durability comparable to that of a standard credit or ATM card.

To obtain a PVC Aadhaar card, individuals must visit the UIDAI website and navigate to the ‘Order Aadhaar PVC Card’ section within the ‘My Aadhaar’ menu. Upon providing their Aadhaar number and completing a verification process via OTP sent to their registered mobile number, users can finalize their order by verifying their details and making the necessary payment of INR 50.

The revamped PVC card boasts several modern security features including a hologram, guilloché patterns, ghost images, and microtext. It also includes a QR code to facilitate easy verification of the cardholder’s identity. According to UIDAI, these enhancements are intended to address the typical vulnerabilities associated with conventional paper-based Aadhaar cards, which are prone to wear and tear.

As the Aadhaar card serves as a critical document for numerous services such as banking and accessing government schemes, the introduction of the PVC format aims to ensure its longevity and reliability. The demand for a more robust card stems from users’ experiences with traditional paper cards becoming damaged when exposed to water or during prolonged storage.

The UIDAI has made accommodations for the entire process of applying for and receiving the PVC Aadhaar card to be completed from the comfort of one’s home using digital devices such as mobile phones or laptops. Once an application is submitted, UIDAI promises delivery of the PVC Aadhaar card to the applicant’s registered address within a maximum of 15 days.