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PVC Aadhaar Card: Ordering Process, Cost, and Delivery

PVC Aadhaar Card: Ordering Process, Cost, and Delivery

A PVC Aadhaar card is a wallet-sized plastic card, comparable in size and weight to a standard debit card, issued by UIDAI as a more durable alternative to the traditional paper letter. The material is resistant to water damage and tearing, and is designed for convenient storage in a wallet. The card includes the holder’s photograph, a masked Aadhaar number, and a digitally signed QR code enabling offline verification.
It is important to note that this does not constitute a new identity or a new Aadhaar number it represents the same existing Aadhaar record presented in a more durable format. Orders are placed online, with UIDAI dispatching the completed card to the holder’s registered address.

Table of Content

1. Features of the PVC Card

2. Procedure for Ordering a PVC Aadhaar Card Online

3. Cost of the PVC Aadhaar Card

4. Delivery Timeline and Tracking

5. Acceptance of the PVC Aadhaar Card

6. PVC Aadhaar Card: Key Details

Features of the PVC Card

Relative to the paper format, the PVC card incorporates a range of security and convenience features not present in the original version.

A digitally signed, secure QR code enabling offline identity verification
A masked Aadhaar number, displaying only the final four digits for privacy purposes
Security features including a hologram, ghost image, and guilloche pattern
High-quality printing of the holder’s photograph and issue date
Durable, waterproof construction suitable for extended wallet use

This functionality is underpinned by UIDAI’s proprietary security printing, which is why only the official PVC card is reliably accepted for verification purposes. A self-laminated or third-party-printed replica will not be recognized as valid.

Procedure for Ordering a PVC Aadhaar Card Online

Ordering is conducted via either the myAadhaar portal or the Aadhaar application, requiring no supporting documentation only the Aadhaar number and a mobile device for OTP verification.

Access the myAadhaar portal at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and select Order Aadhaar PVC Card
Enter the Aadhaar number, VID, or EID, and complete the captcha verification
Request the OTP where the registered mobile number is unavailable, the non-registered mobile option may be used with an alternate number
Enter the OTP and review the on-screen preview of name, photograph, and address
Complete payment online via UPI, card, or net banking, and retain the Service Request Number (SRN) provided in the acknowledgement

Careful review of the preview prior to confirming the order is essential, as the printed card will reflect exactly what is recorded in the database. Where an address or name is incorrect, the Aadhaar record must be updated prior to placing the order, as delivery is restricted exclusively to the registered address.

Cost of the PVC Aadhaar Card

A single, non-refundable fee applies, inclusive of applicable GST and Speed Post delivery charges, with no additional costs incurred. This fee remains constant regardless of whether the mobile number is registered.

₹50 has historically been the most widely cited figure; however, UIDAI’s revised 2025 service charge schedule has introduced updated rates of ₹75 for certain services, and at least one official UIDAI resource currently reflects ₹75 for the PVC card as well. Given this inconsistency, applicants are advised to verify the exact applicable amount on the payment screen prior to completing the transaction. The fee, in either case, covers a single delivery to the registered address.

Delivery Timeline and Tracking

Following order placement, UIDAI transfers the printed card to India Post within five working days, with the day of ordering excluded from this calculation. Speed Post delivery typically brings the total processing and delivery period to approximately 5 to 15 days, with urban addresses generally experiencing faster delivery than rural locations.

Tracking is conducted in two stages: initially via the SRN on UIDAI’s Check Aadhaar PVC Card Status page, and subsequently via the Speed Post consignment number on the India Post tracking website once the card has been dispatched. Two delivery attempts are made by the postal service; where both are unsuccessful, the card is held at the local post office for approximately one week before being returned.

Acceptance of the PVC Aadhaar Card

The official PVC card is accepted in every context where Aadhaar verification is required. Under the Aadhaar Act, it holds equivalent legal standing to the paper letter, eAadhaar, and masked Aadhaar all constituting equally valid forms of the same underlying record. It is accepted at airports, financial institutions, hospitality establishments, and for offline QR verification via any UIDAI-licensed scanning device.

The sole condition is authenticity the card must be UIDAI-issued and incorporate the full range of security features. A plastic card produced by a private vendor, regardless of print quality, holds no legal standing and may be appropriately refused.

PVC Aadhaar Card: Key Details

Detail	Information
Fee	₹50 (inclusive of GST and Speed Post); certain UIDAI resources now reflect ₹75 confirm on payment screen
Documentation required	None only Aadhaar/VID/EID and OTP verification
Dispatch	Transferred to India Post within 5 working days
Delivery	Via Speed Post, approximately 5–15 days, to the registered address
Validity	Identical to standard Aadhaar; no expiry

Source: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), uidai.gov.in

Written By

Vimal Vijayan

Senior Content Editor

Vimal Vijayan is a senior editor with a background in philosophy, research, music, and teaching, bringing a multidisciplinary lens to financial content and analysis. He specialises in refining complex financial ideas into clear, engaging narratives that support informed decision-making. With a strong interest in markets, problem-solving, and editorial precision, he combines analytical thinking with storytelling to produce content that is both insightful and accessible. Outside work, he enjoys chess, where strategy and patience continue to sharpen his perspective.

Reviewed By

Amit Prakash Singh

Co-Founder, Square Yards & Chief Business Officer, Urban Money

Amit Prakash Singh is the Chief Business Officer at Urban Money. With over nine years of experience at Square Capital, he has played a crucial role in establishing it as one of India's premier loan advisory services. Amit's deep financial insights and extensive knowledge have driven significant business growth and strategic advancements. He has successfully built and managed large sales teams, optimised costs, and created leaders within the industry. Amit's financial expertise and strategic vision are key to the ongoing success and expansion of Square Yards and Urban Money.

Last Updated: 2nd July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a PVC Aadhaar card?

It is the holder’s Aadhaar record printed by UIDAI onto a durable, wallet-sized plastic card, comparable to a debit card. It includes the holder’s photograph, a masked Aadhaar number, and a digitally signed QR code, along with security features such as a hologram. The underlying Aadhaar number remains unchanged it is the same record in a more durable format and the card is ordered online for home delivery.

How is a PVC Aadhaar card ordered online?

Access the myAadhaar portal, select Order Aadhaar PVC Card, and enter the Aadhaar number, VID, or EID along with the captcha. Verification is conducted via OTP, with an alternate number available where the registered number is unavailable. Following review of the preview, payment is completed online. An SRN is provided for tracking purposes, with no documentation required beyond the Aadhaar details.

What is the cost of a PVC Aadhaar card?

₹50 has been the standard, widely cited fee, inclusive of GST and Speed Post delivery with no hidden charges. However, UIDAI’s revised service charges reflected on at least one official UIDAI resource now indicate ₹75, resulting in current inconsistency in the published figure. The exact amount should be confirmed on the payment screen prior to finalizing the order.

What is the delivery timeline for a PVC Aadhaar card?

UIDAI transfers the printed card to India Post within five working days of the request, with Speed Post delivery typically completing the process within approximately 5 to 15 days. Urban addresses generally experience faster delivery than rural locations. Tracking is available via the SRN on the UIDAI status page, followed by the Speed Post consignment number on the India Post website.

Is a PVC Aadhaar card different from a standard Aadhaar?

With respect to format only the underlying Aadhaar number and details are identical to the paper letter or eAadhaar, presented on durable plastic with additional security features and a QR code. All formats paper, eAadhaar, mAadhaar, masked, and PVC hold equal legal validity. The PVC card simply offers improved durability for everyday use.

What is the validity period of a PVC Aadhaar card?

There is no expiry. As with any Aadhaar format, the PVC card remains valid indefinitely unless underlying details change, in which case the Aadhaar record should be updated and a new card ordered accordingly. No renewal process applies. For child Aadhaar holders, standard biometric updates remain required at ages five and fifteen, following which a new card may be ordered if desired.

Can PVC Aadhaar card delivery be tracked?

Yes, across two stages. The SRN from the order, entered on UIDAI’s Check Aadhaar PVC Card Status page, indicates whether the card has been printed or dispatched. Once transferred to Speed Post, UIDAI provides a consignment number for tracking via the India Post website through to final delivery at the registered address.

Is the PVC Aadhaar card accepted universally?

Yes, provided it is the official UIDAI-issued card. It holds legal validity wherever Aadhaar is accepted including airports, financial institutions, hospitality establishments, and offline QR verification on par with paper and electronic formats. An unofficial plastic card produced by a private vendor lacks both UIDAI’s security features and legal standing, and is not considered valid.