Lost government document? Here's how to track it down
What's the story
The loss of government documents can induce anxiety and stress, considering their significance in our day-to-day life.
From PAN cards to Aadhaar, these documents serve as prerequisites for numerous transactions, including opening a bank account, applying for loans, or even obtaining a mobile phone connection.
This article will navigate you through the process of preserving your crucial documents and retrieving them in case of loss.
Step 1
Create digital backups
In the digital world of today, either scan or take clear photos of all your government docs.
Save these digital copies on your computer and also on an external device or cloud services (Google Drive or Dropbox).
That way, if one storage option fails, you can still retrieve your documents from the other.
Step 2
Register for DigiLocker
DigiLocker is a key initiative by the Government of India to foster paperless governance.
By setting up an account on DigiLocker, you can securely store and access digital copies of your government-issued documents anytime, anywhere.
The platform is integrated with Aadhaar, enabling citizens to easily recover lost documents without the hassle of visiting various government offices.
Step 3
Report loss immediately
If you lose any of your government documents, report the loss immediately.
For Aadhaar card, contact Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
For PAN card, report to the Income Tax Department and lodge an FIR if required.
Prompt reporting facilitates quick recovery and minimizes the potential for misuse of your lost document.
Step 4
Apply for duplicate documents
After filing a loss report and getting an FIR if necessary, immediately apply for duplicate documents.
Government departments have made it convenient by offering online applications. Just go to their websites and follow the procedures for duplicate issuance.
There might be a small fee (e.g., ₹50 for Aadhaar card reissue).
This way, you can avoid the anxiety of losing important documents and stay on the right side of the law.