The Indian government has extended the deadline for citizens to update their Aadhaar card details for free till September 14, 2024. This extension, announced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), provides residents an additional three months to ensure that their Aadhaar information is accurate and up-to-date, at no charge.

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued to Indian residents based on their biometric and demographic data. The system aims to eliminate duplicate and fake identities, ensuring a more transparent and secure process for accessing various government and financial services.

Why is it important to update Aadhaar?

Keeping Aadhaar details up-to-date is important to maintain seamless access to government services and financial systems. Aadhaar number serves as a primary tool for identity verification across multiple platforms. Regular updates help the government prevent identity duplication and detect fraudulent activities, thereby increasing security and efficiency in service delivery.

Updating Aadhaar is also mandatory as according to the Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Regulations, 2016, individuals must update their Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of Address (POA) documents every ten years from the date of their Aadhaar enrolment. This requirement ensures that the Aadhaar database remains accurate and reflects any changes in personal information, such as address, name or marital status. Additionally, children’s biometric details must be updated on their blue Aadhaar cards at the age of 5 and 15 to maintain the integrity of their records.

How to update Aadhaar card online?

Updating Aadhaar details online is a simple process. Here are the steps:

• Visit the UIDAI website uidai.gov.in and select your preferred language.
• Now access the Updates section by clicking on the “My Aadhaar” tab and select “Update your Aadhaar” from the dropdown menu.
• Click on “Update Documents” under “Update Aadhaar Details (Online)” page.
• Next, log in by entering your Aadhaar number and captcha code, then click on “Send OTP” to receive the one-time password on your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP and click on “Login”.
• Next, select the demographic details you want to update, such as name, address or date of birth, and fill in the new information correctly.
• You will now need to upload documents. To do so, click on “Submit” and upload scanned copies of the required documents to support your update request.

To update your Aadhaar details, you need to provide valid proof of identity and address. Here is the list of acceptable documents:

proof of identity: Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, Voter ID, Government Issued ID Card, Marksheet, Marriage Certificate, Ration Card.

proof of address: Recent bank statement, electricity or gas bill, passport, marriage certificate, ration card, property tax receipts, government-issued ID card.

• Submit your update request. You will receive an Update Request Number (URN) via SMS to track the status of your request.

You will have to visit an Aadhaar centre to update your biometric details

For updates related to biometric information like facial photos, iris scans or fingerprints, you will have to visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre. You can use the UIDAI website to locate the nearest centre. At the centre, provide your biometric information, follow the authentication instructions and submit the required documents for verification. After completing the process, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt with a URN to track the status of your biometric update.