The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the governing body of Aadhaar, has again extended the deadline for Aadhaar holders. You can now update your Aadhaar details for free till December 14, 2024. This is the second such extension after the previous extension till June 2024.

The process to update Aadhaar details for free is available only through the online portal of UIDAI. However free option to update biometric details is not available. To update biometrics you will have to visit Aadhaar centers and pay the fee.

Why is it important to update Aadhaar details?

Aadhaar is a 12 digit unique identification number issued by the Government of India. Indian citizens can use their Aadhaar to access a range of services, from enrolling in government schemes and filing taxes to booking travel tickets and opening bank accounts.

If your Aadhaar details are outdated or incorrect, you may face challenges in availing services that require Aadhaar authentication. Be it mismatched addresses causing issues in financial transactions or outdated biometric data causing authentication failures, or airports where you are facing authentication issues.

The government has also highlighted the increasing risk of Aadhaar-related fraud. By regular updates, the government can maintain an accurate and secure database, which helps reduce the chances of misuse of Aadhaar.

Who should update their Aadhaar?

While every Aadhaar holder can benefit from regular updates, some people should prioritize updates:

Aadhaar issued more than 10 years ago: If it has been more than a decade since your Aadhaar was created, it is highly recommended to update the Aadhaar details.

Children who have turned 15: Children who had Aadhaar card at a young age need to update their biometric details after the age of 15 years. This helps ensure that their biometrics remain valid for identification purposes.

Biometric Changes: If an accident, surgery or medical condition has affected your biometric data such as fingerprint or iris scan, you will need to update your Aadhaar to reflect those changes.

Authentication Failures: If you have experienced Aadhaar authentication failures – whether during financial transactions or accessing government schemes – it is very important to review and update your details to avoid recurring problems.

How to update Aadhaar details online for free

The process of updating your Aadhaar information online is simple and convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Visit UIDAI portal: Visit the Aadhaar self-service update portal by visiting myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.

Login with Aadhaar and OTP: Enter your Aadhaar number and use the One-Time Password (OTP) sent on your registered mobile number to log in.

Review your details: Check the demographic information (like name, address, etc.) shown on your Aadhaar profile. If any details are out of date or incorrect, proceed with the update.

Update your details: Select the relevant document type (Proof of Identity or Proof of Address) and upload the scanned copy of the original document in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format Maximum size: 2 MB.

submit request: Once you submit your request, you will receive a Service Request Number (SRN), which allows you to track the status of your update.

Take care of biometric updates: While demographic updates can be made online, changes in biometric information – such as fingerprint, iris scan, or photo – can be made only at an authorized Aadhaar centre, and require a fee. This is especially important for children who need to update their biometric details as they grow up.