Introduction: The Next Chapter for Aadhaar
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has ushered in a new era for the country's digital identity framework with the notification of the "Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) First Amendment Regulations, 2025." These regulations, which officially came into effect on July 2, 2025, supersede the foundational 2016 rules and represent the most significant overhaul of the Aadhaar ecosystem in years.
This evolution is not merely a technical adjustment but a reflection of Aadhaar's maturation from a novel identification project into the foundational pillar of India's digital economy and welfare delivery system. As Aadhaar becomes increasingly integral to banking, taxation, subsidies, and countless other services, the systemic risks associated with data inaccuracies, fraud, and identity misuse have grown in tandem.
The new regulations are built upon several key pillars, each designed to make the Aadhaar process more streamlined, secure, and accountable. These include:
A completely revised and standardized list of acceptable documents for enrolment and updates, with a new emphasis on digital verifiability.
The strict enforcement of the "One Person, One Aadhaar" principle, with a clear mandate to eliminate duplicate identities from the system.
New, more stringent protocols for the enrolment of minors, including a mandatory birth certificate for all children born after a specific date.
The introduction of lifetime limits on the number of times core demographic data—such as name, date of birth, and gender—can be updated.
Clarified and distinct procedures for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and other foreign nationals seeking to enrol.
This report provides an exhaustive analysis of these new regulations. It serves as a definitive legal and practical guide for citizens, policy analysts, legal professionals, and any stakeholder seeking to navigate the transformed landscape of Aadhaar in India.
The New Gold Standard: UIDAI's Revised Document Framework
At the heart of the 2025 regulations is a fundamental overhaul of the documents UIDAI accepts for establishing and updating an individual's identity. The new framework is designed to enhance data quality at the source, ensuring that the information entering the Aadhaar database is backed by credible, verifiable proof. This move prioritizes accuracy and security over the previous era's focus on flexible enrolment.
Understanding the Four Pillars of Proof
The UIDAI system continues to be based on four distinct categories of documentary proof. Understanding their specific functions is crucial for a successful enrolment or update request.
Proof of Identity (PoI): This document must contain the applicant's name and a clear photograph. Its primary purpose is to establish who the person is. Examples include a PAN Card or a Driving License.
7 Proof of Address (PoA): This document must contain the applicant's name and their current residential address in India. It establishes where the person resides. Utility bills and bank passbooks are common examples.
8 Proof of Relationship (PoR): This document is primarily used for "Head of Family" (HoF) based enrolments, especially for children and other dependents who may not have documents in their own name. It must contain the name of the applicant and the name of the Head of Family to establish their relationship. A birth certificate showing parents' names is a key PoR document.
6 Proof of Date of Birth (PDB): This document must contain the applicant's name and their specific date of birth. It is essential for accurately recording age, which is critical for accessing various age-restricted services and benefits. A birth certificate is the most definitive PDB.
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A single powerful document, such as a valid Indian Passport, can often serve as proof for all four categories, making it the most versatile and recommended document for any Aadhaar-related service.
The Overhauled Document List: Key Changes and Conditions
The 2025 regulations introduce a rationalized list of acceptable documents, accompanied by stricter conditions to prevent misuse and ensure authenticity. Key changes include:
Emphasis on Verifiability: There is a clear preference for documents whose authenticity can be verified, either digitally through QR codes or online portals, or through established offline methods. This marks a significant shift from the past, where physical copies were often accepted with less scrutiny.
11 If an issuing authority has declared that a particular document is not valid for a certain proof (e.g., address), UIDAI will no longer accept it for that purpose.1 Strict Validity Periods: The new rules impose clear time limits on the validity of certain documents to ensure the information is current. For example, utility bills (electricity, water, gas, telephone) and bank or credit card statements are now only acceptable if they are not older than three months.
2 Similarly, a property tax receipt must not be older than one year, and a government accommodation allotment letter is also valid for only one year from its issue date.1 Standardized Certificates: While certificates from designated officials like Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Municipal Councillors, Gazetted Officers, and Village Panchayat Heads are still accepted, they must be issued on the UIDAI Standard Certificate format. This standardizes the information and reduces the scope for fraudulent, non-standard letters.
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UIDAI's Revised Master List of Acceptable Documents (2025)
The following table synthesizes the newly notified list of documents, providing a comprehensive, one-stop reference for individuals seeking to enrol for or update their Aadhaar. It clarifies which documents are valid for PoI, PoA, PoR, and PDB, along with any critical conditions.
Document Name | PoI | PoA | PoR | PDB | Key Conditions/Notes |
Primary Documents | |||||
Valid Indian Passport | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Universally accepted for most resident and NRI cases. For updates, PDB is accepted with an asterisk, indicating specific conditions may apply. |
PAN Card / e-PAN Card | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | Accepted as PoI only. |
Ration / PDS Photograph Card / e-Ration Card | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | Must contain a clear photograph. |
Voter Identity Card / e-Voter Identity Card | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Details must be verifiable on the Election Commission website. |
Driving Licence | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | Accepted as PoI only. |
Birth Certificate (under the 1969 Act) | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | The most definitive proof for DoB and Relationship. Mandatory for children born on/after Oct 1, 2023. |
Government & PSU Issued IDs | |||||
Service Photo ID Card (Govt/PSU/Statutory Body) | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | Accepted for PoI and PDB. |
Pensioner / Freedom Fighter Photo ID Card | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | Also accepts Pension Payment Order (PPO). |
MGNREGA / NREGS Job Card | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | Accepted for PoI, PoA, and PoR. |
Disability ID Card / Certificate (under RPwD Rules, 2017) | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Serves as both PoI and PoA. |
Transgender ID Card / Certificate (under Transgender Act, 2019) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | A comprehensive document accepted for all four categories. |
ST / SC / OBC Certificate (with photograph) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | Must be issued by Central or State Government. |
Marriage Certificate (with or without photograph) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | If without a photo, a supporting PoI document with the old name and photo is required. |
Financial & Insurance Documents | |||||
Bank / Post Office Passbook (with photo) | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Must be from a Public Sector Bank, stamped, signed, and accompanied by a KYC completion certificate from the branch manager. |
Bank / Credit Card / Post Office Statement | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Not older than 3 months. Must be stamped and signed by the issuing official. |
Kisan Photo Passbook | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Accepted for PoI and PoA, especially for updates. |
Life or Medical Insurance Policy | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Must be valid up to 1 year from the date of policy issuance. |
Educational Documents | |||||
Mark-sheet / Certificate from a recognized Board/University | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | Can serve as PoI, PoR, and PDB. |
School Leaving Certificate (SLC) / Transfer Certificate (TC) | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | Accepted as PoI for updates. |
Utility Bills & Property Documents | |||||
Electricity / Water / Gas Connection Bill | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Not older than 3 months. |
Telephone Landline / Post-paid Mobile / Broadband Bill | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Not older than 3 months. |
Registered Sale / Gift Deed or Rent / Lease Agreement | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Can be registered or unregistered for rent/lease agreements. |
Property Tax Receipt | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Not older than 1 year. |
Allotment Letter of Accommodation (Govt/PSU) | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Not older than 1 year. |
Certificates on UIDAI Standard Format | |||||
Certificate from MP/MLA/MLC/Municipal Councillor | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | For PoA only. |
Certificate from Gazetted Officer (Group A/B) / Tehsildar / EPFO Officer | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | For PoA only. |
Certificate from Head of Recognized Educational Institution | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | For students of the institution for PoA only. |
Certificate from Village Panchayat Head/Secretary (Rural) | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | For PoA only. |
Certificate from Head of Recognized Shelter Home/Orphanage | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | For children of the institution for PoI and PoA. |
Source: Synthesized from
Enforcing Uniqueness: The "One Person, One Aadhaar" Mandate
A cornerstone of the 2025 regulations is the uncompromising enforcement of the "One Person, One Aadhaar" principle. This is not a new ideal—Aadhaar was conceived as a unique identifier from its inception—but the new rules provide a clear and potent mechanism for its enforcement, moving from a passive de-duplication process to an active cancellation mandate.
The Legal Mandate
The new regulations state unequivocally that if it is established that more than one Aadhaar number has been issued to the same individual, a strict protocol will be followed: the Aadhaar number assigned at the earliest date, which contains the holder's biometric information, shall be retained. All subsequent Aadhaar numbers issued to that same person will be cancelled and omitted from the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR).
This rule is designed to purge the system of duplicates that may have arisen due to various reasons, including initial system errors, individuals re-enrolling after not receiving their first card, or fraudulent attempts to create multiple identities. The system's internal de-duplication process, which checks both demographic and biometric data against the entire database before generating any new Aadhaar, is the first line of defense against this.
Case Study: The Rationale Behind the Crackdown
The critical importance of this mandate is starkly illustrated by recent events in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. Reports emerged of a disturbing trend where tampered or fraudulent Aadhaar cards were being used to conceal the crime of child marriage. In at least six detected cases, family members of underage brides allegedly altered the date of birth on their Aadhaar cards to show a higher age, thereby evading arrest under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
In one documented instance, a 14-year-old girl's Aadhaar card was found to show her age as 20. Her family confessed to having paid a local browsing center Rs 200 to forge the document. The discrepancy was only discovered when health officials cross-referenced her details with the state's Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation (PICME) portal, which contained her correct, Aadhaar-seeded data.
This case demonstrates that a compromised Aadhaar system is not a mere administrative problem; it is a direct enabler of serious criminal activity. It allows perpetrators to subvert the law and exploit vulnerable individuals. The "One Person, One Aadhaar" rule, by eliminating duplicate and fraudulent identities, is therefore a crucial measure for public safety and effective law enforcement, ensuring that Aadhaar remains a tool for empowerment, not exploitation.
The Citizen's Dilemma: What to Do with a Duplicate Aadhaar?
While UIDAI's policy is clear, the procedure for a citizen who discovers they have a duplicate Aadhaar is not as straightforward. The system is primarily designed for automatic, internal de-duplication during enrolment and does not offer a specific user-facing form or process for a resident to voluntarily surrender a second Aadhaar number.
The only available recourse is to utilize UIDAI's multi-channel grievance redressal mechanism. Individuals in this situation should proactively report the issue to prevent potential service disruptions that could occur if one of their numbers is deactivated. The following steps are recommended:
Gather All Information: Collect both Aadhaar numbers (or their Enrolment IDs), along with all associated documents.
Contact UIDAI via Multiple Channels: Do not rely on a single point of contact. It is advisable to lodge a formal complaint through several of the following channels simultaneously:
Toll-Free Helpline: Call 1947 to speak with a contact center executive. Clearly explain the situation and ask for a Service Request Number (SRN) to track the complaint.
18 Email: Send a detailed email to help@uidai.gov.in, including scanned copies of both Aadhaar cards and any other relevant proof. Reference the SRN from the phone call if available.
18 Web Portal: File a grievance through the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) or the myAadhaar portal. This creates a digital trail of the complaint.
18 Visit a Regional Office: For complex cases, a personal visit to the jurisdictional UIDAI Regional Office may be necessary. This allows for direct interaction with officials who can handle such exceptions.
18 Anecdotal evidence suggests that persistence, including creating a "scene" at a regional office, has been effective, though it may take a significant amount of time to resolve.20 CPGRAMS: Lodge a grievance on the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (pgportal.gov.in), which is a government-wide platform that ensures the complaint is officially logged and tracked.
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Be Persistent: Follow up regularly on the complaint using the SRN. Resolving duplicate Aadhaar issues can be a lengthy process, and consistent follow-up is essential.
Securing the Next Generation: New Aadhaar Rules for Minors
The 2025 regulations place a special emphasis on standardizing and securing the Aadhaar enrolment process for children, recognizing that a reliable identity established early in life is crucial. The new rules introduce a clear bifurcation based on the child's date of birth.
The Birth Certificate Mandate (Post-October 1, 2023)
For any child, whether a Resident Indian or an NRI, born on or after October 1, 2023, a Birth Certificate issued by an authorized authority under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, is now the mandatory and non-negotiable document for Aadhaar enrolment.
Enrolment for Children Born Before October 1, 2023
For the vast majority of children born before the October 1, 2023 cut-off, the enrolment process continues to rely primarily on the Head of Family (HoF) based approach.
Presence of HoF: The parent or legal guardian must be physically present with the child at the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and provide their own Aadhaar number for authentication.
12 Proof of Relationship (PoR): A valid PoR document must be submitted to establish the relationship between the child and the HoF. While a birth certificate is the preferred document, other government-issued family entitlement documents or a valid passport can also be used for this purpose.
22 Address: The child's address will be automatically recorded as the same address present in the HoF's Aadhaar card.
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The Baal Aadhaar and Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU)
UIDAI has a distinct two-stage process for Aadhaar for minors, which involves the Baal Aadhaar and subsequent Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU).
Baal Aadhaar (Ages 0-5): For children below the age of five, UIDAI issues a special blue-colored Aadhaar card known as the "Baal Aadhaar." During this enrolment, no biometric information (fingerprints or iris scans) is captured from the child, as these are still developing. Only a facial photograph is taken. The child's Aadhaar is linked to the UID of one of the parents.
22 Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU): This is a critical and non-negotiable step in the lifecycle of a child's Aadhaar. As the child's biometric features mature, they must be updated in the UIDAI database to ensure the Aadhaar remains a reliable authentication tool. This update is required twice and is free of cost:
First MBU: Upon the child attaining the age of 5 years.
Second MBU: Upon the child attaining the age of 15 years.
During the MBU, all ten fingerprints, both iris scans, and a new facial photograph of the child are captured and linked to their existing Aadhaar number. Failure to complete this update has serious consequences. The regulations state that if an Aadhaar holder does not update their biometric information within two years of reaching these milestone ages (i.e., by age 7 and age 17, respectively), their Aadhaar number will be deactivated. It will remain in a deactivated state, unusable for any authentication, until the MBU is successfully completed.
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The Rules of Modification: Navigating Aadhaar Updates
To curb identity fraud and prevent the arbitrary alteration of core identity details, the 2025 regulations have introduced strict, lifetime limits on how many times a resident can update their name, date of birth, and gender. While these changes enhance security, they also place a premium on ensuring accuracy during the initial enrolment and any subsequent update requests.
The Lifetime Limits on Core Data
The new rules are unambiguous about the restrictions on modifying fundamental demographic information
Name: An individual can update their name on their Aadhaar card a maximum of twice in their entire lifetime. This allows for legitimate changes, such as minor spelling corrections or a change of surname after marriage, but prevents repeated alterations.
Date of Birth (DoB): An individual can correct their date of birth only once in their lifetime. This is a one-time opportunity, and any error made during this single update cannot be rectified again through the standard process.
Gender: An individual has only one opportunity in their lifetime to update their gender information.
These stringent limits underscore the need for extreme diligence. A mistake in an update request for these fields can become a permanent error in one's primary identity document.
Supporting Documents for Core Updates
Given the high stakes of these limited updates, UIDAI requires high-value, legally sound documents to process such requests:
For Name Change: A minor correction in spelling can often be done with a standard PoI document. However, for a significant name change, a Gazette Notification of the new name published by a State or Union Government is typically required, along with a supporting PoI document that contains the old name and photograph.
6 For women changing their surname after marriage, aMarriage Certificate is a key supporting document, which can serve as PoI, PoA, and PoR.
2 For Gender Change: For transgender individuals requesting a gender update, a Medical Certificate from a surgeon is required as per the notified rules.
1 For Date of Birth Change: The single allowed DoB update requires robust proof. For minors (ages 0-18), a Birth Certificate issued by an authorized state authority is now mandatory for any DoB update.
1 For adults making an exceptional change, a self-declaration in the notified format along with a Birth Certificate is required.1
Updates Without Limits: Address, Mobile, and Biometrics
In contrast to the core data, UIDAI provides flexibility for details that are expected to change over a person's lifetime:
Address: A resident's address can be updated as many times as needed. This is the primary demographic update that can be performed online through the myAadhaar portal, provided the resident has a valid Proof of Address (PoA) document and their mobile number is linked to their Aadhaar for OTP verification.
31 Mobile Number and Email ID: These can also be updated any number of times. However, for security reasons, this update cannot be done online. It requires a physical visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or an authorized enrolment center, where biometric authentication of the Aadhaar holder is mandatory to process the request.
5 Photograph and Biometrics: A resident can update their photograph and other biometrics (fingerprints and iris scans) at any time by visiting an enrolment center. There is no limit on the number of times this can be done.
32 This is particularly useful if the original biometrics were captured many years ago and have degraded, causing authentication failures.
Aadhaar for a Global India: A Guide for NRIs, OCIs, and Foreign Nationals
The 2025 regulations bring much-needed clarity to the Aadhaar enrolment process for various categories of non-resident and foreign nationals. The rules are distinct for each group, and understanding these differences is essential for a successful application.
General Principles and Key Distinctions
A fundamental eligibility criterion for most foreign nationals, including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), is the requirement to have resided in India for at least 182 days in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application.
A significant change, however, is the removal of this 182-day residency requirement for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who hold a valid Indian passport. This allows NRIs to apply for Aadhaar immediately upon arrival in India without a mandatory waiting period.
Aadhaar Document Matrix for Non-Residents & Foreign Nationals
The following table provides a simplified, comparative overview of the eligibility and primary document requirements for different non-resident categories, demystifying what is often a point of confusion.
Applicant Category | Primary Proof of Identity (PoI) | Proof of Address (PoA) | Key Eligibility Condition |
Non-Resident Indian (NRI) | Valid Indian Passport | Valid Indian Passport (if it contains an Indian address) OR any other valid Indian PoA from the accepted list. | No minimum residency period required. |
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholder | Valid OCI Card AND Valid Foreign Passport | Any valid Indian PoA from the accepted list. A foreign passport is not accepted as PoA. | Must have resided in India for 182 days or more in the last 12 months. |
Long-Term Visa (LTV) Holder | Valid LTV Document AND Valid or Expired Foreign Passport | LTV Document can serve as PoA. | Must belong to specified minority communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. |
National of Nepal or Bhutan | Passport of Nepal or Bhutan | Passport can serve as PoA. If passport is unavailable, two alternate documents (e.g., Citizenship Certificate, Voter ID) with the same address are required. | No 182-day residency requirement. Aadhaar is valid for 10 years. |
Other Resident Foreigner | Valid Foreign Passport AND Valid Indian Visa | Valid Registration Certificate or Residential Permit issued by the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO)/Foreigners Registration Office (FRO). | Must have resided in India for 182 days or more in the last 12 months. |
Source: Synthesized from
This structured approach clarifies critical distinctions. For instance, an NRI can use their Indian passport as both PoI and PoA, whereas an OCI cardholder must provide a separate Indian address proof. Similarly, the 182-day stay requirement is a strict prerequisite for OCIs and other foreigners but does not apply to NRIs or nationals of Nepal and Bhutan. Adhering to these specific requirements is crucial to avoid application rejection.
Practical Guidance and Key Takeaways
The new Aadhaar regulations, while enhancing security, also present new responsibilities and opportunities for every resident. Understanding these practical aspects is key to maintaining a valid and secure digital identity.
The Free Update Window: An Opportunity for Data Hygiene
UIDAI is strongly encouraging all residents to ensure their Aadhaar data is current and accurate. To facilitate this, it has extended the deadline for the free online document update service through the myAadhaar portal to June 14, 2026.
This should not be viewed merely as a free service but as a critical opportunity for "data hygiene." It is particularly important for individuals whose Aadhaar was issued more than ten years ago or whose details have changed since enrolment.
Your Aadhaar Security Checklist
In an era of increasing digital transactions, safeguarding one's Aadhaar is paramount. The following checklist provides actionable steps every Aadhaar holder should take:
Verify Your Data: Periodically log in to the myAadhaar portal to check that your name, address, date of birth, and linked mobile/email are correct.
Lock Your Biometrics: UIDAI provides a facility to lock your biometrics (fingerprints and iris) through the myAadhaar portal or mAadhaar app. When locked, biometric authentication is disabled, preventing any potential misuse. You can easily unlock it temporarily whenever you need to perform a biometric transaction. This is a powerful security feature that every resident should use.
39 Use Masked Aadhaar: When you need to provide a copy of your Aadhaar as proof, use the "Masked Aadhaar" option, which can be downloaded from the UIDAI website. This version displays only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number, obscuring the full number and reducing the risk of misuse.
Never Share OTPs: The One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number is the key to authenticating online transactions. Never share this with anyone. UIDAI or any service provider will never ask for your Aadhaar OTP.
Check Your Authentication History: The UIDAI portal allows you to view a detailed history of all authentication transactions performed using your Aadhaar number over the last six months. Regularly reviewing this history can help you spot any unauthorized usage immediately.
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Conclusion: A More Secure and Reliable Aadhaar for a Digital India
The "Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) First Amendment Regulations, 2025" are a landmark development in the evolution of India's digital identity infrastructure. They represent a deliberate and necessary transition from a focus on quantity to an uncompromising commitment to quality, security, and integrity. By rationalizing the document list, enforcing the "One Person, One Aadhaar" mandate, tightening protocols for data updates, and clarifying rules for all categories of residents, UIDAI is building a more robust and trustworthy system.
These changes are not merely bureaucratic; they are foundational to the future of India's digital economy and its ability to deliver welfare services efficiently and without leakage. For the individual citizen, the new rules demand greater diligence but, in return, promise a more secure and reliable identity document. By embracing these changes and following best practices for security, every Aadhaar holder can contribute to and benefit from a stronger, safer, and more effective digital India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on New Aadhaar Rules
General Rules & Updates
What are the main changes in the new 2025 Aadhaar regulations? The "Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) First Amendment Regulations, 2025," effective from July 2, 2025, introduce several key changes. These include a newly revised and standardized list of acceptable documents, the strict enforcement of the "One Person, One Aadhaar" principle through the cancellation of duplicates, new mandatory rules for children's enrolment, and lifetime limits on how many times you can update your name, date of birth, and gender.
How many times can I update my name, date of birth, or gender? Under the new rules, you have a lifetime limit for updating core details. You can update your name a maximum of twice, while your date of birth and gender can only be updated once.
Are there limits on updating my address or mobile number? No, there are no limits on the number of times you can update your address or mobile number. Address updates can be done online, but mobile number and email ID updates require a physical visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for biometric verification.
Is the free Aadhaar document update service still available? Yes, UIDAI has extended the deadline for the free online document update service to June 14, 2026. This allows you to upload your latest Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) documents through the myAadhaar portal at no cost. This service is only free online; charges apply at physical centres.
Duplicate Aadhaar
What is the "One Person, One Aadhaar" rule? This is a strict mandate to ensure each individual has only one Aadhaar number. If the system finds that more than one Aadhaar has been issued to the same person, only the earliest number that contains the holder's biometric data will be retained. All subsequent Aadhaar numbers will be cancelled.
What should I do if I accidentally have two Aadhaar numbers? UIDAI does not have a specific form to surrender a duplicate number. You must proactively report the issue by contacting UIDAI through its official grievance channels to get the duplicate cancelled. You can call the toll-free helpline 1947, send an email to help@uidai.gov.in, file a complaint on the UIDAI web portal, or visit a UIDAI Regional Office in person.
Children's Aadhaar
What documents are needed to enrol a child for Aadhaar? For children born on or after October 1, 2023, a Birth Certificate is now mandatory for Aadhaar enrolment.
What is a Baal Aadhaar and when does it need to be updated? A Baal Aadhaar is a blue-coloured Aadhaar card issued to children under the age of five. No biometrics (fingerprints or iris scans) are taken for its issuance. It is mandatory for the child to complete a biometric update (MBU) upon turning 5 and again at age 15. These updates are free of cost and essential to keep the Aadhaar active.
Documents and Verification
Which single document is the most useful for Aadhaar? A valid Indian Passport is the most versatile document. It is accepted as Proof of Identity (PoI), Proof of Address (PoA), Proof of Relationship (PoR), and Proof of Date of Birth (PDB) for most enrolment and update cases.
What are the new rules for using utility bills as address proof? Utility bills, such as electricity, water, gas, or telephone/broadband bills, are only accepted as Proof of Address (PoA) if they are not older than three months from the date of application.
NRIs, OCIs, and Foreign Nationals
What are the Aadhaar enrolment rules for NRIs? Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who hold a valid Indian passport can apply for an Aadhaar card upon arrival in India. The previous requirement of staying in India for 182 days has been removed for them. A valid Indian passport is the mandatory Proof of Identity.
Can an OCI cardholder get an Aadhaar card? Yes, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder can apply for Aadhaar, but they must have resided in India for a continuous period of 182 days or more in the 12 months immediately preceding the application date. They need to provide their valid OCI Card along with a valid foreign passport as identity proof, and a separate valid document for their Indian address.
Security
How can I protect my Aadhaar from being misused? UIDAI provides several tools to secure your Aadhaar. You should lock your biometrics through the myAadhaar portal or mAadhaar app, which prevents authentication using fingerprints or iris scans until you unlock it. When sharing a copy, always use the "Masked Aadhaar" option, which hides the first 8 digits of your number. Never share your Aadhaar OTP with anyone and periodically check your Aadhaar authentication history on the UIDAI website to spot any unauthorized use.
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity":" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many times can I update my name, date of birth, or gender?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Under the new rules, you have a lifetime limit for updating core details. You can update your name a maximum of **twice**, while your date of birth and gender can only be updated **once**.[5, 6]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there limits on updating my address or mobile number?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No, there are no limits on the number of times you can update your address or mobile number. Address updates can be done online, but mobile number and email ID updates require a physical visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for biometric verification.[7, 6, 8]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the free Aadhaar document update service still available?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, UIDAI has extended the deadline for the free online document update service to **June 14, 2026**. This allows you to upload your latest Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) documents through the myAadhaar portal at no cost. This service is only free online; charges apply at physical centres.[9, 10]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the \"One Person, One Aadhaar\" rule?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "This is a strict mandate to ensure each individual has only one Aadhaar number. If the system finds that more than one Aadhaar has been issued to the same person, only the earliest number that contains the holder's biometric data will be retained. All subsequent Aadhaar numbers will be cancelled.[11, 2]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What should I do if I accidentally have two Aadhaar numbers?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "UIDAI does not have a specific form to surrender a duplicate number. You must proactively report the issue by contacting UIDAI through its official grievance channels to get the duplicate cancelled. You can call the toll-free helpline **1947**, send an email to **help@uidai.gov.in**, file a complaint on the UIDAI web portal, or visit a UIDAI Regional Office in person.[12, 13]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What documents are needed to enrol a child for Aadhaar?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For children born on or after **October 1, 2023**, a **Birth Certificate** is now mandatory for Aadhaar enrolment.[14, 15, 16] For children born before this date, enrolment can typically be done using the Head of Family (HoF) based process, which requires a valid Proof of Relationship (PoR) document (like a birth certificate) and the parent's or guardian's Aadhaar for authentication.[17, 15, 16]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is a Baal Aadhaar and when does it need to be updated?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A Baal Aadhaar is a blue-coloured Aadhaar card issued to children under the age of five. No biometrics (fingerprints or iris scans) are taken for its issuance. It is mandatory for the child to complete a biometric update (MBU) upon turning **5** and again at age **15**. These updates are free of cost and essential to keep the Aadhaar active.[17, 18, 15]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which single document is the most useful for Aadhaar?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A valid **Indian Passport** is the most versatile document. It is accepted as Proof of Identity (PoI), Proof of Address (PoA), Proof of Relationship (PoR), and Proof of Date of Birth (PDB) for most enrolment and update cases.[1, 11, 19]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the new rules for using utility bills as address proof?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Utility bills, such as electricity, water, gas, or telephone/broadband bills, are only accepted as Proof of Address (PoA) if they are **not older than three months** from the date of application.[1, 11, 19]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the Aadhaar enrolment rules for NRIs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who hold a valid Indian passport can apply for an Aadhaar card upon arrival in India. The previous requirement of staying in India for 182 days has been removed for them. A valid Indian passport is the mandatory Proof of Identity.[20, 21, 22]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can an OCI cardholder get an Aadhaar card?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder can apply for Aadhaar, but they must have resided in India for a continuous period of **182 days or more** in the 12 months immediately preceding the application date. They need to provide their valid OCI Card along with a valid foreign passport as identity proof, and a separate valid document for their Indian address.[23, 24, 20, 25]" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I protect my Aadhaar from being misused?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "UIDAI provides several tools to secure your Aadhaar. You should **lock your biometrics** through the myAadhaar portal or mAadhaar app, which prevents authentication using fingerprints or iris scans until you unlock it. When sharing a copy, always use the **\"Masked Aadhaar\"** option, which hides the first 8 digits of your number. Never share your Aadhaar OTP with anyone and periodically check your Aadhaar authentication history on the UIDAI website to spot any unauthorized use.[26, 27]" } } ] }
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