The deadline for updating the Aadhaar card for free is approaching, with less than three weeks left until December 14, 2024. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been urging citizens to update their Aadhaar information for a long time, especially those who received their cards more than 10 years back. It’s important to note that the updation process is not mandatory.
What is Aadhaar?
Aadhaar, issued by the UIDAI, proves to be an effective tool in preventing fake or ghost identities by assigning a unique identification number to every resident.Additionally, it cannot be duplicated because it is linked to an individual’s biometric data.
While updates are not mandatory, they contribute to smoother living, improved service delivery, and ensure accurate authentication.
Why update Aadhaar card?
Aadhaar is an important identification document for every Indian citizen owing to its reliability, legal compliance and ease of access.
It should be updated in case of relocation to a new place and changing of address, or the information in the current Aadhaar card is inaccurate. It can be easily achieved with the help of a valid address proof or by using the Address Validation Letter (for those without valid address proof).
Cost of updating Aadhaar
Aadhaar update is free of cost till 14 December 2024, however, after the deadline, documents submission at an Aadhaar center, will cost Rs. 50 for any update.
How to update Aadhaar
- Firstly, visit the myAadhaar portal and click on the ‘Login’ button.
- Enter the Aadhaar number, captcha code and then proceed to click the ‘send OTP’ button.
- Once the OTP is entered click on the ‘login’ button and then on the ‘document update’ button.
- Read the guidelines and click the ‘next’ button. Check the detail verification box and click ‘next.’
- Upload personal identification documents like ‘proof of identity’ and ‘proof of address’
- Click ‘submit’, after which a ‘service request number (SRN)’ would be sent to your email to track the document update status.
Aadhaar regulations
A PIB release from 2022 stated that the residents who had got their Aadhaar issued a decade back and have never updated since, such Aadhaar number holders are encouraged to get their documents updated.
UIDAI had previously issued a press release urging residents to keep their documents up to date. The recently issued gazette notification further clarifies that residents “may” update their details every 10 years.
“Keeping the documents in Aadhaar updated helps in ease of living, better service delivery, and enables accurate authentication. UIDAI has always encouraged residents to keep their documents updated, and the gazette notification is another step in that direction.”
According to the Aadhaar enrolment and update regulations, 2016, “An Aadhaar number holder may, on completion of every period of 10 years from the date of generation of the Aadhaar number assigned to him, update the documents or the information evidencing proof of identity and proof of address, at least once, by submitting an application.”
On the social media platform X, UIDAI revealed that it will be availing a facility to update Aadhaar cards for free till 14 December 20, 2024.
“UIDAI extends free online document upload facility till 14th December 2024; to benefit millions of Aadhaar Number Holders. This free service is available only on myAadhaar portal. UIDAI has been encouraging people to keep documents updated in their Aadhaar.”