The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently extended the deadline for updating Aadhaar card details to December 14, 2024. This extension aims to encourage citizens to maintain accurate and up-to-date demographic and biometric information in their Aadhaar cards. In this article, we will delve into the importance of updating your Aadhaar card, the process of doing so, and the consequences of not updating it by the given deadline.
Why Update Your Aadhaar Card?
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number that serves as a crucial document for every Indian resident. It is essential for various day-to-day activities such as applying for government schemes, opening bank accounts, booking travel tickets, and filing income taxes. If you have not updated your Aadhaar card in the last 10 years, it is imperative to do so to ensure that your demographic and biometric details remain accurate and up-to-date.
Maintaining accurate Aadhaar details helps the government ensure that public schemes and services are delivered to the right person without delays caused by outdated information. Additionally, it helps prevent fraud by eliminating fake and ghost identities, which can result in leakages and financial losses. The UIDAI has been encouraging citizens to update their details regularly to maintain the integrity of the Aadhaar system.
Aadhaar is not just an identification number; it is a tool that helps in verifying individuals' demographic and biometric details against the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR). This verification process is essential for various financial transactions, school or college admissions, and travel bookings. Ensuring that your details are accurate helps in avoiding complications in these processes.
How to Update Your Aadhaar Card
Updating your Aadhaar card is a straightforward process that can be done from the comfort of your home. Here are the steps to update your Aadhaar details online for free until December 14, 2024:
1. **Visit the Official UIDAI Website**: Go to the Aadhaar Self-Service Portal at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
2. **Log In**: Use your Aadhaar number and the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number to log in.
3. **Check and Update Details**: Review the identity and address details displayed on your Aadhaar profile. If any of the information is incorrect or outdated, proceed to update.
4. **Upload Documents**: Select the appropriate document type (Proof of Identity or Proof of Address) and upload a scanned copy of the original document. Supported formats include JPEG, PNG, and PDF with a file size limit of 2 MB.
5. **Submit Request**: After submitting your update request, you will receive a Service Request Number (SRN). Use this number to track the status of your update.
For biometric updates such as fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs, you need to visit a UIDAI-authorised Aadhaar centre. Additionally, it is recommended to update the Aadhaar details of children every 10 years or as they turn 15 to include their updated biometric information.
To update biometric information, visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre with your child. Fill out the Aadhaar enrolment form and submit your childs biometric data or a photograph if the child is younger than five years old. Pay the applicable fee for biometric updates.
Consequences of Not Updating Your Aadhaar Card
If you do not update your Aadhaar card by the given deadline of December 14, 2024, you will have to pay a fee of Rs 50 for any updates. However, there is no truth to the claims that an Aadhaar card will become useless or invalid if not updated by that deadline. Even if your Aadhaar is over 10 years old, it will remain functional and can be used as usual for identification purposes.
The only change is the end of the free update period. After the deadline, uploading documents to make changes will require a fee, although the UIDAI encourages people to keep their Aadhaar updated to reflect current and correct details.
It is best practice to update your Aadhaar at least once in 10 years, especially if you receive a message regarding it. This ensures that all information remains accurate and up-to-date, which is crucial for various verification processes.
Additional Tips for Updating Your Aadhaar Card
Here are some additional tips for updating your Aadhaar card:
1. **Use Valid Documents**: You can upload documents such as ration cards, voter IDs, domicile certificates, passports, and passbooks to update your address and identity details.
2. **Update Mobile Number**: You can link your mobile number with your Aadhaar card online. This process is simple and can be done within 5 minutes from the comfort of your home. Follow these steps to link your mobile number with your Aadhaar card.
3. **Track Status**: After submitting your update request, you will receive a Service Request Number (SRN). Use this number to track the status of your update.
4. **Biometric Updates**: For biometric updates like fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs, you need to visit a UIDAI-authorised Aadhaar centre. Pay the applicable fee for biometric updates.
5. **NRIs Can Update Too**: Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can update their Aadhaar details online or by visiting an Aadhaar Centre whenever they are in India.
6. **Newborns Can Be Enrolled**: Even newborns can be enrolled for Aadhaar using their birth certificate and their parents' Aadhaar numbers. However, their biometric data must be updated when they reach the ages of 5 and 15.
7. **Avoid Penalties**: Avoid paying penalties by updating your Aadhaar card before the deadline. The UIDAI has been encouraging citizens to keep their documents updated in their Aadhaar.
8. **Use mAadhaar App**: The mAadhaar app can be used anywhere, anytime in India. It is more than an Aadhaar card in a wallet. The mAadhaar profile is accepted as a valid ID proof, and residents can use the app's features to share their eKYC or QR code with service providers who seek Aadhaar verification of their customers before providing Aadhaar services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, updating your Aadhaar card is crucial for maintaining accurate and up-to-date demographic and biometric information. The UIDAI has extended the deadline to December 14, 2024, to benefit millions of Aadhaar number holders. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your Aadhaar details are accurate and up-to-date, which is essential for various verification processes.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can visit the official UIDAI website or contact their customer service. Remember to update your Aadhaar card before the deadline to avoid any penalties and ensure that your details remain accurate.
