What Is Aadhaar and Why You Must Keep It Updated in 2025?
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all Indian residents. It serves as a universal proof of identity and is integrated into almost every sector — including finance, welfare schemes, telecom, education, healthcare, and more.
In 2025, Aadhaar has become non-negotiable for availing:
- Subsidies like LPG and ration
- Government schemes like PM-Kisan, Ayushman Bharat
- PAN-Aadhaar linking for income tax filing
- SIM card activation
- Digital KYC for bank accounts
📣 UIDAI’s 2025 mandate: Update Aadhaar records with latest documents to keep it valid and avoid service disruptions.
📢 What’s New in Aadhaar Update for FY 2025?
UIDAI has introduced multiple new rules and deadlines in 2025:
| Update Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Free Online Document Update | Extended till September 14, 2025 |
| Mobile Number & Biometrics Update | Must be done offline |
| Online Self-Service Update | Available via mAadhaar app and UIDAI portal |
| Biometric Re-capture for Age 5 & 15 | Mandatory for kids |
| Aadhaar for NRIs | Now available with conditions |
These changes are part of UIDAI’s push to strengthen identity verification and eliminate outdated/inaccurate Aadhaar records.
📅 Free Aadhaar Document Update Deadline in 2025
UIDAI has announced that document updates (like address, ID proof, name change) will be free till 14 September 2025 — only via the UIDAI portal. After this date, users will need to pay a fee of ₹25 per update.
| Update Type | Before Deadline | After Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Online Document Update | Free | ₹25 |
| Offline Document Update | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| Biometric Update (offline only) | ₹100 | ₹100 |
✅ Pro Tip: If your Aadhaar is 10+ years old and hasn’t been updated, UIDAI strongly recommends refreshing your documents before the deadline to avoid usage restrictions.
🔁 What Can You Update in Aadhaar?
Here’s a breakdown of the data fields and how they can be updated:
| Field | Mode of Update | Documents Required | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Online / Offline | PAN, Passport | Limited to 2 times |
| Date of Birth | Offline only | Birth Certificate | Once only |
| Gender | Online / Offline | None | Once only |
| Address | Online / Offline | Utility Bill, Voter ID | Unlimited |
| Mobile Number | Offline only | Aadhaar & active SIM | Unlimited |
| Email ID | Online / Offline | None | Unlimited |
| Photo | Offline only | No separate document | Unlimited |
| Biometrics | Offline only | Aadhaar number | Mandatory for kids 5 & 15 years old |
🌐 How to Update Aadhaar Card Online – Step-by-Step
The UIDAI self-service portal allows you to update limited fields online like name, gender, and address — provided your mobile number is already linked.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
- Click on “Login”, enter your Aadhaar number and OTP.
- Select “Update Aadhaar Online”.
- Choose the field you want to update (e.g., address).
- Upload scanned documents (must be clear and valid).
- Preview the data and click submit.
- You will receive an Update Request Number (URN).
📩 You can track the status of your URN via the same portal or mAadhaar app.
🏢 Offline Aadhaar Update – At Aadhaar Seva Kendra or CSC
For updates that require biometric validation, photo change, or mobile number linking, you must visit a UIDAI-authorized Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Common Service Centre (CSC).
Offline Update Process:
- Visit the nearest ASK/CSC.
- Submit Aadhaar number and biometric verification.
- Provide supporting documents (for address/name/DOB).
- Operator enters details, and you receive an Update Receipt.
- Your data is updated within 3–10 working days.
📍 Locate nearest center here:
https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/easecenter.aspx
📄 List of Accepted Documents for Aadhaar Update (2025)
Proof of Identity:
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Voter ID
- Driving License
Proof of Address:
- Electricity Bill
- Bank Statement/Passbook
- Rent Agreement
- Water/Gas Bill
- Ration Card
Date of Birth:
- Birth Certificate
- 10th Class Certificate
- Passport
✅ Documents must be self-attested and uploaded in clear format. check official website for all required documents and to accept by UIDAI.
👶 Child Aadhaar Update in 2025 – Mandatory at Ages 5 & 15
UIDAI mandates biometric re-capture for children:
| Age | Requirement | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 years | Photo only | Blue Aadhaar |
| 5 years | Iris + Fingerprints | Mandatory |
| 15 years | Re-capture Biometrics | Mandatory |
📌 Failure to update biometric info at these milestones may lead to temporary deactivation of Aadhaar, affecting access to school, insurance, and health schemes.
🌍 Aadhaar Update for NRIs and OCI Cardholders
UIDAI has relaxed Aadhaar rules for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and OCI holders.
- Aadhaar can be issued if the NRI has resided in India for 182+ days in the last 12 months.
- Valid Indian Passport is mandatory.
- Updates can only be done in-person at an Aadhaar center.
✈️ Aadhaar is optional for NRIs but essential for Indian property transactions, bank accounts, and KYC.
🧾 Aadhaar and PAN, Bank, SIM Linking – Is It Still Mandatory?
Yes, UIDAI and the Government of India mandate Aadhaar linking with multiple services:
| Service | Linking Requirement | Penalty (if not linked) |
|---|---|---|
| PAN Card | Mandatory | ₹1,000 late fee |
| Bank Account | Mandatory for subsidy | Account frozen for subsidy |
| Mobile Number | Required for digital KYC | Number may be deactivated |
| LPG, Ration | Aadhaar required | Subsidy not credited |
📲 How to Check Aadhaar Status & Download eAadhaar
🔍 Check Aadhaar Update Status
- Visit: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus
- Enter your URN and Aadhaar number.
- View status and download updated eAadhaar if approved.
🖨️ Download eAadhaar
- Go to: https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
- Enter Aadhaar number or Enrollment ID.
- Validate with OTP.
- Download the password-protected PDF.
Password: First 4 letters of your name + Year of Birth (e.g., RAVI1995)
🚫 Common Aadhaar Update Errors and Fixes
| Error | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Update Rejected | Blurry/invalid document | Upload fresh clear document |
| Name Mismatch with PAN | Minor spelling difference | Update name in Aadhaar |
| Update Status Pending >10 days | UIDAI processing delay | Call UIDAI helpline 1947 |
| Mobile Number not updated | No biometric verification | Visit ASK physically |
📞 UIDAI Helpline & Support (2025)
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Helpline | 📞 1947 (24/7 Toll-Free) |
| Email Support | ✉️ help@uidai.gov.in |
| Chatbot | 🤖 Ask Aadhaar |
| Complaint Portal | https://resident.uidai.gov.in/file-complaint |
❓ FAQs: Aadhaar Card Update 2025
Q1. Is Aadhaar update free in 2025?
✅ Yes, online document-based updates are free till September 14, 2025.
Q2. Can I update my Aadhaar details online without a mobile number?
❌ No, a registered mobile number is mandatory for OTP-based login.
Q3. How many times can I change my name or DOB on Aadhaar?
🔄 Name: Max 2 times; DOB: Only once.
Q4. What happens if I don’t update my Aadhaar after 10 years?
⚠️ Your Aadhaar may be flagged as inactive and you could lose access to key services.
Q5. Can I update Aadhaar from abroad?
🌐 No. All updates must be done within India at a recognized Aadhaar center.