UIDAI - Unique Identification Authority of India
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory authority established under the Aadhaar Act 2016 to manage identity verification systems. Operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
UIDAI is responsible for issuing Aadhaar, a unique 12-digit identification number used across India for various services and benefits.
Latest Updates
- Free Updates Until December 2024: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has extended the free Aadhaar update facility, with the new deadline now set for December 14, 2024.
- Aadhaar Issued: Over 1.4 billion Aadhaar numbers have been issued to date, covering a vast majority of Indiaβs population.
- Authentication Requests: The UIDAI handles over 50 million daily authentication requests, enabling various services.
- Active Enrolment Centers: UIDAI has set up over 55,000 enrolment centers across the country, allowing residents to easily register and update their Aadhaar.
- Integration with Government Schemes: Aadhaar is linked to over 500 government schemes across state and central governments, ensuring the efficient delivery of services and benefits.
My Aadhaar
MyAadhaar portal (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) lets you easily access important services related to your Aadhaar. Below are the services you can access by clicking:
UIDAI Login
To utilize the online services provided by UIDAI on the myAadhaar portal, you need to log in to the portal. Follow these steps to log in:
- Visit the official UIDAI website at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
- On the homepage, select the βLoginβ option.
- You will be redirected to a page where you need to input your βAadhaar Number.β
- Then, enter the captcha code and click on βSend OTP.β
- An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
- Input the OTP in the designated field and click on βLogin.β
Upon successfully logging in, you can access various services.
Download Aadhaar
To download your Aadhaar, follow these steps:
- Visit the official UIDAI website.
- Click on the βDownload Aadhaarβ option on the homepage.
- You can download your Aadhaar card using one of three options: your 12-digit Aadhaar number, 16-digit Virtual ID (VID), or 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID).
- After choosing your preferred method, input the corresponding number, enter the captcha, and click βSend OTP.β
- Verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- After verification, click βDownload Aadhaar.β The downloaded file will be in PDF format, password-protected.
To open it, use the first four letters of your name in capital letters followed by your birth year (e.g., RAHUL1998).
Update Aadhaar Details
To update your Aadhaar card details such as name, date of birth, gender, mobile number, email, or biometric details (photo/iris/fingerprint), first book an appointment online at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, then visit the center in person.
Steps for booking an appointment:
- Visit the official UIDAI website.
- Under βMy Aadhaar,β select βBook an Appointment.β
- Enter your location and proceed.
- Provide your mobile number and captcha to verify with OTP.
- Select the option for either βNew Aadhaarβ or βUpdate Existing Aadhaar Details.β
- Review your details and confirm the updates you wish to make.
- Select your state, city, and the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
- Choose a convenient date and time for your appointment.
- Complete the Rs. 50 payments for the service.
On the day of your appointment, visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra with the printed application form. The authorities at the center will process your requested updates. You can update the following details:
- Name
- Address
- Mobile No
- Email ID
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Biometric (Photo + Fingerprints + Iris)
Update Forms
- Form 1: Applicable to both (a) Resident Indians and (b) Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with proof of address in India. This form is for individuals aged 18 years and above. Download Form 1.
- Form 3: Designed for (a) Resident Indian children and (b) Non-Resident Indian children with proof of address in India, aged between 5 and 18 years. Download Form 3.
- Form 5: For (a) Resident Indian children and (b) Non-Resident Indian children with proof of address in India, who are under 5 years of age. Download Form 5.
- Form 7: Specifically for Resident Foreign Nationals aged 18 years or above. Download Form 7.
- Form 8: For Resident Foreign Nationals aged below 18 years. Download Form 8.
Documents Required
When requesting changes to your Aadhaar card, it is necessary to provide supporting documents that validate the requested updates. This ensures that the changes are legitimate and helps prevent fraud or identity theft.
The UIDAI recognizes specific documents as proof for these updates, which are listed below:
Documents for Children Under 5 Years of Age:
For enrolling a new Aadhaar or updating an Aadhaar card for children below 5 years, certain documents must be submitted as proof.
UIDAI has outlined a list of acceptable documents for Aadhaar applications for children under the age of five. Here are the acceptable documents for HoF-based enrolment:
DOCUMENT | PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP | PROOF OF DATE OF BIRTH |
---|---|---|
Birth Certificate | β | β |
Indian Passport (for NRIs) | β | β |
Legal Guardianship Document | β | X |
For Children Under 5 Years: Document-Based Enrolment:
If a child is an orphan or without a legal guardian, they can still enrol or update their Aadhaar using document-based enrolment. In such cases, a certificate issued by the head of a recognized shelter home or orphanage (such as a superintendent, warden, or matron) is considered a valid document.
This document-based enrolment option is specifically for children living in the concerned orphanage or shelter home.
DOCUMENT | PROOF OF IDENTITY | PROOF OF ADDRESS |
---|---|---|
Certificate from Shelter Home/Orphanage | β | β |
Documents for Individuals 5 Years and Above:
Individuals aged 5 years and above are required to present certain documents recognized by UIDAI as valid Proof of Identity, Proof of Address, Proof of Relationship, and Proof of Date of Birth.
Below is the list of acceptable documents for Aadhaar updates in this age category:
DOCUMENT | PROOF OF IDENTITY | PROOF OF ADDRESS | PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP | PROOF OF DATE OF BIRTH |
---|---|---|---|---|
Indian Passport | β | β | β | β |
PAN Card | β | X | X | X |
Ration/PDS Card | β | β | β | X |
Voter ID Card | β | β | X | X |
Driving License | β | X | X | X |
Govt. Issued Photo ID Card | β | X | X | β |
Pension/Freedom Fighter Card | β | X | β | β |
CGHS/ESIC Card | β | X | X | X |
Disability Certificate | β | β | X | X |
Domicile/Job Card | β | β | β | X |
Caste Certificate | β | β | β | X |
Educational Certificate | β | X | β | β |
Bank Passbook | β | β | X | X |
Transgender Certificate | β | β | β | β |
Utility Bills (less than 3 months old) | X | β | X | X |
Rent/Lease Agreement | X | β | X | X |
Birth Certificate | X | X | β | β |
Family Entitlement Document | X | X | β | X |
Prison Induction Document | β | β | X | X |
Legal Guardianship Document | X | X | β | X |
Documents for Foreign Nationals:
Foreign nationals wishing to update their Aadhaar with Proof of Identity or Proof of Address need to provide specific documents. The following is a list of acceptable documents for foreign nationals:
DOCUMENT | PROOF OF IDENTITY | PROOF OF ADDRESS |
---|---|---|
OCI Card + Foreign Passport | β | X |
LTV + Foreign Passport | β | β |
Passport of Nepal/Bhutan | β | X |
Visa + Foreign Passport | β | X |
FRRO/FRO Registration Certificate | X | β |
Enrolment
The Aadhaar enrolment process is straightforward and free of charge. Hereβs a step-by-step guide on how to enrol for Aadhaar:
- Step 1: Locate an Enrolment Centre.
- Visit the official UIDAI portal (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) and use the Locate Enrolment Center feature to find the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center.
- You can visit designated centres such as Aadhaar Seva Kendras, banks, or post offices offering enrolment services.
- Step 2: Book an Appointment.
- Some enrolment centres allow you to schedule an appointment online. While walk-ins are accepted, scheduling an appointment can reduce your waiting time.
- Step 3: Fill the Enrolment Form.
- At the enrolment center, fill out the Aadhaar Enrolment Form with your personal details like name, address, date of birth, etc.
- You can also download the form from the UIDAI website and fill it in advance.
- Step 4: Provide Supporting Documents.
- Submit proof of identity (PoI) and proof of address (PoA) documents. Some commonly accepted documents include:
- Proof of Identity: PAN card, voter ID, passport, etc.
- Proof of Address: Bank statement, utility bills, ration card, etc.
- Submit proof of identity (PoI) and proof of address (PoA) documents. Some commonly accepted documents include:
- Step 5: Biometric and Demographic Data Collection.
- The operator at the center will capture your biometrics:
- Fingerprints (all 10 fingers)
- Iris scan (both eyes)
- Photograph
- Your demographic details (name, address, gender, etc.) will be verified and entered into the system.
- The operator at the center will capture your biometrics:
- Step 6: Review the Details.
- Review the details captured by the operator to ensure accuracy.
- You will be given an Aadhaar Enrolment Acknowledgement Slip containing a 14-digit enrolment ID (EID). This slip can be used to track the status of your Aadhaar application.
- Step 7: Receive Aadhaar.
- After verification, Aadhaar will be generated and delivered to your address within 90 days.
- You can also check the status of your Aadhaar using the EID on the UIDAI website and download the e-Aadhaar online once itβs generated.
Aadhaar Services Fee List
Here are the fees for various services at Aadhaar Seva Kendras:
SERVICE | CHARGES |
---|---|
Aadhaar Enrollment/New Aadhaar | Free |
Biometric Update (5-7 years) | Free |
Biometric Update (7-15 years) | Rs. 100 |
Demographic/Address Update | Rs. 50 |
Biometric Update with/without Demographics | Rs. 100 |
e-Aadhaar download & color print | Rs. 30 |
Home Enrollment Services | Rs. 700 |
UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India)
The UIDAI was established in January 2009 as an attached office under the Planning Commission of India, now known as NITI Aayog. Its primary aim was to issue a Unique Identification Number (UID) to every resident of India, which would later be known as Aadhaar.
In 2016, the Indian Parliament passed the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, giving UIDAI statutory status and a clear legal framework to operate under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The Aadhaar Act enabled UIDAI to develop the necessary infrastructure to issue Aadhaar and manage identity services.
Mission of UIDAI
The mission of UIDAI is to provide universal identification to every resident of India by issuing a unique Aadhaar number. The key objectives are:
- Inclusivity: Ensure that even marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups, who may lack traditional identification documents, can access services.
- Efficiency: By eliminating the need for multiple forms of identification, UIDAI simplifies verification processes for public and private services.
- Transparency: It aims to reduce corruption and enhance the efficient delivery of benefits and services by eliminating fake or duplicate identities.
Statics
- Aadhaar Enrolment: Over 1.4 billion Aadhaar numbers have been generated.
- Aadhaar Updates: More than 1 billion Aadhaar records have been updated.
- Authentication: Over 120 billion authentications have been performed using Aadhaar.
- eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer): Aadhaar has been used for 20.5 billion eKYC transactions.
These figures showcase the widespread adoption and usage of Aadhaar across India.
Security and Privacy
The security and privacy of Aadhaar data are critical given the sensitive nature of the personal and biometric information it stores.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has implemented several measures to ensure the protection of this data and to prevent misuse.
Security Measures
- Encryption: All Aadhaar data, including biometric information, is encrypted during storage and transmission.
- UIDAI Guidelines: Strict guidelines prevent unauthorized sharing or use of Aadhaar data. The system is designed to comply with the highest standards of security and privacy.
Virtual ID
UIDAI introduced the Virtual ID system, allowing individuals to generate a 16-digit temporary number for one-time use instead of sharing their Aadhaar number.
This enhances privacy by preventing misuse of the Aadhaar number.
Privacy Concerns
Despite its advantages, Aadhaar has been criticized for potential privacy violations. Concerns include:
- Surveillance Risks: Linking Aadhaar with multiple services may enable the government to track individual activities, raising concerns about surveillance.
- Data Breaches: There have been instances of data breaches, which have raised alarms about the security and misuse of Aadhaar data.
- Legal Restrictions: Following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, Aadhaar can no longer be made mandatory for certain services, such as obtaining mobile SIM cards or bank accounts, though it remains mandatory for income tax filing and PAN linking.
Challenges and Criticisms
- Exclusion Errors: Some residents face challenges due to authentication failures, often related to biometric mismatches, which result in exclusion from welfare programs.
- Mandatory Linking: The requirement to link Aadhaar with essential services like bank accounts and mobile numbers has faced backlash, with critics arguing that it compromises privacy.
- Legal and Judicial Oversight: The 2018 Supreme Court ruling restricted the mandatory use of Aadhaar to certain areas, aiming to balance privacy concerns with the need for a universal identity.
Helpline
For any help and assistance, you can contact using the details below:
Detail | Information |
---|---|
UIDAI Head Office | Unique Identification Authority of India, Government of India, Bangla Sahib Road, Gole Market, New Delhi - 110001 |
Helpline Number | 1947 (Toll-Free) |
help@uidai.gov |
Aadhaar
An Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to Indian residents. It serves as proof of identity and address and is based on biometric and demographic data.
E-Aadhaar is the digital version of an Aadhaar card that can be downloaded from the official UIDAI website. It contains the same 12-digit unique identification number and personal details as the physical Aadhaar card.
E-Aadhaar is password-protected and is considered equally valid as the physical card. It is often used for digital verification and authentication purposes in both online and offline services.
Uses
Aadhaar is used in multiple sectors, including finance, governance, telecommunications, and education. Below are some key uses:
Uses | Description |
---|---|
Proof of Identity & E-KYC | Aadhaar serves as a single source for identity verification, eliminating the need for multiple forms of identification. It is also widely used by banks, telecom providers, and financial institutions for seamless e-KYC (Know Your Customer) processes. |
Subsidies and Benefits | Aadhaar enables the direct transfer of government subsidies like LPG benefits, pensions, and scholarships to beneficiaries' bank accounts. |
Eliminating Fraud | Aadhaar helps eliminate duplicate and "ghost" beneficiaries, reducing corruption in welfare programs. |
Banking Access | Aadhaar facilitates the opening of bank accounts, particularly for individuals under financial inclusion schemes. |
Digital Payments | The Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) allows secure digital transactions, such as withdrawals and deposits, using biometric verification. |
Access to Government Services | Aadhaar allows access to various government services, including applying for passports, filing tax returns, and accessing social security benefits. |
Telecom Services | Aadhaar simplifies the issuance and verification of SIM cards, making the telecom process easier and more secure. |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Aadhaar along with their answers:
What is Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is a unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India. It is a 12-digit number based on biometric and demographic data.
Is getting Aadhaar compulsory?
While Aadhaar is not compulsory for all services, it is mandatory for various government schemes and benefits. It is advisable to obtain an Aadhaar number as it serves as a proof of identity and address.
Can biometrics be updated in Aadhaar?
Yes, biometrics (fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph) can be updated in Aadhaar. This is usually done in case of changes in biometric data or for better accuracy.
Can date of birth be updated in Aadhaar?
Yes, the date of birth can be updated in Aadhaar. You need to provide valid supporting documents to make this change.
What is the fee for Aadhaar updates?
The fee for updating Aadhaar details is generally nominal. As of now, it is βΉ50 for updates at Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs).
How can a lost/forgotten Aadhaar number be retrieved where mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar?
If your mobile number is not linked, you need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with a valid proof of identity to retrieve your Aadhaar number.
How can a lost/forgotten Aadhaar number be retrieved where mobile number is linked with Aadhaar?
If your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar, you can retrieve your Aadhaar number by visiting the UIDAI website and using the "Retrieve Aadhaar Number" option. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number to verify and retrieve your Aadhaar number.
What is the process to get an Aadhaar letter, in case the same is misplaced or lost?
You can download and print your Aadhaar letter from the UIDAI website by logging in with your Aadhaar number or VID. If you need a physical Aadhaar letter, you can request it from UIDAI for a nominal fee.
Can one enrol for Aadhaar from anywhere in India?
Yes, Aadhaar enrolment can be done from any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre across India, regardless of the place of residence.
Do original documents need to be brought for Aadhaar updates?
Yes, original documents need to be presented for Aadhaar updates to verify the information provided.
How long does an Aadhaar update take?
An Aadhaar update typically takes around 7 to 30 days to process, depending on the nature of the update and verification process.
How many Aadhaar numbers can be linked to one mobile number?
One mobile number can be linked to a maximum of 10 Aadhaar numbers.
What if mobile number registered in Aadhaar is lost/changed?
If your registered mobile number is lost or changed, you need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your mobile number.
What fields can be updated in Aadhaar?
You can update fields such as name, address, date of birth, mobile number, email, and biometric details in Aadhaar.
How are children's biometrics handled?
For children below 5 years, biometrics are not captured. Aadhaar is linked to their parents' Aadhaar numbers. Once they turn 5, their biometrics are captured and updated.
I moved to a new address recently. How can I update my address in Aadhaar?
You can update your address online through the UIDAI website using a valid address proof, or visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your address in person.
Can I update my mobile number online in Aadhaar?
No, updating your mobile number online is not allowed. You need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your mobile number.
My Aadhaar was enrolled when I was a minor. Do I need to update anything now?
Yes, if your Aadhaar was enrolled when you were a minor, you should update your biometric data and details once you reach adulthood.
What is the validity period of an Aadhaar number?
The Aadhaar number itself does not have an expiry date and remains valid throughout your lifetime, provided it is kept updated.
Can I update someone else's Aadhaar details on their behalf?
You cannot update someone else's Aadhaar details on their behalf. The individual must personally visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or provide consent for any updates.