The What, Why, and How of Updating Aadhaar Card
Have you heard about Aadhar cards? They are an important form of identification issued by the Indian government. If you have an Aadhar card, you know it’s important to keep it up to date. But what does that entail?
For starters, many people don’t realize that updating your Aadhar card is very different from getting a new one. While you may have gone through the process of filling out the application and attending a biometric scan to get your original Aadhar card, the process of updating it requires slightly different steps.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of when, why and how to update your Aadhaar card. We’ll also answer some common questions that come up along the way. By the end, you should feel more confident in navigating this process smoothly. So let’s get started!
What Is an Aadhaar Card?
You’ve probably heard of an Aadhaar Card, but what exactly is it? Simply put, the Aadhaar Card is a 12 digit unique identity number that is issued by the Government of India to every single resident of the country. The card serves as a proof of identity and residence all across India, and it can also be used to save your biometric data.
All Indian citizens aged 18 years and above are eligible for their own Aadhaar Card. It’s important to keep your Aadhaar card up-to-date in order to utilize benefits from various government schemes and subsidies. Updating premium services such as Name Change on an Aadhar Card requires proper verification, however. Let’s look at why you may need to update your Aadhaar Card and how you can go about doing it.
Why Should I Update My Aadhaar Card?
Keeping your Aadhaar card updated is important because it is used in a variety of ways. Whether you need to open a bank account, apply for a loan, or simply prove your identity, you might be asked to provide your Aadhaar card. As such, it’s important to make sure the data on it is correct and up-to-date.
Updating your Aadhaar information also ensures that it accurately reflects any changes in your identity or contact details. This could include changes in name, address, phone number, or email address. Additionally, you may need to update it if certain details are entered incorrectly in the database.
By updating your Aadhaar card regularly, you can keep track of any changes and make sure the information is accurate and up-to-date. Doing so can save you time and hassle down the line when you need to prove your identity or access banking services.
How to Update My Aadhaar Card?
Updating your Aadhaar Card is easier than you think, so let’s break it down into three steps:
- Visit the UIDAI website. From there, select the “Update Aadhaar Details” option, and fill out the form. This requires you to provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number, your name and other relevant details from your existing Aadhaar card.
- After submitting the form, you will be asked to upload documents for proof of identity/address. Make sure that all documents are clear and valid—only then, will your form be accepted by the UIDAI server.
- Once all documents have been accepted, you must pay a nominal fee (currently ₹50) while submitting the request for an updated Aadhar card. A unique Update Request Number (URN) will be sent to you via SMS on your registered mobile number or to your email address if provided at the time of registering. You can track the status of your application using this URN or by visiting the UIDAI website—your new e-Aadhaar card should arrive within 7-10 business days after submission.
And that’s it! You’ve now got a few simple steps that’ll help you get started on updating your Aadhaar Card in no time at all!
Documents Required for Updating Aadhaar Card
Good news: Updating Aadhaar Card is relatively straightforward, but you’ll need to provide a few documents to get the job done. Naturally, you’ll need your Aadhaar card number and an exact copy of which must be signed by yourself.
Let’s review the documents you need to provide. It’s recommended that you get these ready prior to starting the update process:
Proof of Identity (PoI)
Documents such as a passport, PAN card, voter ID, driving license or NREGA job card can be used as proof of identity when updating Aadhaar Card details.
Proof of Address (PoA)
For proof of address, documents such as bank/post office passbook, ration card or voter ID are accepted. Make sure that all the relevant details – such as your name, address and photograph appear on these documents – for faster verification.
Date of Birth (DOB) Certificate
If you need to update your date of birth in the Aadhaar Card database then you must submit a birth certificate; school leaving certificates can also be accepted in certain cases. So it’s important that you keep these documents handy at all times.
The best thing about updating Aadhaar Card details is that it’s quick and easy if you have all the right documents ready!
Steps to Update Biometric Information in Aadhaar Card
Updating your biometric information in your Aadhaar Card is a simple process—as long as you follow all the steps and have the required documents. And it’s important to keep your biometrics up to date, as these provide an extra layer of security for your Aadhaar Card.
Step 1: Locate Your Nearest Enrolment Center
First things first—find the nearest enrolment center where you can make the updates. You can easily search for one online or check with your nearest post office or bank branch if they offer Aadhaar enrolment services.
Step 2: Gather all Required Documents
Once you identify an enrolment center, gather all the necessary documents such as identity proof and other supporting documents like a birth certificate, PAN card, copies of educational certificates etc., that serve as proof of identity, along with a passport size photograph.
Step 3: Fill Form Online
You’ll find an online form on the UIDAI website that needs to be filled and submitted in order to book an appointment with the enrolment center. Ensure that you fill out the form accurately and without making any errors.
Once completed, you will get an acknowledgement slip containing a barcode. Print this out along with any original documents for when you visit the center for biometric updates.
These are three steps that need to be followed for updating biometric information in Aadhaar Card. As long as everything is accurate and to-the-point, you should have no trouble making this change quickly and securely!
What to Do With Outdated Cards After Updating?
Once you’ve successfully updated your Aadhaar card, you may be wondering what to do with the outdated version that you just replaced. Luckily, there are several options for disposing of it:
Shredding
Shredding your outdated Aadhaar card is one option if you want to ensure that no one can access your personal information from it. You can purchase a shredder from most office supply stores or online. It’s a good idea to take the extra step of destroying your Aadhaar card instead of simply throwing it away.
Burning
Burning your outdated Aadhaar card is another way to make sure that no one else can use it or access any information stored on it. Be sure to do this in a safe place, such as a fire pit or outdoor barbecue.
Recycling
If you don’t want to burn or shred the outdated Aadhaar card, you can also consider recycling it by taking it to a local recycling center. There, the paper will be sorted and then reused in another form. This is an eco-friendly way to dispose of an unsupported card and help reduce waste in the environment at the same time!
Conclusion
Updating your Aadhaar card is an important part of the maintenance process. It is the responsibility of all Aadhaar holders to keep their Aadhaar card details up-to-date so that they can continue to make use of its benefits. The process of updating your Aadhaar card should not be a complicated one, as long as you are aware of the process and follow it correctly.
Now that you know the what, why, and how of updating your Aadhaar card, you are well on your way to staying Aadhaar-ready. Keep in mind that updating your Aadhaar card can take up to 2 weeks and you must keep track of the changes that have been made to your Aadhaar card. If you are ever in doubt, you can always contact the UIDAI helpline for more information.
