Is It Mandatory to Update Aadhaar Card Details Every 10 Years?

Is It Mandatory to Update Aadhaar Card Details Every 10 Years? Why and when you should update your Aadhaar Card? What are the Documents required for Aadhaar Card updation?

The Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has become an integral part of life for Indian residents. As a key to accessing various government services and benefits, it’s crucial to ensure that the information on your Aadhaar card remains accurate and up-to-date.

Recently, there has been some confusion about whether it’s mandatory to update Aadhaar details every 10 years. This comprehensive guide will clarify this issue and provide you with all the information you need about updating your Aadhaar card.

Is Updating Aadhaar Mandatory Every 10 Years?

The short answer is no. It is not mandatory to update your Aadhaar card details periodically or every 10 years. However, the UIDAI strongly recommends keeping your information current, especially for those who obtained their Aadhaar cards over a decade ago and have never updated them.

Why Should You Update Your Aadhaar Card?

While not mandatory, there are several compelling reasons to keep your Aadhaar information up-to-date:

• Seamless Service Access: An updated Aadhaar ensures uninterrupted access to services and benefits linked to your Aadhaar number, such as PAN, bank accounts, PF, scholarships, and LPG subsidies.
• Improved Authentication Accuracy: Updated biometric details lead to better authentication success rates when using Aadhaar for various services. Fingerprints and iris scans can change with age, so updating these ensures more reliable verification.
• Timely Receipt of Important Documents: If your address is outdated, you may miss crucial documents, notices, and subsidies sent to the address linked with your Aadhaar.
• Enhanced Government Service Delivery: Accurate and current data helps government departments provide more efficient services to citizens.
• Legal and Financial Compliance: Many financial institutions and government services require up-to-date Aadhaar information for KYC (Know Your Customer) purposes.

When Should You Update Your Aadhaar Card?

While there’s no mandatory timeline, UIDAI advises updating your Aadhaar information:

• Once every 10 years
• Whenever there’s a change in your demographic information (e.g., name, address)
• If you notice any discrepancies in your existing Aadhaar information
• After significant physical changes that might affect biometric data (e.g., major accidents, certain medical procedures)

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card Updates

To update your Aadhaar card, you’ll need to submit valid documents as proof of identity and address. Here’s a list of acceptable documents:

Proof of Identity and Address (combined):

• Ration card
• Voter ID
• Government-issued ID card/certificate
• Indian Passport

Proof of Identity (separate):

• PAN Card
• Driving License
• Bank/Post Office Passbook
• Government-issued ID card/certificate

Proof of Address (separate):

• Electricity/water/gas bill (not older than 3 months)
• Bank/Post Office passbook
• Rent/lease agreement
• Property tax receipt (not older than one year)

Note: Ensure that all documents are original and valid at the time of submission.

How to Update Your Aadhaar Card Information?

You can update your Aadhaar information through both online and offline methods. Let’s explore both options:

Online Method to Update Aadhaar Card Details

• Visit the UIDAI’s self-service portal: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
• Log in using your Aadhaar number, registered mobile number, and OTP
• Click on “Update Aadhaar” and select the specific update service (e.g., Address Update)
• Upload scanned copies of your proof of identity and address documents
• Make an online payment of Rs. 50 as a service fee
• Review the details and submit the update request
• You’ll receive an SMS and email once the update is completed

Offline Method to Update Aadhaar Card Details

• Download the Aadhaar Correction Form from uidai.gov.in
• Fill in the form and attach copies of ID and address proof documents
• Visit your nearest Aadhaar Kendra (enrollment center)
• Submit the form along with biometrics for authentication
• Pay the prescribed fee of Rs. 50 (if applicable)
• You’ll receive an acknowledgment slip with an Update Request Number (URN)
• Use the URN to track the status of your update request

Updating Mobile Number in Aadhaar Card

Adding or updating your mobile number in Aadhaar requires a visit to an Aadhaar Kendra. Here’s the process:

• Fill in the Aadhaar Correction Form, selecting the ‘Update mobile number’ option
• Provide your Aadhaar details and new mobile number
• Submit your current mobile number (if already registered)
• Attach a photocopy of your Aadhaar card
• Bring your original Aadhaar card for biometric verification
• Pay a fee of Rs. 50 (if applicable)
• An OTP-based verification will be performed on your new number
• Your new mobile number will be updated after successful verification

Important Points to Remember:

• Only one mobile number can be registered with one Aadhaar number
• You need to be physically present for biometric authentication
• No additional documents are required for mobile number updates
• The fee is Rs. 50 per update request, regardless of the number of fields being updated

The Impact of Not Updating Your Aadhaar

While updating your Aadhaar is not mandatory, failing to keep it current can lead to several issues:

• Service Disruptions: Outdated information may lead to authentication failures when accessing Aadhaar-linked services.
• Missed Communications: Important notifications or benefits may not reach you if your address is incorrect.
• Legal Complications: In some cases, using an Aadhaar with outdated information could be considered misrepresentation.
• Financial Inconveniences: Banks and other financial institutions may freeze accounts or deny services if Aadhaar details don’t match current information.

Future of Aadhaar Updates

As India continues its digital transformation, the importance of keeping your Aadhaar information current is likely to grow. While updates are not mandatory now, it’s possible that more frequent updates may be encouraged or required in the future to maintain the accuracy and reliability of the Aadhaar system.

Conclusion

While updating your Aadhaar card details is not a legal requirement, it’s a responsibility that comes with the benefits of having an Aadhaar. By keeping your information current, you’re not just ensuring uninterrupted access to services for yourself; you’re also contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of India’s digital infrastructure.