The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the regulatory body of Aadhaar, has again extended the deadline for Aadhaar holders. Now you can update your Aadhaar details for free till December 14, 2024.

The process of updating Aadhaar details for free is available only through the online portal of UIDAI. However, there is no free option available for updating biometric details. To update biometrics, you will have to visit Aadhaar centers and pay a fee.

Why is it important to update Aadhaar details?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Government of India. Indian citizens can use their Aadhaar to access a variety of services, ranging from enrolling in government schemes and filing taxes to booking travel tickets and opening bank accounts.

If your Aadhaar details are outdated or incorrect, you may face challenges in availing services that require Aadhaar authentication. Whether it is in financial transactions where the address is incorrect, authentication fails due to outdated biometric data, or at airports where you face authentication issues.

The government has also highlighted the growing risk of Aadhaar-related fraud. Through regular updates, the government can maintain an accurate and secure database, which helps reduce the chances of Aadhaar being misused.

Who should update their Aadhaar?

Although every Aadhaar holder can benefit from regular updates, some people should prioritize updates:

Aadhaar issued more than 10 years ago: If it has been 10 years since your Aadhaar was issued, updating your Aadhaar details is highly recommended.

Children who have turned 15 years old: Children who got their Aadhaar in childhood must update their biometric details when they turn 15. This helps ensure that their biometrics remain valid for identification purposes.

Biometric Changes: If an accident, surgery, or medical condition has affected your biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans, you will need to update your Aadhaar to reflect those changes.

Authentication Failure: If you have experienced Aadhaar authentication failures during financial transactions or while accessing government schemes, it is very important to review and update your details to avoid recurring problems.

How to Update Aadhaar Details Online for Free

The process of updating your Aadhaar information online is simple and convenient. Here is the step-by-step process:

Visit the Aadhaar Self-Service Update Portal by visiting myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.

Enter your Aadhaar number and use the one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number to log in.

Check the demographic information (such as name, address, etc.) shown on your Aadhaar profile. If any details are outdated or incorrect, proceed with the update.

Select the relevant document type (Proof of Identity or Proof of Address) and upload a scanned copy of the original document in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format, maximum size: 2 MB.

Once you submit your request, you will receive a Service Request Number (SRN), which allows you to track your update status.

While demographic updates can be done online, updates to biometric information – such as fingerprints, iris scans or photos – can only be done at authorised Aadhaar centers, and incur a fee. This is especially important for children who need to update their biometric details as they grow older.