The Aadhaar Card has become one of the most essential identity documents in India, used for everything from bank verification to accessing government services and digital platforms. In 2025, the importance of keeping your Aadhaar details accurate and updated is greater than ever, as more services rely on it for seamless authentication.
This blog provides a complete and easy-to-understand guide on everything related to the Aadhaar Card including how to update your details, download your Aadhaar in different formats, correct errors, check status, order PVC cards, and fix common issues.
What is an Aadhaar Card?The Aadhaar Card is a unique identification document issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It contains a 12-digit unique Aadhaar number that serves as proof of identity and address for Indian residents. Aadhaar captures both demographic details like name, address, date of birth and biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans, making it one of the most reliable ID systems in the country.

Aadhaar functions using a highly secure central database managed by UIDAI. When an individual enrolls for Aadhaar, their biometric and demographic information is encrypted and stored in UIDAI’s Central Identity Data Repository (CIDR).
Whenever Aadhaar is used for verification (KYC, bank accounts, SIM activation, etc.), the database instantly confirms the identity through biometric or OTP authentication, ensuring accuracy and preventing duplicate or fake identities.
In 2025, Aadhaar plays a crucial role in almost every identity-related process. It is widely used for:
With most essential services connected to Aadhaar, having updated Aadhaar details ensures smooth and hassle-free access to daily services.
| Type of Aadhaar | Format | Features | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Aadhaar Letter | Paper (laminated letter) | Contains Aadhaar number, demographic details & QR code | Fully valid across India | Those who want the original Aadhaar issued by UIDAI |
| Aadhaar PVC Card | PVC/Plastic card | Secure QR code, hologram, micro text, durable, wallet-friendly | Fully valid | Daily use, wallets, long-term durability |
| eAadhaar (Digital) | PDF (digitally signed) | Downloadable, password-protected, same validity as physical Aadhaar | Fully valid | Online use, quick access, paperless KYC |
| mAadhaar App | Mobile app version | Store Aadhaar digitally, offline QR code, biometric locking, update services | Fully valid | Mobile-first users, travel, easy anytime access |
The Aadhaar Card comes with several powerful features that make it one of the most trusted identity documents in India. It simplifies verification, supports digital services, and ensures easy access to multiple government and private-sector benefits.
Once issued, the Aadhaar Card remains valid for life. There is no need for renewal, and the 12-digit Aadhaar number stays the same permanently. You only need to update your details if any personal information changes.
Aadhaar is widely accepted as a single proof of identity and address across India.
Verification is quick and secure through:
This makes Aadhaar one of the most trusted and accurate ID systems.
Aadhaar plays a key role in accessing essential services, including:
Aadhaar ensures convenience, reduces paperwork, and makes identity-based processes faster and more secure.
Enrolling for an Aadhaar Card is a free and straightforward process handled by UIDAI. The enrolment steps for 2025 are more organized and secure, ensuring accurate identity verification for all age groups.
| Document Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity (POI) | PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID, Photo Passbook, Ration Card with photo |
| Proof of Address (POA) | Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Rent Agreement, Passport, Bank Statement, Ration Card |
| Date of Birth (DOB) | Birth Certificate, Passport, SSLC Certificate, Board Marksheet, PAN Card (with valid DOB) |
Aadhaar can be issued to children of all ages, including newborns.
Updating your Aadhaar Card is essential to keep your identity information accurate. UIDAI allows both online updates and offline updates at Aadhaar centres, depending on the type of detail you want to change.
You can update these details through the myAadhaar portal without visiting a centre:
Note: Online updates can be done only if your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar.
You must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for the following updates:
These updates require physical verification and biometric authentication.
Go to the official UIDAI myAadhaar website and log in using your Aadhaar number and OTP.
Select the detail you want to update—mainly Address or Document Update.
Provide valid POA (Proof of Address) or necessary documents as required. Ensure the documents are clear and readable.
Review the updated details, confirm, and submit your request.
Use your Update Request Number (URN) to check the progress on the myAadhaar portal.
UIDAI provides multiple ways to download your Aadhaar Card using your Aadhaar Number, Enrolment ID, Virtual ID, or even without a registered mobile number. You can also choose between regular eAadhaar, masked Aadhaar, or order a PVC Aadhaar card.
Password format: First 4 letters of your name (CAPS) + birth year.
Example: RAJA1998
If you don’t have your Aadhaar number yet:
This is useful if Aadhaar is still being generated.
If your mobile number is not linked:
You cannot download eAadhaar online without OTP, but you can get a physical copy from any Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Masked Aadhaar shows only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number.
Steps:
Ideal for sharing Aadhaar for verification without exposing the full number.
You can order a smart, wallet-sized PVC Aadhaar card online.
₹50 (inclusive of printing, delivery, and GST)
If any detail in your Aadhaar Card is incorrect or outdated, UIDAI allows you to update or correct your information both online and at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, depending on the type of correction. Keeping your Aadhaar accurate is essential for smooth verification across banks, SIM services, travel, and government benefits.
You can update or correct your name by visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
Corrections allowed include:
A valid Proof of Identity (POI) document is required.
DOB correction is allowed only once unless valid documents prove the need for further correction. You must visit a centre and provide valid Date of Birth (DOB) proof.
Common issues: incorrect year, day/month mismatch, or missing DOB.
Address can be updated online or at a centre. For online updates, upload a valid Proof of Address (POA).
Examples: electricity bill, rent agreement, passbook, or ration card.
This is the most commonly updated Aadhaar detail.
Mobile number updates cannot be done online.
Visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra to link or update your mobile number.
Biometric verification (fingerprint/iris) is required.
This is necessary to:
To update your Aadhaar photo, you must visit a centre. The operator will capture a new photograph, and it will replace your old image in the UIDAI database.
A photo update is helpful when the old photo is unclear or outdated.
| Correction Type | Document Required |
|---|---|
| Name Correction | POI such as PAN, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID |
| Date of Birth | Birth Certificate, Passport, SSLC certificate, Board Marksheet |
| Address Correction | Electricity Bill, Bank Statement, Rent Agreement, Ration Card |
| Mobile Number Update | No document required, but biometric verification is mandatory |
| Photo Update | No document required |
UIDAI allows you to track the status of your Aadhaar enrolment, update requests, and PVC card delivery through the myAadhaar portal. Each service has a different tracking method.
You can check your Aadhaar generation status using your Enrolment ID (EID).
Steps:
If Aadhaar is generated, you will also get an option to download eAadhaar.
For checking updates (address, name, DOB, mobile, etc.):
If rejected, you can reapply with correct details or documents.
When you order the Aadhaar PVC card:
Delivery usually takes 5–12 days depending on location.
Linking Aadhaar to different services helps with faster verification and access to government benefits. Here are the most important links required in 2025.
Aadhaar and PAN linking is mandatory for filing income tax returns.
How to link:
Once linked, your PAN becomes active for e-KYC and tax services.
Most banks require Aadhaar for KYC and government subsidy credits.
Methods to link:
Once linked, LPG subsidy and government benefits are credited directly to the bank account.
This is necessary for:
How to link:
For SIM re-verification, Aadhaar is still the fastest method.
Keeping your Aadhaar safe is extremely important, especially as more digital services rely on Aadhaar-based authentication. UIDAI provides strong security features, but users must also follow safe practices.
If you want to prevent misuse of your Aadhaar biometrics:
This is useful for those who frequently share Aadhaar for verification.
Your Aadhaar can be misused if shared carelessly. Avoid sharing:
Always use Masked Aadhaar when sharing documents for KYC.
UIDAI has built multiple layers of security, including:
These ensure your data remains protected even if your Aadhaar is shared.
Be alert for fraud attempts related to Aadhaar. Common red flags include:
Always use only the official UIDAI website and never share OTP with anyone.
Here are some frequently faced Aadhaar issues and how to solve them easily.
Reasons: network issues, mobile not linked, or server delay.
Solution:
Reasons: unclear documents, incorrect data, mismatched details.
Solution:
If your Aadhaar photo is outdated or unclear:
Solution:
Biometric mismatch happens when fingerprints or iris scans fail.
Solution:
Without a linked mobile, you cannot use most Aadhaar online services.
Solution:
Ans: Aadhaar is not legally mandatory for everything, but it is required for services like bank KYC, mobile SIM verification, government subsidies, and PAN linking. Without Aadhaar, many essential services may not work smoothly.
Ans: You can update your address and documents online using the myAadhaar portal. For name, gender, date of birth, mobile number, and biometrics, you must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Ans: No, online download requires OTP verification. However, you can get a physical Aadhaar print or PVC card from an Aadhaar centre using biometric verification.
Ans: Masked Aadhaar hides the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number and shows only the last four. It is useful when you need to share your Aadhaar without revealing the full number.
Ans: UIDAI dispatches the PVC card within 2–3 days. Total delivery time is usually 5–12 days, depending on your location.
Ans: Documents depend on what you update:
Ans: Yes. NRIs with a valid Indian passport can apply for Aadhaar. If staying in India for more than 182 days, Aadhaar is highly recommended for smoother access to services.
Ans: Yes. Aadhaar uses strong security layers like encrypted QR codes, biometric lock/unlock, OTP authentication, and Virtual ID. Users should avoid sharing OTPs or full Aadhaar numbers.
Ans: You can check enrolment status, update status, or PVC card delivery through the myAadhaar portal using your EID, URN, or Aadhaar number.
Ans: Review the rejection reason, upload clear and valid documents, and correct any mismatches in the form. You can reapply online or visit a Seva Kendra for support.
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