Aadhaar Card — Update, Reprint & Online Services Guide (2026)

Aadhaar is India's 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is now mandatory for income tax returns, PAN linking, ration cards, banking, mobile SIM, EPFO, and dozens of government schemes.

Enrolment for new Aadhaar

Visit any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (typically in banks, post offices, or designated UIDAI centres) with proof of identity, proof of address and proof of date of birth. Biometric capture (10 fingerprints, both irises, photograph) is mandatory. Enrolment is free for first-time and children below 5.

Online services available

• Download e-Aadhaar (PDF copy with QR code)
• Update address with proof of address upload
• Update mobile number (requires biometric verification at centre)
• Update name, gender and date of birth (with supporting documents)
• Lock and unlock biometrics for safety
• Generate Virtual ID (VID) for limited authentication
• View Aadhaar authentication history
• Update photograph (must be done in person at centre)

Address update process

Go to ssup.uidai.gov.in, login with Aadhaar OTP, upload proof of address (passport, bank statement, electricity bill, voter ID, or 32 other accepted documents), and submit. Update is completed within 30 days. Online update is free up to a certain number of times.

mAadhaar app

The official mAadhaar app (Android and iOS) allows you to carry a digital Aadhaar on your phone, share QR codes for offline verification, lock biometrics, and access authentication history. The app is fully integrated with UIDAI servers.

Aadhaar-PAN linking

Mandatory under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act. Visit incometax.gov.in, login, navigate to "Link Aadhaar", enter Aadhaar and PAN, verify with OTP. Linking is free for those who do so before deadlines; late linking attracts a fee.

Aadhaar mobile linking

Mobile number linking enables OTP-based services. Update at any Aadhaar centre with biometric verification — fee is ₹50. Online mobile update is not supported because biometric capture is required.

Aadhaar for children

Children under 5 receive Aadhaar without biometrics (Baal Aadhaar). Biometric update is mandatory at age 5 and again at age 15. Both updates are free if done within the prescribed window.

Lost Aadhaar — what to do

Download e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI portal using your registered mobile number. e-Aadhaar is legally equivalent to the printed card. For a fresh PVC card, request through the UIDAI portal — fee is ₹50 and delivery takes 7–15 days.