UIDAI, or the Unique Identification Authority of India, has extended the deadline for people to update their Aadhaar details online for free. The new deadline is now 14 December 2024, which gives people 90 more days to make changes. This is the second time they’ve extended the deadline, as it was previously set for 14 September 2024, and before that, for June 14. However, this free service is only available for updates made online. If you want to update your Aadhaar details at a physical Aadhaar center or update your biometric information (like fingerprints or eye scans), you still need to pay a fee.
Why is the government encouraging people to update their Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is a unique 12-digit number that is very important for every Indian resident. It acts as proof of identity and address and is used in many everyday tasks, like applying for government benefits, opening a bank account, booking travel tickets, and paying taxes. Because Aadhaar is so important, it has become a target for fraud. The government, through UIDAI, asks people to keep their details up to date to help prevent fraud and ensure services are delivered to the correct people. The government suggests updating Aadhaar information every 10 years to make sure it remains accurate.
Why should you update your Aadhaar?
- It ensures you receive government services and benefits without delays.
- It helps prevent fraud by keeping your information accurate.
- Updated details are needed for things like financial transactions, school admissions, and travel bookings, helping avoid issues in these processes.
How to update Aadhaar details online for free?
- Go to the official UIDAI website: myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
- Log in using your Aadhaar number and the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.
- Check the details like your name and address. If anything is outdated, you can update it.
- Upload the correct document (like proof of identity or proof of address) in a supported format (JPEG, PNG, or PDF, up to 2 MB).
- After submitting, you’ll get a Service Request Number (SRN) to track the update status.
Biometric information, such as fingerprints or eye scans, can’t be updated online. For that, you need to visit an Aadhaar center in person. This is especially important for children, whose Aadhaar details should be updated as they grow, particularly when they turn 15.
