Urgent Aadhaar Update Alert: Free Service Extended! Don't Miss Out (Again!)
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has once again provided a significant relief to millions of Aadhaar cardholders by extending the deadline for free online document updates. Previously set to expire, this crucial service, which allows individuals to update their Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) documents, will now remain free until June 14, 2026. This extension is a golden opportunity for those who haven't yet ensured their Aadhaar details are current and accurate.
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Why is This Extension So Important?
In today's digital age, Aadhaar serves as a foundational identity document for accessing a vast array of government services, benefits, and even private sector facilities. An outdated Aadhaar card, with old addresses or identity proofs, can lead to numerous inconveniences, including:
- Service Denials: Many government schemes, subsidies, and banking services rely on up-to-date Aadhaar information for verification. Discrepancies can lead to rejections or delays.
- Authentication Issues: Incorrect details can cause problems during Aadhaar-based authentication processes, which are increasingly common.
- Fraud Prevention: Keeping your documents updated helps maintain the integrity of your identity and safeguards against potential misuse of outdated information.
- "Document Hygiene": UIDAI actively encourages citizens to maintain "document hygiene" within the Aadhaar ecosystem. This means ensuring your Aadhaar record reflects your latest demographic information, especially if it was issued over a decade ago and has never been updated.
This free online update facility is specifically designed to make it easy and cost-effective for citizens to comply with this recommendation and ensure their Aadhaar remains a reliable identifier.
Who Should Take Advantage of This Free Service?
While the free update is available to all Aadhaar holders, it is particularly vital for:
- Individuals whose Aadhaar was issued more than 10 years ago: If you haven't updated your documents since getting your Aadhaar a decade or more ago, this is a critical opportunity to do so.
- Those with changed demographic details: If you've moved to a new address, changed your name (due to marriage, for example), or any other demographic detail, updating your Aadhaar is essential.
- Anyone who needs to refresh their Proof of Identity (PoI) or Proof of Address (PoA) documents.
It's important to note that this free online service is exclusively for updating PoI and PoA documents. For other updates, such as changes to your mobile number, email address, or biometric information (fingerprints, iris scan, or photograph), you will still need to visit an Aadhaar Enrollment/Update Center and applicable charges will apply.
How to Update Your Aadhaar Details Online for Free: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for updating your Aadhaar online via the myAadhaar portal is straightforward and user-friendly. Here's a detailed breakdown:
- Visit the Official myAadhaar Portal: Open your web browser and navigate to
https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/. Ensure you are on the official UIDAI website to avoid fraudulent sites. - Log In: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the security captcha. An One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your mobile number registered with Aadhaar. Enter this OTP to log in securely.
- Access Document Update: Once logged in, you will see various services. Look for and click on the "Document Update" option.
- Verify Existing Details: The portal will display your current demographic details. Carefully review them. If the information displayed is correct and you just need to update your supporting documents (PoI/PoA), proceed.
- Select and Upload Proof of Identity (PoI): From the dropdown menu, select an acceptable Proof of Identity document you wish to upload. Ensure the document is current and clearly legible. Examples include your PAN card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, etc. Scan the document and upload it. The file size should be less than 2 MB and in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format.
- Select and Upload Proof of Address (PoA): Similarly, select an acceptable Proof of Address document from the dropdown. This could be your electricity bill (not older than 3 months), water bill (not older than 3 months), bank statement/passbook (not older than 3 months), Passport, etc. Upload the scanned document, ensuring it meets the size and format requirements.
- Submit Your Request: After uploading both documents, review all the information and click on the "Submit" button to confirm your consent.
- Download Acknowledgement Receipt: Upon successful submission, you will receive a Service Request Number (SRN). Download the acknowledgement receipt and save it for future reference. You can use this SRN to track the status of your Aadhaar update request.
Your Aadhaar update request will typically be processed within a few days. You will be notified via SMS once the update is complete.
What Documents Are Accepted for Online Update?
UIDAI accepts a wide range of documents as Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA). Some common examples include:
Proof of Identity (PoI):
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
- Government-issued photo ID cards
Proof of Address (PoA):
- Passport
- Bank Statement/Passbook (not older than 3 months)
- Post Office Account Statement/Passbook
- Ration Card
- Electricity Bill (not older than 3 months)
- Water Bill (not older than 3 months)
- Telephone Landline Bill (not older than 3 months)
- Credit Card Statement (not older than 3 months)
- Insurance Policy
For a comprehensive list of accepted documents, always refer to the official UIDAI website.
Don't Wait, Update Now!
This extension to June 14, 2026, provides ample time to update your Aadhaar details for free. Procrastination could lead to a nominal fee of Rs. 50 for online updates or even more if you visit a physical center after the deadline. Ensure your Aadhaar card remains a reliable and updated identity document. Take advantage of this free service now to avoid any future hassles and to ensure seamless access to all Aadhaar-linked services.
FAQs
Q1: Is this free Aadhaar update applicable to all types of updates? A1: No, the free online service is specifically for updating Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) documents. For changes to biometrics (fingerprints, iris, photo), mobile number, or email ID, you still need to visit an Aadhaar Enrollment/Update Center and pay the applicable charges.
Q2: What is the last date for the free Aadhaar update? A2: The deadline for the free online Aadhaar document update has been extended to June 14, 2026.
Q3: What happens if I miss the June 14, 2026 deadline? A3: If you miss the deadline, online updates for PoI and PoA documents will likely incur a nominal fee, which is currently Rs. 50. Updates at physical Aadhaar centers will also continue to have a fee.
Q4: Can I update my Aadhaar details without a registered mobile number? A4: To use the online myAadhaar portal for updates, a registered mobile number is essential as an OTP is sent for login verification. If your mobile number is not registered or has changed, you will need to visit an Aadhaar Enrollment/Update Center to update it first.
