Aadhaar Card: In today’s times, the Aadhaar card has become an essential document. It serves as a form of digital identity. It is issued by the Government of India and contains a unique 12-digit number; the issuance is managed by the UIDAI. An individual can use the Aadhaar card to verify their identity and address. Benefits from almost all government schemes are accessed through the Aadhaar card. It is used for opening bank accounts, purchasing mobile SIM cards, receiving gas subsidies, pensions, and scholarships, filing income tax returns, and availing benefits from government schemes.
Learn about the different types of Aadhaar cards
To provide context, the UIDAI has issued various types of Aadhaar cards to meet citizens’ needs. All issued Aadhaar cards are valid.
1. First, let’s discuss the Aadhaar Letter; this is the standard version of the Aadhaar card. After enrollment or an update, the UIDAI sends it to your address via the postal service. It contains your photograph, name, date of birth, address, a QR code, and other essential information.
2. e-Aadhaar is the digital version of the Aadhaar card. It can be downloaded from the official UIDAI website. This version features a digital signature, making it fully valid. It can be used in various formats—on a mobile phone, a laptop, or as a physical printout.
3. The Aadhaar PVC Card is made of plastic and is quite durable. It resembles an ATM card. It comes with several security features, such as a Secure QR Code, a hologram, a Guilloche pattern, a ghost image, micro-text, an issue date, and a print date.
4. Baal Aadhaar is issued for children under the age of five. This card is blue in colour. It does not require the child’s biometric data and is linked to the parents’ Aadhaar details. Biometric updates become mandatory once a child turns 5 years old. Another biometric update is required upon reaching the age of 15.
Why is the Aadhaar card important?
Nowadays, the Aadhaar card is essential for various government and private tasks. It is required when opening a bank account. Additionally, Aadhaar is necessary for linking with PAN, filing income tax returns, availing LPG subsidies, accessing government scheme benefits, pensions, ration cards, passports, purchasing mobile SIM cards, EPFO services, and more.
Why is it necessary to link PAN with Aadhaar?
According to Income Tax Department regulations, linking PAN and Aadhaar is mandatory for most PAN cardholders. Failure to link them can lead to difficulties in filing income tax returns. Furthermore, the PAN card may become inactive, and you might face issues with banking and financial transactions.
How to update the mobile number in Aadhaar?
If your mobile number has changed or there is no number currently registered with your Aadhaar, you can update it. To do this, you must visit a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrollment Centre. Fill out the update form, undergo biometric verification, and pay the prescribed fee. Once done, you will receive an Update Request Number (URN), and your new mobile number will be linked to your Aadhaar within a few days.
How to update the email ID in Aadhaar?
The process for updating your email ID in Aadhaar is similar to updating your mobile number. You need to visit an Aadhaar service centre, provide your Aadhaar number, enter the new email address, complete biometric verification, and pay the required fee.
How to update the address in Aadhaar online?
You can also update your address on your Aadhaar card. Here are the simple steps to do so: First, visit the myAadhaar portal. Next, enter your Aadhaar number. Finally, log in using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. Next, select the address update option and click on “Update Aadhaar Online.” Upload a valid document for the address. Following this, you will need to pay a fee of ₹50. You will then receive a URN (Update Request Number).
Documents required for address update
Documents required for updating the address include an electricity bill, a water bill, a gas connection bill, a bank passbook, a bank statement, a post office passbook, a passport, a voter ID, a driving license, a ration card, a state government-issued residence certificate, a property tax receipt, a rent agreement, etc.
What information can be updated in Aadhaar?
Citizens can update certain details as needed. These include name, date of birth, gender, address, mobile number, email ID, photograph, fingerprints, iris scan, etc.
Documents required for Baal Aadhaar
If your child is under 5 years of age, the documents required to get an Aadhaar card made include the child’s birth certificate, the parent’s (mother or father) Aadhaar card, parental consent, and the child’s photograph. Additionally, the child’s biometrics must be updated after they turn 5.