New Delhi: In today’s time, the Aadhaar card has become such an integral part of our lives that hardly any essential work can be done without it – whether it’s school admission for children, opening a new bank account, or availing benefits of a government scheme. It has become the strongest proof of our identity. Often, we need to update details like our address, mobile number, or other information in Aadhaar, for which we get it updated. After the update, UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) issues us a new physical card. In such cases, people often accumulate more than one physical Aadhaar card, combining the old and the new ones.
However, it is very important to understand that the 12-digit unique Aadhaar Number issued to a single person always remains the same, no matter how many times you update the details. The real concern and violation of UIDAI rules occur when, due to some error or other reason, two different 12-digit unique Aadhaar Numbers are issued to the same person. If you have cards on which the unique Aadhaar Numbers are different, it is a serious problem that can lead to significant disadvantages.
What are the disadvantages if you have cards with more than one unique Aadhaar Number?
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Risk of Personal Information Theft and Fraud: If you have physical cards with more than one unique Aadhaar Number (or even old updated cards which might contain outdated information), and unfortunately, one of these cards gets lost or falls into the wrong hands, the risk of misuse of your personal information increases manifold. Criminals can use your identity to take loans in your name, commit bank fraud, or carry out other illegal activities.
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Difficulty in Availing Government Schemes and Subsidies: The system identifies a person by their unique Aadhaar Number. However, if you have cards with different numbers, you can face major problems while availing benefits of government schemes, pension, scholarships, or subsidies. Due to contradictory information related to your identity in the system, your application might get stuck, benefit might be delayed, or your application could even be rejected. This also creates a risk of misuse of government resources.
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Facing Serious Legal Problems: According to UIDAI rules, obtaining or possessing more than one unique Aadhaar Number for any person is completely illegal. If, during UIDAI’s internal investigation or through any other means, it is found that two different Aadhaar Numbers have been issued in your name, either by mistake or intentionally, UIDAI takes this matter very seriously. You may have to face legal action, which could include fines or other penalties. This can be serious for your financial and legal records.
What to do if you think you have more than one Aadhaar card (with different numbers)?
If you have physical Aadhaar cards on which different 12-digit unique Aadhaar Numbers are printed, do not panic, but take immediate action. Contact the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) without delay.
You can call UIDAI’s official helpline number (like 1947), send an email, or visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Center to explain your problem. UIDAI will guide you on how to cancel your additional Aadhaar number(s)/card(s) and ensure that all your identity and financial information is linked only to your single correct Aadhaar number.
Remember, receiving a new physical card after an update is normal (if the number on it is the same old one), but the real and serious danger is when you have been issued two different unique Aadhaar Numbers. In such a case, immediately informing UIDAI is the only correct and safe step.