Govt extends free Aadhaar Card update deadline and here is why you should not miss it

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) which is the governing body of Aadhaar has again extended the deadline for Aadhaar holders. You can now update your Aadhaar details for free until December 14, 2024. This is the second such extension, following a previous one from June 2024.
The process of updating Aadhaar details for free is available only through UIDAI’s online portal. However the free option is not available for updating biometric details. To update biometrics, you will need to visit Aadhaar centres and pay a fee.
Aadhaar, the 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Government of India. Indian citizens can use their Aadhaar to access a wide range of services, including enrolling in government schemes and filing taxes to booking travel tickets and opening bank accounts.
If your Aadhaar details are outdated or incorrect, you may face challenges in availing the services that require Aadhaar authentication. Be it mismatched addresses causing problems in financial transactions or outdated biometric data leading to authentication failures, or at airports where you face authentication problems.
The government has also highlighted the growing risk of Aadhaar-related fraud. By regular updates, the government can maintain an accurate and secure database, which helps reduce the chances of Aadhaar misuse.
While every Aadhaar holder can benefit from regular updates, certain people should prioritise the update:
Aadhaar issued more than 10 years ago: If it has been over a decade since your Aadhaar was created, it is highly recommended to updateAadhaar details.
Children who have turned 15: Children who had Aadhaar generated when they were younger need to update their biometric details once they turn 15. This helps ensure that their biometrics remain valid for identification purposes.
Biometric changes: If an accident, surgery, or medical condition has impacted your biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans, you must update your Aadhaar to reflect those changes.
Authentication failures: If you have experienced Aadhaar authentication failures—whether during financial transactions or when accessing government schemes—it is very important to review and update your details to avoid repeated issues.
The process of updating your Aadhaar information online is simple and convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Visit the UIDAI portal: Head to the Aadhaar Self-Service Update Portal by visiting myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
Login with Aadhaar and OTP: Enter your Aadhaar number and use the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number to log in.
Review your details: Check the demographic information (like name, address, etc.) shown on your Aadhaar profile. If any details are outdated or incorrect, proceed with the update.
Update your details: Choose the relevant document type (Proof of Identity or Proof of Address) and upload a scanned copy of the original document in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format maximum size: 2 MB.
Submit the request: Once you’ve submitted your request, you’ll receive a Service Request Number (SRN), which allows you to track the status of your update.
Keep biometric updates in mind: While demographic updates can be done online, changes to biometric information—such as fingerprints, iris scans, or photos—can only be done at an authorised Aadhaar centre, and they require a fee. This is particularly important for children who need to update their biometric details as they grow older.