Aadhaar has become India’s most essential identity document — bank accounts, SIM cards, government scheme payments, school admissions — Aadhaar is asked for everywhere. But many people have a misspelled name, an old mobile number, or an outdated address on their Aadhaar.
This complete guide covers every question about Aadhaar: how to enroll a child for Baal Aadhaar, how to change your name, mobile number or address, how to download Aadhaar, how to check PAN link status, which documents you need, how many times you can make changes, where to go, what fees apply, and the new 2026 rules.
This guide is based on the official rules of UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) and is updated with the latest 2026 changes.
Aadhaar Card 2026: Key Facts at a Glance
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) |
| Aadhaar number | 12-digit unique number |
| Helpline | 1947 (toll-free) |
| Online portal | myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in |
| New Aadhaar app | Launched in 2026 (mAadhaar being phased out) |
| Free document update (online) | Till June 14, 2027 |
| Fresh enrollment | Completely free |
🎉 Good newsUpdating identity and address documents on the myAadhaar portal is completely free till June 14, 2027 — update your documents before this date.
How to Download Aadhaar Card (e-Aadhaar)
Downloading Aadhaar is the most searched Aadhaar topic. e-Aadhaar is a digitally signed PDF with the same legal validity as the physical card — accepted for banking, KYC, everywhere.
Download from myAadhaar Portal (Easiest Method)
- Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and select “Download Aadhaar”.
- Enter your Aadhaar Number (12 digits) / Enrollment ID / Virtual ID.
- Fill the captcha and click “Send OTP” — OTP arrives on the registered mobile.
- Enter the OTP and click “Verify & Download” — the e-Aadhaar PDF downloads.
🔑 What Is the e-Aadhaar Password?The downloaded PDF is password-protected. Password = first 4 letters of your name in CAPITALS + birth year. Example: name RAHUL KUMAR, born 1990 → password RAHU1990. The name must match the one on your Aadhaar.
What Is Masked Aadhaar?
In Masked Aadhaar, the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number are hidden — only the last 4 digits show. It is fully legal and valid. Use it when sharing Aadhaar at hotels, for couriers, or anywhere you don’t fully trust — much safer. Select “Do you want a masked Aadhaar?” while downloading.
Download Aadhaar from DigiLocker
- Log in to the DigiLocker app or digilocker.gov.in.
- Go to “Issued Documents” → UIDAI → Aadhaar.
- Enter the 12-digit Aadhaar number and verify with OTP.
- Aadhaar gets saved under Issued Documents — download or share anytime.
⚠️ Download Without OTP?Aadhaar cannot be downloaded online without OTP — UIDAI keeps OTP on the registered mobile mandatory for security. If your mobile number is deactivated, first link a new number at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, or get a printout there with biometric verification.
Aadhaar-PAN Link: Check Status and Link
⚠️ Important Update (2026)December 31, 2025 was the last date for PAN-Aadhaar linking. Since January 1, 2026, unlinked PANs are inoperative — no ITR filing, refunds stuck, higher TDS.
If your PAN is still not linked, don’t worry — pay the ₹1,000 fee on incometax.gov.in and link it to make your PAN operative again (usually takes 7–30 days).
How to Check PAN-Aadhaar Link Status
- Online: On eportal.incometax.gov.in, open “Link Aadhaar Status” → enter PAN and Aadhaar → “View Link Aadhaar Status”.
- By SMS: Type UIDPAN, space, 12-digit Aadhaar, space, 10-character PAN — send to 567678 or 56161.
Example: UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F
How to Link (With ₹1,000 Fee)
- Log in to incometax.gov.in.
- Pay ₹1,000 via e-Pay Tax.
- Go to “Link Aadhaar”, enter PAN and Aadhaar, submit the request.
- PAN becomes operative again in 7–30 days.
Aadhaar Status Check: Enrollment and Update Status
Is Your New Aadhaar Generated? (Enrollment Status)
- On myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, select “Check Enrolment Status”.
- Enter the 14-digit EID from your acknowledgement slip + date/time.
- Fill captcha, verify OTP — the status appears. If generated, download it right there.
Track an Update Request (URN/SRN)
- The centre slip carries a URN (Update Request Number); online updates give an SRN.
- On the myAadhaar portal, open “Check Status” and enter the URN/SRN.
- Updates usually take 7–30 days.
💡 Lost Your EID?On the UIDAI website, use “Retrieve Lost EID/Aadhaar” — enter your name + registered mobile + OTP to get your EID or Aadhaar number back.
Baal Aadhaar: Aadhaar for Children Under 5
UIDAI issues a blue-coloured Baal Aadhaar for children below 5 years. No fingerprints or iris scans are captured — only the child’s photograph and basic details, linked to a parent’s Aadhaar.
Documents Required for Baal Aadhaar
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Mandatory for children born on or after October 1, 2023 |
| Parent’s Aadhaar | Original Aadhaar of one parent or legal guardian |
| Parent’s presence | Required at the centre for biometric consent |
Steps to Enroll for Baal Aadhaar
- Book an appointment: Visit uidai.gov.in and book a slot at the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (many centres accept walk-ins).
- Carry documents: Child’s original birth certificate and one parent’s original Aadhaar card.
- Enrollment: Fill the form at the centre. The operator takes the child’s photo; the parent gives biometric consent. No fingerprints or iris scans for children under five.
- Collect the Enrolment ID (EID): Keep the acknowledgement slip safe — use it to check enrollment status online.
- Download Aadhaar: Once generated (usually within 30 days), download e-Aadhaar from the myAadhaar portal or order a PVC card for ₹75.
Two Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for Children
As children grow, fingerprints and facial features change, so UIDAI requires two mandatory biometric updates:
| Age | What is updated | Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| At 5 years (MBU-1) | New photo + 10 fingerprints + both iris scans | Free between ages 5–7, then ₹125 |
| At 15 years (MBU-2) | New photo + 10 fingerprints + both iris scans | Free between ages 15–17, then ₹125 |
⚠️ NoteThe special free biometric window for children ended on September 30, 2026. Now only the first mandatory update in the 5–7 and 15–17 age bands is free. The Aadhaar number stays the same — only biometrics are added.
How to Change Your Name on Aadhaar
Whether it’s a surname change after marriage or fixing a spelling mistake — for a name change you must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (it cannot be done fully online).
⚠️ Important ruleYou can change your name only 2 times in your lifetime. Check the spelling carefully before submitting — this includes minor spelling corrections and post-marriage surname changes.
Valid Documents for Name Change
- Passport
- PAN card
- Voter ID (EPIC)
- Driving licence
- Marriage certificate (for post-marriage name change)
- Gazette notification may be required for a complete name change
Process
- Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (find one on uidai.gov.in).
- Fill the update form and show original documents.
- Biometric verification is done; fee of ₹75 applies.
- You get a receipt with a URN (Update Request Number) — track status at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
How to Change Your Mobile Number on Aadhaar
The most asked question — and the answer is clear: you cannot change your mobile number online. A visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra is mandatory.
- Visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra (it doesn’t have to be in your city).
- Write the new mobile number on the update form.
- After biometric verification, pay the ₹75 fee.
- An OTP comes to the new number — once verified, the number is linked (usually within 24–72 hours).
💡 TipKeep your registered mobile number active — bank OTPs, scheme payments and every Aadhaar OTP arrive on it.
How to Change Your Address on Aadhaar
Good news: the address can be changed unlimited times — no limit. And it can be done online (if your mobile number is registered).
Steps to Update Address Online
- Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and log in with your Aadhaar number + OTP on the registered mobile.
- Select “Address Update” and enter the new address.
- Upload address proof (from the list below) — JPEG/PNG/PDF.
- This service is completely free till June 14, 2027. Track status with the URN number.
Valid Address Documents
- Passport, Voter ID, Driving licence
- Bank passbook/statement (recent)
- Electricity/water/gas bill (not older than 3 months)
- Ration card, house tax receipt
- For tenants: registered rent agreement (+ police verification/notary)
Date of Birth Correction Rules
⚠️ Strict ruleDate of birth can be corrected only once in a lifetime — and only if the difference between the old and new date is within 3 years.
Valid documents:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Class 10th/12th marksheet
- Physical PAN card (e-PAN not accepted)
Gender can also be updated only once.
Aadhaar Update Fees 2026: Complete Table
| Service | Fee | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh enrollment | Free | Centre |
| Document update (identity + address proof) | Free (till June 14, 2027) | myAadhaar online only |
| Demographic update (name, address, DOB, mobile) | ₹75 | Centre |
| Biometric update (fingerprints/iris/photo) | ₹125 | Centre |
| Children’s MBU (ages 5–7 and 15–17) | Free | Centre |
| Aadhaar PVC card (order) | ₹75 | Online |
| Home enrollment (home visit) | ₹700 | Home |
New Rules and Big Changes in 2026
- Free document update extended: Uploading identity and address documents on the myAadhaar portal stays free till June 14, 2027. The same work at a centre costs ₹75.
- New Aadhaar app: UIDAI launched a new Aadhaar app with face authentication, secure QR-code Aadhaar sharing and biometric lock. The old mAadhaar app is being phased out.
- Children’s free biometric waiver ended: The special free window closed on September 30, 2026; now only the first MBU in the 5–7 and 15–17 bands is free.
- Strict update limits: Name 2 times, date of birth and gender once each — beyond that, an exception-handling process at the regional office applies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Only 2 times in your lifetime. This includes minor spelling corrections and post-marriage surname changes. After two updates, further changes need UIDAI’s exception-handling process at the regional office, which may require a gazette notification.
No. Changing the mobile number requires a visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. After biometric verification and a ₹75 fee, the new number is linked within 24–72 hours.
Children under 5 get a blue-coloured Baal Aadhaar. Take the child’s birth certificate and one parent’s Aadhaar card to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. Only the child’s photo is taken — no fingerprints. Enrollment is completely free and Aadhaar is usually generated within 30 days.
Twice: at 5 years (MBU-1) and at 15 years (MBU-2). Both times a new photo, 10 fingerprints and both iris scans are captured. The Aadhaar number stays the same. Free in the 5–7 and 15–17 age bands; otherwise ₹125.
Unlimited times — there is no limit on address updates. If your mobile number is registered, you can update the address online at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, free till June 14, 2027.
Date of birth can be corrected only once in a lifetime, and only if the difference between the old and new date is within 3 years. Birth certificate, passport, class 10th marksheet or physical PAN card is needed.
June 14, 2027. Uploading proof of identity (PoI) and proof of address (PoA) on the myAadhaar portal is free till then. Note — the waiver is online-only; the same update at a centre costs ₹75.
Demographic updates (name, address, DOB, mobile): ₹75. Biometric updates (fingerprints/iris/photo): ₹125. Fresh enrollment is free.
No. The myAadhaar portal sends an OTP to the registered mobile for login. If your number isn’t linked or is deactivated, first visit a centre to link a mobile number — only then can you use online services.
A registered rent agreement works as address proof. Police verification or notary documents may also be asked. When uploading online, keep a clear scan (JPEG/PNG/PDF) of the agreement.
On myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in select “Order Aadhaar PVC Card”, verify with your Aadhaar number + OTP and pay ₹75. The PVC card is sent by post to your registered address.
UIDAI launched a new Aadhaar app in 2026 with face authentication, secure QR-code Aadhaar sharing and biometric lock. The old mAadhaar app is being phased out — download the new app.
Password = first 4 letters of your name in CAPITALS + birth year (YYYY). Example: name PRIYA SHARMA, born 1995 → PRIY1995. The name must match the one registered on your Aadhaar, or the PDF won’t open.
In Masked Aadhaar, the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number are hidden — only the last 4 digits show. It is fully legal and valid. Safer for sharing at hotels, for couriers and similar uses. Choose the “masked Aadhaar” option while downloading.
Not online. UIDAI keeps OTP on the registered mobile mandatory for security. If your mobile number is deactivated or changed, first link a new number at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra — or get a printout there with biometric verification.
Online: eportal.incometax.gov.in → “Link Aadhaar Status”, enter PAN and Aadhaar. SMS: send UIDPAN <Aadhaar number> <PAN> to 567678 or 56161. Since December 31, 2025, unlinked PANs are inoperative — pay ₹1,000 on incometax.gov.in to link and reactivate.
VID is a 16-digit temporary number you can share instead of your real Aadhaar number — more private and secure. Generate it on the myAadhaar portal via “Generate Virtual ID”. It works for e-Aadhaar download and many verifications.
Log in to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and select “Lock/Unlock Biometrics”. Once locked, nobody can authenticate using your fingerprints or iris — the best protection against misuse. You can unlock it anytime when needed.
Important Links
- myAadhaar portal (update/download): myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
- UIDAI official website: uidai.gov.in
- Find a centre: “Aadhaar Seva Kendra” locator on uidai.gov.in
- Helpline: 1947 (toll-free)
- PAN-Aadhaar link/status: incometax.gov.in
GramSuvidha is a private information portal, not a government website. This guide is for information only — always check uidai.gov.in for the latest rules. GramSuvidha is not affiliated with any government body.