Aadhaar has become the backbone of India’s digital identity system. Introduced in 2009, it connects over a billion citizens to essential services — from banking and taxation to welfare schemes and telecom networks. As the system has matured, the need for updating old data has become increasingly important. In 2025, reports suggest that the government may bring in new rules requiring Aadhaar holders to update cards that are more than ten years old. If not updated within the given time, such Aadhaar cards could be blocked or deactivated.
This possible change is intended to ensure that personal and biometric data remain accurate and secure. Let’s explore what the new Aadhaar rule means, why it is being considered, and what citizens should do to stay compliant.
Why the Change Is Being Introduced
Aadhaar data is stored for a lifetime, but many details linked to a person — such as address, contact number, or biometric accuracy — can change over time. People move to new homes, change their names after marriage, or experience changes in their fingerprints or iris scans due to aging. After a decade, these changes can cause authentication errors.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has observed that many Aadhaar numbers issued over ten years ago have never been updated. Some of these records contain outdated addresses or inactive mobile numbers. This has made it difficult to verify identity accurately during government service delivery or digital authentication.
The proposed rule aims to make updates mandatory once every ten years, ensuring that the Aadhaar database remains reliable, current, and fraud-free.
Key Features of the New Aadhaar Rule 2025
- Mandatory Updates for 10-Year-Old Cards
Aadhaar holders whose cards were issued ten or more years ago and have never been updated will be required to submit updated information. This includes demographic and biometric data. - Possible Deactivation of Old Aadhaar Cards
If the updates are not made within the stipulated time, those Aadhaar numbers could be temporarily blocked or deactivated until the information is refreshed. This is intended as a safeguard rather than a punishment. - Simplified Online Update Facility
Citizens will be allowed to update most details — like address, date of birth, and mobile number — online through the UIDAI portal or the mAadhaar app. Biometric updates will still require a visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. - Updated Rules for Children’s Aadhaar
Aadhaar cards issued to children under the age of five do not include biometrics. These children must update their Aadhaar details with fingerprints and iris scans once they turn five, and again after fifteen years. Parents who skip these updates may find their child’s Aadhaar temporarily inactive. - Revised Document Requirements
The new rules also tighten the acceptable documents for proof of identity, address, and date of birth. Citizens will need to present valid and verifiable documents while updating their Aadhaar details.
Why the Rule Matters
Aadhaar is used to access a range of government and private services. Many welfare schemes, subsidies, tax records, and banking facilities rely on Aadhaar-based verification. If your Aadhaar becomes inactive, you might face interruptions in essential services.
For example:
- Bank accounts linked to Aadhaar may face verification failures.
- PAN–Aadhaar linkage for income tax filing may become invalid.
- LPG subsidies and pension payments could be delayed.
- Mobile number verification linked to Aadhaar may not work properly.
Thus, keeping Aadhaar active and updated is essential to ensure uninterrupted access to everyday services.
Who Needs to Update and How
All Aadhaar holders who received their card before 2015 and have not updated it since then should check the validity of their details.
The process involves two parts:
- Demographic Update:
You can update your name, address, date of birth, mobile number, and email online. You will need to upload scanned copies of supporting documents, such as proof of identity or proof of address. - Biometric Update:
For fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition updates, you must visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment or update center. It’s recommended to do this every 10 years or whenever UIDAI issues a notification for a mandatory refresh.
What Happens if You Don’t Update
If the proposed rule comes into effect and you do not update your Aadhaar, the following may happen:
- Your Aadhaar number could become temporarily inactive.
- You might not be able to authenticate your identity for services such as government benefits, bank verification, or e-KYC.
- Financial transactions requiring Aadhaar-based OTP or biometric verification may fail.
- You could be asked to re-verify your identity for welfare schemes or direct benefit transfers.
However, UIDAI is expected to provide an ample grace period and multiple reminders before blocking any Aadhaar number.
For Parents and Children
Children’s Aadhaar has special rules. When a child turns five, biometric information (fingerprints and iris scans) must be captured for the first time. This must be repeated again when the child turns fifteen.
If these updates are not done, the Aadhaar may become invalid for school registrations, scholarship programs, or government schemes that require proof of identity. Parents should ensure timely biometric updates to avoid service disruptions.
Security and Privacy Aspects
The 2025 Aadhaar rule also focuses on data protection. Over the years, cybercrime and misuse of identity data have grown rapidly. UIDAI aims to strengthen verification systems to reduce identity fraud and duplication.
The mandatory 10-year refresh is designed to:
- Eliminate inactive or duplicate Aadhaar numbers.
- Improve biometric accuracy for better authentication.
- Reduce misuse of outdated identity data.
- Ensure that Aadhaar-linked financial and government services remain secure.
Citizens’ privacy will remain protected through encryption, limited access protocols, and strict data handling rules already embedded in the Aadhaar Act.
Steps to Take Before 2025
To stay ready for the new rule, Aadhaar holders can follow these steps:
- Check when your Aadhaar was issued – If it’s over 10 years old, plan an update soon.
- Verify your mobile number and email – Ensure these are active and linked with Aadhaar.
- Update your address – If you have changed cities, states, or residences, upload your latest proof of address.
- Schedule biometric updates – If your fingerprints or iris scans were taken long ago, they may no longer match perfectly; visit a center for re-verification.
- Keep digital copies of your Aadhaar – Download the updated e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI portal once you complete your update.
Expected Timeline and Implementation
The rule is expected to be implemented gradually throughout 2025. UIDAI may begin by identifying Aadhaar numbers older than a decade and sending update reminders through SMS and email. Citizens will likely be given several months to complete updates before any deactivation steps are taken.
The process will be phased and citizen-friendly, ensuring that no one loses access to essential services abruptly. People living in remote areas or senior citizens will probably get extended support and additional time to complete their updates.
Conclusion
The proposed Aadhaar update rule for 2025 represents a major step toward maintaining the integrity and reliability of India’s digital identity system. By requiring updates every 10 years, the government aims to ensure that Aadhaar remains an accurate, secure, and trustworthy proof of identity for all residents.
For citizens, this is not a reason to panic but an opportunity to verify their information, refresh their biometric data, and ensure that they remain seamlessly connected to the services they depend on.
Staying alert, keeping documents ready, and completing updates well before deadlines will help every Aadhaar holder adapt smoothly to the new rule — keeping India’s most important identity system strong, secure, and future-ready.
