How to Update Biometric/Fingerprint Data on Aadhaar Card?

The world’s largest biometric identification system, Aadhaar provides a verified proof of identity and address to Indian residents. Therefore, it is imperative that all the information in your Aadhaar card is accurate and up to date. Therefore, in today’s guide, we will delve into the ins and outs of Aadhaar card biometric.

Without further ado, let’s begin!

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What is Aadhaar Biometric Data?
How to Update Aadhaar Biometric Information?
What is an Aadhaar Biometric Update for a Child?
Charges for an Aadhaar Card Biometric Update
Importance of the Aadhaar Card Biometric
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aadhaar Biometric Data?

On applying for an Aadhaar card, enrollment collects demographic information like name, address, contact number, biometric details such as fingerprints, and images of both eyes and facial photos. This data is linked to the Aadhaar card and is essential for authentication and availing of Aadhaar-based services.

Updating biometrics is necessary if changes occur due to illness, accidents, or other reasons. UIDAI suggests updating the Aadhaar data every ten years to maintain a clean database. This creates credibility for the users of the healthcare delivery systems.

Let's now look at how you can update your Aadhaar biometrics.

How to Update Boimetric Data in Aadhaar Card Online & Offline?

Updating one’s demographic information in Aadhaar is rather simple and mostly done digitally. However, when it comes to an update in the Aadhaar biometric, you have to take the offline route.

Here are the steps to follow:

Aadhaar Biometric Update via Aadhaar Enrollment Centre

You can easily locate an Aadhaar enrollment centre in your vicinity through UIDAI’s official website or the mAadhaar mobile application.

On the official UIDAI website

Step 1: Visit the website:- https://uidai.gov.in/en/ and find the option ‘Get Aadhaar.’

Step 2: Select the option of ‘Locate an Enrollment Centre.’

Step 3: Your screen will show 3 options for locating the same, namely ‘Search Box,’ ‘Postal Code,’ and ‘State.’ Here, you can choose any of these three options. Simply enter the relevant details, and the website will display a list of the nearest Aadhaar enrollment centres.

On the mAadhaar mobile application

Step 1: Open this app and select ‘Enrollment Centre.’

Step 2: Now, select ‘Advanced Search’ or ‘Search by Text.’

Step 3: If you choose ‘Advanced Search,’ you can locate an enrollment centre by entering your state, district, or pin code. Alternatively, when opting for ‘Search by Text,’ you are required to enter the centre’s name to locate it.

Aadhaar Biometric Update

Once you successfully locate an Aadhaar enrollment centre near you, you can then update your Aadhaar card biometric by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Aadhaar enrollment centre and ask for a form to update biometric in Aadhaar.

Step 2: After you fill and submit the Aadhaar biometric form, authentication is required. Here, you can submit your fingerprints or go for an iris scan, whichever has not changed. The authentication process is complete when you submit any of these biometric data.

Step 3: Once this authentication process is done, your changed biometrics are recorded. For instance, let’s say you use your fingerprints for authentication. Then, this stage calls for an iris scan.

Step 4: These recorded biometrics are then locked and updated in the database of UIDAI.

What is Aadhaar Biometric Update for a Child?

Age is a critical criterion when enrolling a child under Aadhaar. For instance, children under 5 years receive Baal Aadhaar, in which the child's biometrics are not entered. Instead, the biometrics of a child’s parents are recorded.

So, a child aged below 5 years enrolling for an Aadhaar card should undergo an update twice. Likewise, when a child aged 5-15 years applies for an Aadhaar card, he/she must update biometrics once.

The procedure for this update is the same as that for adults. Therefore, you can take your child to the nearest Aadhaar enrollment centre, submit an Aadhaar biometric form, and provide your child’s changed biometric details.

What are the Charges for Aadhaar Card Biometric Update?

A biometric update comes with a fee. In the case of adults, fees for the Aadhaar card biometric update amount to ₹50, which is inclusive of GST. One can update these details as many times as they want. However, each update will accompany this charge.

In the case of children, a first-time update is free of cost. Therefore, a child’s first biometric update at the age of 5 years can be done for free. Likewise, when biometrics are updated, a child reaches the age of 15 years, and he/she does not need to pay any fee either. However, if this child updates his/her biometric data again, it calls for a fee of ₹50.

What is the Importance of the Aadhaar Card Biometric?

With the launch of India’s Aadhaar program in 2009, the country set out to accomplish a world-first: assigning each citizen a unique identification number. The aim here was to do away with the decentralised identification system previously in place, the relevant documents of which were subject to damage or misplacement.

As a result, Aadhaar knits India’s enormous and poorly documented populace into a single and centralised database. Every resident of India receives an Aadhaar card with a 12-digit ID number. Moreover, this number is biometrically verifiable, which can be conveniently cross-referenced with the biometric data in UIDAI’s database.

Preventing Fraud and Improving Financial Systems

As Aadhaar card biometric data is also linked to an individual’s Aadhaar number, it effectively weeds out potential misuse or fraud. Upon locking the biometric, an Aadhaar cardholder will not be able to use his/her biometrics for authentication, and neither can someone else. Additionally, this linkage also increases the efficiency of taxation, ultimately enhancing the country’s financial standing.

With that, we have reached the end of this article on the nitty-gritty of the Aadhaar card biometric. The information provided in this guide will help you understand the process of updating your biometric data. It should also tell you how it differs from other Aadhaar updates. We hope that this knowledge comes in handy when you update the biometrics.

FAQs about Updating Aadhaar Card Biometric/Fingerprint Data

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How can I check my biometric status on an Aadhaar card?

You can check your biometric status on the official website of UIDAI. For this, use your Aadhaar number and OTP to log in to the portal. Alternatively, you can use the mAadhaar mobile application to check the status of your biometric data.

Can we update biometric Aadhaar online?

Most Aadhaar updates can be done digitally via UIDAI’s official website. However, due to security reasons, you can only update biometric data offline by visiting an Aadhaar enrollment centre near your location. Moreover, if you do not know of any enrollment centre in your vicinity, you can search for the same on UIDAI’s website or the mAadhaar mobile app.

Is it necessary to update biometric data in Aadhaar?

Although not necessary, UIDAI recommends citizens update their biometrics in Aadhaar every 10 years. If an individual’s age is below the age of 5 years during Aadhaar enrollment, an update of biometrics is necessary when he/she attains the age of 5 years.

Thereafter, another update is necessary when this child reaches 15 years of age. Additionally, individuals over 15 years of age are not required to update their biometrics in Aadhaar. However, if one meets with an accident or disease that alters his/her biometrics, UIDAI recommends an update.

Does the Aadhaar card expire?

No, an Aadhaar card does not come with an expiration date. Rather, an Aadhaar card remains valid for a lifetime once it is issued to you.

Can I update my biometric data in Aadhaar?

Certainly! You can update your biometric information (such as fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph) in Aadhaar by going to the nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Centre.

How often should I update my biometric data?

Biometric data should be updated every ten years, and updates are required when a child turns 5 or 15.

What documents are required to update Aadhaar biometric data?

Generally, no additional documents are required for Aadhaar biometric updates, but you may need to provide proof of your Aadhaar card and a valid ID.

Is there a fee for updating Aadhaar biometric data?

Yes, there is a nominal fee for updating Aadhaar biometric data, but the cost may vary, so it’s best to check with the enrollment centre.

How long does it take to update Aadhaar biometric data?

Updating Aadhaar biometric data at the enrollment centre is usually quick, but the updated data may take a few days to reflect in the system.

What should I do if my Aadhaar biometric data needs to be updated correctly?

If your Aadhaar biometric data needs to be updated correctly, you should revisit the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and request a correction.

Can I update my Aadhaar biometric data at any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre?

Yes, you can update your biometric data at any authorised Aadhaar Enrolment Centre across India.

What is the process for updating Aadhaar biometric data for children?

Aadhaar biometric data should be updated for children when they turn five and again at 15. The process involves visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

Do I need to update my Aadhaar biometric data if I have undergone plastic surgery?

Yes, if you have undergone plastic surgery or any other procedure that alters your biometric data, you should update your Aadhaar.

Can I update my Aadhaar biometric data if I am bedridden or unable to visit the centre?

In special cases, UIDAI may provide home visit services to update biometric data. You need to contact UIDAI for more information.

How can I find the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre?

You can find the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre by visiting the UIDAI website and using the locator tool.

Is it mandatory to update Aadhaar biometric data to avail yourself of government services?

Yes, keeping your Aadhaar biometric data updated is essential for seamless access to various government services and benefits.

What happens if I do not update my Aadhaar biometric data?

If you do not update your biometric data, you may face issues with Aadhaar authentication and accessing services linked to Aadhaar.

Can I update my Aadhaar biometric data multiple times?

Yes, you can update your Aadhaar biometric data multiple times if necessary. However, frequent updates are generally not required.

Will I receive a new Aadhaar card after updating biometric data?

You will not receive a new Aadhaar card, but the updated biometric data will be linked to your existing Aadhaar number.

Can I update my demographic details along with my Aadhaar biometric data?

At the enrollment centre, you can update your demographic details (such as name, address, and mobile number) and Aadhaar biometric data.

How can I check if my Aadhaar biometric data has been updated?

You can check the status of your biometric update by visiting the UIDAI website and using the update status tool.

What should I do if my Aadhaar biometric data is rejected during authentication?

If your Aadhaar biometric data is rejected during authentication, you should visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre to update or correct your biometric data.

Can I update my Aadhaar biometric in a post office?

Usually, Aadhaar Enrolment Centres do the Aadhaar biometric updates. However, you can still visit the UIDAI website to check whether you will get this facility at your nearest post office.

Can an Aadhaar biometric update be done after 5 years?

Yes, you can update your Aadhaar biometric after 5 years if your biometric data changes.

What details are part of the Aadhaar biometric?

The Aadhaar biometric details include the prints of all ten fingers, an iris scan of both eyes and a photograph.

Are Aadhaar biometric updates required for adults?

An Aadhaar biometric update is needed if an adult's biometric data changes due to injury or illness. It's also recommended to update it every 10 years.

Is it possible to update Aadhaar biometrics using the mAadhaar app?

No, Aadhaar biometrics cannot be updated through the mAadhaar app. You must visit a permanent Aadhaar Enrolment Centre for any biometric updates.

Does updating biometrics change your Aadhaar card number?

No, your Aadhaar card number remains the same even after updating biometrics.

How do I activate biometrics on my Aadhaar card?

Biometrics are automatically activated during Aadhaar enrollment or update. No separate activation is needed.

Can I correct my Aadhaar biometric from home?

No, for biometric updates or major changes, you'll need to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. You can only make some demographic corrections online at home.