Aadhaar Card New Rules: 3 Major Changes Coming Into Effect From November 1

Starting November 1, 2025, Aadhaar cardholders across India will experience significant changes in how they manage their Aadhaar details, thanks to new rules implemented by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). These changes aim to streamline the process, making it faster, more secure, and more convenient for over 1.43 billion cardholders. Here are three major changes to be aware of:

1. Online Updates for Personal Details Without Document Uploads

One of the most significant changes is the ability to update key personal information online. Aadhaar holders can now update their name, address, date of birth, and mobile number from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to visit Aadhaar enrollment centers for most demographic updates.

Previously, updating Aadhaar details required uploading scanned copies of supporting documents. However, under the new rules, this is no longer necessary. UIDAI's upgraded verification system will automatically cross-check user details with linked government databases such as PAN, passport, driving license, ration card, and birth certificates. This integration reduces the need for manual document uploads, minimizes errors, and enhances data accuracy.

It's important to note that while most demographic updates can be done online, biometric updates, such as fingerprint, iris, or photograph changes, will still require a visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

2. Revised Fee Structure for Aadhaar Services

While online updates are free until June 14, 2026, the UIDAI has revised the service charges for various Aadhaar update requests at enrollment centers, effective October 1, 2025. The revised fees are as follows:

• Demographic updates (name, address, date of birth, mobile number, or email): ₹75 (previously ₹50).
• Biometric updates (fingerprint, iris, or photo): ₹125 (previously ₹100).
• Aadhaar reprint: ₹40.
• Home enrolment: ₹700 for the first person and ₹350 per additional person.

However, there are some exceptions to these charges. Mandatory biometric updates for children (ages 5–7 and 15–17) are free of charge from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Additionally, biometric updates for children aged 7–15 years are free until September 30, 2026, to encourage timely updates.

UIDAI has clarified that these adjustments reflect infrastructure and technology enhancement costs and ensure better service delivery at local centers.

3. Mandatory Aadhaar-PAN Linking and Simplified KYC Norms

As part of the new rules, the government has made it mandatory to link Aadhaar with PAN by December 31, 2025. Failing to do so will render the PAN inactive from January 1, 2026. For new PAN applicants, Aadhaar authentication is now compulsory.

In line with these updates, the Know Your Customer (KYC) process has been simplified for banks and financial institutions. These institutions can now complete customer verification through Aadhaar OTP, video KYC, or in-person verification, making the process faster, paperless, and more secure. Banks can also identify customers without accessing their full Aadhaar number, improving data privacy.

Furthermore, financial institutions can perform Aadhaar-based KYC only if the Aadhaar number is active and non-duplicate. If a user's Aadhaar is found to be invalid or duplicated, their bank or investment-related processes could be temporarily suspended until the issue is resolved.

These changes reflect UIDAI's commitment to "Digital Trust, Simplified Access," aiming to make Aadhaar management more efficient and user-friendly. The UIDAI advises users to verify official notifications before making any Aadhaar-related changes or payments.