An Aadhaar card is one of the most important documents in India, and it is required for many purposes, including for availing government services, opening a new bank account, for a new loan, etc. Aadhaar card includes name, address, date of birth, and biometric data. The reason that people visit the Aadhaar centre most often is to get a change of address on their Aadhaar card. It is imperative to rectify the Aadhaar card address, whether you have changed your house, moved to a new city, or corrected a mistake in the address.
The good news is that you can now update your Aadhaar card address online via the official website of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This blog will help you to understand how to change the address in the Aadhaar card online, the steps needed to be taken, the documents that require, some most likely difficulties one may face during the process etc.
Why Should You Update Your Aadhaar Address?
The Aadhaar card is used as proof of identity and address for most services. It is very important always to ensure that the address on the Aadhaar card is correct. Some of the reasons why you should update your address are:
- Relocation: If you have recently shifted your residence either to a new house or a new city then your Aadhaar card has to be updated.
- Correcting Errors: It becomes necessary for you to correct it if your address was mentioned incorrectly at the time of issuing the card or when it was updated before.
- Government Schemes and Benefits: Aadhaar card information is the primary source of information for most government schemes and benefits. Wrong address can spell trouble to service delivery such as subsidies, pensions, or ration cards.
- Bank Accounts and Financial Services: Your bank might require an Aadhaar card with the correct address for KYC (Know Your Customer) purposes, especially when you open a new account or apply for a loan.
- Legal Requirement: In some legal and official matters, such as applying for a passport or obtaining a driving license, an updated address is often required.
- Educational and Employment Purposes: The Aadhaar card is necessary for multiple facilities such as admission to schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces. An individual could update his or her address on Aadhaar card to be in line with the one used at school, universities, or for job applications, in case the previous address was wrong, it could lead to delay in enrollment.
Pre-requisites for Updating Your Aadhaar Address Online
Before you begin the process of changing the address on your Aadhaar card, make sure you meet the following pre-requisites:
- Valid Aadhaar Number: You need your Aadhaar number incase you intend to change your address as it is the identification that you provide when beginning with the process.
- Registered Mobile Number: One has to have a linked mobile number to Aadhaar since UIDAI sends an OTP for the address update process.
- Proof of Address: You will therefore require any other document which can act as a proof of your new residential address. This document should ideally bear your name and it should be the address which you have in mind to add in the Aadhaar card.
- Internet Connection: Due to the fact that the whole process is performed on the internet connection, consistent internet connection is required for a successful update.
Documents Required for Aadhaar Address Change
To update your address on the Aadhaar card, you need to submit valid proof of your new address. The following documents are accepted as proof of address by UIDAI:
- Passport
- Bank Statement/Passbook
- Ration Card
- Voter ID
- Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, Gas) – Not older than 3 months
- Aadhar Enrolment/Update Receipt
- Government Issued Photo ID Card
- Rent Agreement
- Letter from Employer (Government recognized)
Make sure that the document you are submitting is valid and clearly shows your new address. The document should also be legible and free from any alterations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Your Aadhaar Address Online
It is easy to update your Aadhaar address online and can carried out following the steps given below on the official website of UIDAI. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Visit the UIDAI Website
- Go to the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in.
- It is now located on the homepage in the “Update Aadhaar” section. You’ll see the ‘Update Your Aadhaar’ or ‘Address Update’ link under the ‘Aadhaar Services’ tab on the home page; click it to continue.
Step 2: Login to Your Aadhaar Account
- Please enter your Aadhaar Number (12-digit number).
- You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on the mobile number, which you have registered with us.
- Key in the OTP in the provided box as a method of confirming your identity.
If your mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar you cannot do it online. Here, you will have to go the Aadhaar Enrollment Centre of your convenience to change the mobile number.
Step 3: Select Address Update Option
- After logging in you will be given several options regarding how you want to change your Aadhaar information. If you want to change your address then click the Address Update option for the process.
Step 4: Upload Proof of Address
- You are also required to upload the valid Proof of Address document. This could be your passport, utility bill, any other document that shows you live in the new address.
- Remember to scan the document clearly such that all the details can be easily read. UIDAI also accepts document in JPG/JPEG only and the size has to less than or equal to 2 MB only. Once the document is uploaded, you should click on the “Submit” link button.
Step 5: Review and Submit Request
- Before the request submission, verify the provided data and make sure everything is fine with no mistakes. You will be required to review all the information provided therein, and the document that you uploaded as well.
- After you have the records complete and accurate, click on the Submit button. On successful completion of the above five steps, you will be taken to a confirmation page which will show you the status of your request.
Step 6: Acknowledgement and Update Request
- In return to your request, you will be given an Update Request Number (URN). Write down this number as this will enable you recognize the status of your address update request. UIDAI will go through the document and ensure they accord with the details you have submitted.
Step 7: Confirmation of Update
- After the address change request has been considered and granted the subscriber shall receive a message on the registered SIM card via the registered mobile number. Aadhaar card with the new address shall be issued online which will reach you through your registered email id. The e-Aadhar card holders can also download the updated copy from the UIDAI website.
- Ideally, it takes between 5 to 15 days for the update to be appeared on your Aadhaar card but might also take some time.
What to Do If You Face Issues During the Address Update Process?
Although the process of correcting your Aadhaar address online is quite seamless, you are likely to face one or two challenges as you complete the tasks. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
- Incorrect OTP or OTP Not Received:
- Make sure your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar. If not, update your mobile number at an Aadhaar center.
- Try resending the OTP after a few minutes.
- Document Rejection:
- If your proof of address document is rejected, ensure that it is clear, legible, and matches the new address.
- Make sure that the document is not older than 3 months, if applicable.
- Address Update Request Status Not Updating:
- If your request status is not updating or showing as pending, you can contact the UIDAI helpline (1947) or check the status using the URN provided.
Conclusion
It is relatively simple and quick to update your Aadhaar address online, which will take a few steps. Most tend to know the following steps. It is essential to update this Aadhaar detail from time to time in order to avoid any hurdles when in need of the above-mentioned services, be it government schemes, specific types of legal facilities, or any financial services. If you are to follow the above guide to the point, there will always be a way to change the address without visiting an Aadhaar centre. There are always forms to fill or procedures to undertake so as to ensure that the processing does not take a very long time. Updates should be made from time to time so that you can receive all the benefits and services associated with your Aadhaar number without any hindrances. Just recall that every time you update your Aadhaar details, you will not have any issues if you ever have to use this crucial document in the future. If, for any reason, there is any problem at the time of updating the app, the UIDAI support team will be available for this. Therefore, ensure that you register your current address and be stress-free when dealing with Aadhaar.
