In this article, we shall specifically discuss the process of changing the photograph of a person on an Aadhaar card.
The introduction of Aadhaar, while revolutionary, was in reality a rudimentary requirement for our country. For a population of our size, it is indeed necessary to have a national register of residents and a unique identity card for all of them which can then be linked to all other government documents. This exercise to centralise all documents was done on such a mammoth scale in a very crunched period of time. And while it has been a resounding success, the common margin of error in such operations allows there to be some discrepancies in the cards issued. Besides, the Aadhaar also contains name and address details of the card holder, both of which are subject to change due to various factors during the lifetime of a person. So it is only natural that there is a system in place that allows a person to rectify or update his or her details on their card so the identification can be accurate.
Over the years, the Aadhaar has become one of India’s most prominent proof of identity and residence documents. Since it contains both demographic and biometric details, it can be used for a variety of authentication and verification purposes. Individuals can update their Aadhaar details either through designated Aadhaar Enrolment Centres or through the UIDAI’s Self Service Update Portal. However, if you wish to update your photo on your Aadhaar card, you will have to visit the Enrolment centres as that option is not available online. Here, we will take a look at how you can change your photo in the Aadhaar card.
Reasons of Change in Photograph
During Aadhaar application, the photograph for the ID card is taken on the spot. So there might be many reasons why a person may want the photograph updated. The two most common reasons for updating the photograph are:
- The photograph is unclear and is leading to misidentification
- The photograph was taken when the card holder was a minor
Updating Your Photo in the Aadhaar Card
Here’s a quick look at the steps you need to follow to change your photo in the Aadhaar card.
- Visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra
- You can request the officials there for an application form or download the same from the UIDAI website.
- Fill the form and double-check all the details you provide in the Aadhaar Enrolment Form
- Submit the form to the executive
- Next, provide your biometric details to the officials at the centre
- The officials will then take a photograph of you for your Aadhaar card.
- Lastly, pay the required INR 25 fee for getting your details updated.
- After successful verification of your biometric details, the officials will provide you with an acknowledgement slip that contains your URN.
- You may use this URN to check the status of your Aadhaar update.
- You do not have to submit any document or provide the officials with a photograph as the photograph is taken on the spot at the enrolment centre.
Downloading the Updated Aadhaar Card
After your request to have your photo updated is successfully processed, you may download a copy of your updated Aadhaar. However, make sure you wait for a sufficient period, as most updates take around 90 days to complete processing. You can download the copy of the Aadhaar with your new photo through the UIDAI Portal. Users have the option of downloading either a masked or unmasked Aadhaar. The masked Aadhaar is one that provides higher security as it does not reveal your Aadhaar number. However, during verifications and authentications, it works the same way as your regular Aadhaar card. After updating the details on your Aadhaar card, you will have to refresh your m-Aadhaar app to make the details available via the application. Similarly, you will have to update the copy of your Aadhaar in your DigiLocker app as well.
Conclusion
As of now, the Aadhaar might just seem like an identification card. But over a period of time, it is through this scheme that the government will pass on various public welfare schemes such as insurance benefits, unemployment benefits etc. to the right beneficiaries and without middlemen. So it is important for all citizens to not only ensure they have enrolled for the Aadhaar scheme but also understand the various features and how it is accessible through the portal. If you have any other queries with regards to Aadhaar or require assistance with any regulatory matters, get in touch with us and we will ensure that you receive the best professional help for your requirements.
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