Aadhaar Card New Rules Every Cardholder in India Must Follow Urgently

The Aadhaar card has become one of the most essential identity documents for every Indian citizen. Whether it is opening a bank account, applying for a loan, filing income tax returns, or availing of government subsidies, Aadhaar is mandatory in most cases. However, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) frequently updates guidelines to make Aadhaar more secure and reliable. Recently, some new rules have been announced that every Aadhaar cardholder must follow urgently. Ignoring these rules may lead to inconvenience, blocked services, or even misuse of your personal details.

In this article, we will walk you through the latest Aadhaar card rules, why they are important, and how you can update or secure your Aadhaar to avoid any issues.

Aadhaar Card New Rules Every Cardholder in India Must Follow Urgently

1. Mandatory Aadhaar Update After 10 Years

UIDAI has made it clear that Aadhaar cardholders who received their Aadhaar more than 10 years ago must update their information. Many people still have old photographs, outdated addresses, and incorrect details linked to their Aadhaar.

• Updating Aadhaar ensures your identity remains accurate.
• It reduces the chances of fraud or misuse.
• Old details may cause rejection during KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.

You can update your Aadhaar online using the UIDAI portal or by visiting the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

2. Linking Aadhaar with PAN Card Is Compulsory

The government has made it mandatory to link your Aadhaar with your PAN card. Without linking, your PAN card may become invalid, leading to issues in financial transactions and income tax filings.

• The last date for linking Aadhaar and PAN keeps getting extended but delaying may attract penalties.
• You can link them easily online through the Income Tax website.

3. Mobile Number and Email ID Must Be Updated

Your Aadhaar should always be connected to your active mobile number and email ID. These are required for OTP-based verification whenever you use Aadhaar for KYC.

• If your registered mobile is inactive, you cannot authenticate Aadhaar-based services.
• Update your number at an Aadhaar enrollment center if you have changed your SIM.

4. Biometric Lock/Unlock Facility

To enhance security, UIDAI has introduced the Aadhaar biometric lock/unlock feature. This prevents anyone from misusing your fingerprints or iris scans.

• Keep your biometrics locked when not in use.
• Unlock them temporarily when you need to complete a KYC process.
• This adds a strong layer of protection against identity theft.

5. Virtual Aadhaar ID for Safe Sharing

Instead of sharing your 12-digit Aadhaar number everywhere, UIDAI now allows the use of a Virtual ID (VID). This is a temporary 16-digit random number linked to your Aadhaar.

• VID ensures your real Aadhaar number remains private.
• It can be regenerated anytime through the UIDAI portal.
• Use VID while doing KYC with banks, telecom operators, or financial institutions.

6. Masked Aadhaar for Extra Safety

When you download Aadhaar online, you have the option to use a masked Aadhaar. This hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number and only displays the last 4 digits.

• Masked Aadhaar can be used as valid ID proof.
• It keeps your Aadhaar number safe from unauthorized use.

7. Children’s Aadhaar Updates Are Mandatory

For children below 15 years, Aadhaar updates are compulsory at different stages:

• First update at age 5.
• Second update at age 15.

This is because biometric features like fingerprints and iris scans change as children grow.

Why These Aadhaar Rules Are Important

The government has tightened Aadhaar rules to:

• Strengthen identity verification.
• Prevent misuse and fraud.
• Improve accuracy in government benefit distribution.
• Make Aadhaar-based services smoother and faster.

By following these new rules, you ensure that your Aadhaar remains valid, secure, and functional for all official purposes.

Steps to Stay Compliant with Aadhaar Rules

1. Regularly check your Aadhaar details online.
2. Update mobile number, email ID, and address whenever they change.
3. Use biometric lock/unlock for enhanced security.
4. Always prefer masked Aadhaar or virtual ID while sharing details.
5. Update your Aadhaar if it was issued more than 10 years ago.

FAQs on Aadhaar Card New Rules

Q1. Is it compulsory to update Aadhaar after 10 years?
Yes, UIDAI has made it mandatory to update Aadhaar after 10 years to ensure details remain accurate.

Q2. What happens if I don’t link my PAN with Aadhaar?
Your PAN will become invalid, and you may face difficulties in filing income tax returns or financial transactions.

Q3. How can I lock or unlock my Aadhaar biometrics?
You can lock/unlock biometrics through the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar mobile app.

Q4. What is the difference between Virtual Aadhaar ID and Masked Aadhaar?
Virtual ID is a temporary 16-digit number, while Masked Aadhaar hides your Aadhaar number except the last 4 digits. Both protect your identity.

Q5. Do children need to update Aadhaar?
Yes, Aadhaar updates are mandatory at ages 5 and 15 for children, as their biometrics change with age.

Q6. Can I use Masked Aadhaar everywhere?
Yes, it is valid as ID proof, and many institutions accept it for verification purposes.