Aadhaar Biometric Update - Importance, Fees and How to Update Aadhaar Biometrics

An Aadhaar card contains demographic details (name, photograph, date of birth, gender, and residential address) and biometric details (fingerprints and iris scans). 

Updating both these details is essential for authentication and verification purposes. If your biometric details in an Aadhaar require an update, read this article to know:

• How to update your biometrics on your Aadhaar card?
• Methods of Aadhaar biometric
• Importance of biometric update on your Aadhaar card
• Charges for Aadhaar biometric update

What is Aadhaar Biometric?

The Aadhaar biometrics is an advanced identification system that captures and stores an individual’s unique physical traits for authentication purposes. When an individual applies for an Aadhaar card, he/she submits vital demographic information like name, address, and phone number, in addition to biometric information, including fingerprints, iris scans, and facial images. These biometric information are important for authentication and accessing Aadhaar-based services. 

Biometric Aadhaar update is essential in cases where changes occur due to ageing, illness, accidents, or other factors. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) recommends updating biometric data every ten years to maintain accuracy and security. This makes Aadhaar a reliable and efficient means of verifying identity, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, banking, and government services.

Methods of Aadhaar Biometrics

Aadhaar biometric verification relies on state-of-the-art technology to authenticate the identity of a person by comparing his physical features with the saved information in the Aadhaar database. Below are the primary methods used for Aadhaar biometric authentication:

Fingerprint Authentication

Fingerprint authentication is among the most popular Aadhaar biometric techniques. For authentication, an individual places his or her finger on a biometric scanner, which captures the fingerprints and checks them against data in the Aadhaar database.

Since fingerprints are unique to each individual, this method offers high accuracy and security. It is commonly used in banking, telecom, and government welfare schemes to ensure that only the rightful person accesses Aadhaar-linked services.

Iris Scan Authentication

Iris scan authentication entails taking the detailed patterns of a person’s iris (the coloured portion of the eye) through a specialised camera. The scanned iris information is then compared with the Aadhaar database for verification of identity.

This method is especially beneficial for individuals whose fingerprints may not be evident due to ageing, injuries, or occupational wear. This method offers exceptional security because iris patterns remain stable throughout a person’s life and are nearly impossible to forge. It is frequently used in high-security transactions and government services.

Aadhaar Face Authentication

Face authentication is a contactless biometric verification method that uses facial recognition technology to verify an individual’s identity. The system captures facial features and compares them with the stored Aadhaar database.

This method is beneficial when fingerprint or iris authentication is not feasible. It is increasingly being adopted in healthcare, public distribution systems, and other contactless authentication scenarios where quick and convenient verification is needed.

Importance of Updating Aadhaar

Maintaining your Aadhaar biometric up to date is essential to ensure accuracy, security, and hassle-free access to necessary services. Why Aadhaar biometrics need to be updated is explained below:

• Age-Based Updates

Biometric data is not taken for children below the age of 5 years. Biometric update in Aadhaar is mandatorily done at the age of 5 years and 15 years to record changing physical features and authenticate accurately as the child grows up.

• Biometric Changes Over Time

Factors such as ageing, injuries, or health conditions can alter fingerprints or iris patterns, leading to authentication failures. Aadhaar updation ensures that biometric data remains accurate and usable across all verification systems.

• Ensuring Data Accuracy

Updating Aadhaar information helps to maintain the integrity of your Aadhaar. Regular biometric update in your Aadhaar card ensure that your identity remains reliable and compatible with authentication systems used in banking, government services, and subsidies.

• Enhanced Security and Fraud Prevention

Outdated biometric information may render Aadhaar authentication challenging, and it can result in identity fraud or misuse. Fresh biometric records enhance security, barring unauthorised people from obtaining services associated with your Aadhaar. Biometric authentication techniques like fingerprint and face recognition render it very hard for fraudsters to replicate or counterfeit identities.

• Convenience and Improved User Experience

Aadhaar-based biometric authentication eliminates the need to remember complex passwords or carry additional documents. With just a fingerprint or facial scan, users can securely access banking, healthcare, and government services, making the process faster and more user-friendly.

How to Update Aadhaar Biometrics?

You need visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in person to update biometric information. Follow these steps to update your biometric details:

Step 1: Go to the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and request a Biometric Update Form.

Step 2: Complete the form with the required details and submit it at the centre.

Step 3: The official will capture your fingerprints and iris scan.

Step 4: After authentication, your new biometric data (fingerprint, iris scan, or both) will be recorded and updated in your Aadhaar card.

You can find the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre using either the UIDAI official website or the mAadhaar mobile application.

Locating Aadhaar Enrolment Centre Using the UIDAI Website

• Visit UIDAI’s official website.
• Click on ‘My Aadhaar’ and select ‘Locate an Enrolment Centre’ under the ‘Get Aadhaar’ section.
• Choose one of the following search methods: use the Search Box to enter keywords related to your location, input your postal code, or select your state, district, and locality.
• The website will display a list of nearby Aadhaar Enrolment Centres.

Locating Aadhaar Enrolment Centre Using the mAadhaar Mobile App

• Open the mAadhaar app.
• Tap on ‘Enrolment Centre’.
• You can choose a search method between Advanced Search, where you enter your state, district, or PIN code, and Search by Text, where you enter the name of a specific centre.

Why is Aadhaar Biometric Required? 

Updating your Aadhaar biometric information is essential for several reasons:

• Physical changes may affect your biometric data over time. Regular updates ensure that your Aadhaar card biometric information accurately reflects your identity.
• Many government and financial services rely on accurate biometric data for verification. A UIDAI biometric update ensures that you can seamlessly access these services without any hitches.
• Updated biometric details lead to more reliable authentication processes, minimising errors during verification.
• Keeping your Aadhaar details up-to-date is often necessary to comply with government regulations and policies.

How to Submit Aadhaar Biometric Data?

You can submit your Aadhaar biometric data by visiting the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. Request the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre officials for updating your biometric details. They will capture your fingerprint and iris scan and update it in the Aadhaar database. However, carry your original Aadhaar card and other identity proof documents to the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre for submitting and updating your Aadhaar biometric data. 

Aadhaar Biometrics for Children

Children seeking Aadhaar enrolment (Resident Indian or NRI) must visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre with their parents or legal guardians. The biometrics of a child under 5 years is not required. However, the biometrics of a parent are linked with the Aadhaar card of a child under 5 years. 

Once the child is 5 years old, the parents must apply to update the child's Aadhaar card. For children between 5 years and 15 years, the biometric details (fingerprints and iris) are captured and recorded in the Aadhaar card. When a child attains the age of 15, the child should visit the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre to update the biometric details and obtain the updated Aadhaar card. 

Charges for Aadhaar Biometric

Here is a breakdown of the charges related to Aadhaar biometric update:

Biometric Update

• Age 5 to 7 years: Free (One-time biometric update)
• Age 15 to 17 years: Free (One-time biometric update)
• Other Cases: Rs. 100 per update (for fingerprint, iris, and photo)

Demographic Update (Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Address, Mobile Number, or Email)

• When Done Together with a Biometric Update: Free
• When Done Separately: Rs. 50

It is essential to update your Aadhaar biometric details for correct identification and convenient access to vital services. Periodic Aadhaar biometric updates add security, increase authentication, and keep you compliant with the government. It secures your identity and facilitates smoother interactions with institutions.

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