The significance of Aadhaar has grown many folds ever since Government of India decided to link it with a range of documents and services including the mobile number. Failure to link your Aadhaar with mobile before March 31, 2018, will lead to discontinuation of your mobile services. It appears such a drastic move has been taken to weed out illegal mobile numbers used for criminal activities. For most people who are not using fake sim cards, linking Aadhaar with mobile is just another added activity. However, the process has been simplified to help you seed your mobile number without any hassles.
Two scenarios will arise when you decide to link your Aadhaar with mobile number: Either you already have an updated mobile number, or your Aadhaar has no mobile number attached to it. The process will be starkly different in either case.
Linking the mobile number to Aadhaar for the first time:
Unfortunately, this process cannot be done online. You will have to visit the nearest Aadhaar centre.
1.Collect the Aadhaar update form and enter the accurate information along with your mobile number. Alternatively, you can also download the form from UIDAI website.
2.Mention on the form that only your phone number needs to be updated. Submit it to the concerned officer along with a photocopy of your Aadhaar card and one photo ID proof such as PAN card, voter id, passport, etc.
3.The next step will be verification of your thumb impression and bio metrics. It will be matched with the ones recorded during the Aadhaar application process.
4.The officer will give you an acknowledgement slip. You can expect the update to take place within five days. However, it could even take up to 10 days as per UIDAI website.
Re-verifying your mobile number with Aadhaar:
After much deliberation, UIDAI has decided to allow linking Aadhaar with mobile number via OTP without providing your bio metrics to the telecom service provider.
1.Most service providers have direct links for the process. You can enter your mobile number on your service provider’s website.
2.You will get an OTP on your registered number which you will have to enter on the website.
3.Next, you will have to check the ‘consent box’ that will appear after you enter your Aadhaar number.
4.The telecom service providers will then request UIDAI for OTP. If your number is updated, you will receive an OTP from UIDAI.
5.You will again get a ‘consent message’ that needs to be checked. You will have to enter the received OTP to complete the verification process.
6.Finally, you will receive a message stating that your mobile number has been re-verified.
Alternatively, users can also resort to the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) provided by your telecom service provider. The process will be similar to online procedure except for the fact that the voice based system will guide you in the process. The Government of India has also directed the telecom operators to ensure agent-assisted verification for the differently-abled citizens. The Aadhaar mobile linking is expected to eliminate all the fake mobile numbers procured on forged documents.
If you want to know how to link Adhaar with Pan Card .
FAQs:
- What is the last date for Aadhaar mobile linking?
A: The last date for linking your Aadhaar with mobile as of now is March 31, 2018.
- Are there any charges for Aadhaar sim linking?
A: No, linking Aadhaar with mobile number is absolutely free.
- Will I need a new sim after Aadhaar linking? Or will the tariff change?
A: No, you will not need any new sim card nor will your tariff change post the Aadhaar seeding.
4: I am not in my home state, my address has changed. Can I re-verify my Aadhaar with mobile?
A: Yes, you can still link your Aadhaar to mobile number. You only need the sim registered with UIDAI to be active.
5: What if I don’t have Aadhaar card?
A: Irrespective of whether you have Aadhaar or not, your mobile services will be deactivated post the deadline. It is recommended that you get the Aadhaar as soon as possible.