The Aadhaar card has become an indispensable document for every Indian citizen in today’s world. It serves not only as a proof of identity but also plays a crucial role in various functions such as banking, obtaining mobile SIM cards, availing government benefits, and filing income taxes.
Is There an Expiry Date for Aadhaar Cards?
A common question that arises among individuals is whether Aadhaar cards come with a specific expiry date. Can they become invalid after a few years? The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has made it clear that Aadhaar cards do not have a validity period. They are valid for a lifetime. Generally, there is no need to update the Aadhaar card frequently; however, there are certain situations where updates become necessary.
Mandatory Updates for Children’s Aadhaar Cards
For children whose Aadhaar cards have been created before they turn five, there are specific regulations that parents must follow:
- Mandatory Update at 5 Years: The Aadhaar card must be updated when the child turns five.
- Re-update Required at 15 Years: Another update is required when the child reaches the age of fifteen.
Failure to update the Aadhaar card within these age limits may render it invalid.
What Changes During the Update Process?
During the update process for children, biometric details such as fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs are re-captured to ensure that the identity is accurately maintained.
Validity of Aadhaar Cards After Ten Years
Even if an Aadhaar card hasn’t been updated for ten years, it remains valid. UIDAI has confirmed that such Aadhaar cards will still be recognized as valid. However, the government recommends periodic updates to avoid any potential issues down the line.
Costs Associated with Aadhaar Updates
For children, updating the Aadhaar card at the ages of five and fifteen is completely free of charge. For adults, there is a nominal fee required to change details such as name, date of birth, address, mobile number, or biometric information.
You can easily complete the update process by visiting the nearest Aadhaar service center. Keeping your Aadhaar information updated ensures that your details remain accurate and effective for all necessary purposes.
In summary, your Aadhaar card is a lifelong document that does not expire, but certain updates are mandatory at specified ages for children. For adults, while updates are not compulsory, they are encouraged to ensure continued accuracy.
