Big Rule Changes for Aadhaar: What Every Citizen Needs to Know Now

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced several key updates to Aadhaar regulations, which could impact how citizens manage their financial services, including banking, investments, and savings plans. These new rules are aimed at improving data accuracy and security but may also bring additional costs and compliance requirements for users.

If you haven’t updated your Aadhaar information or linked it with your PAN card yet, this is the time to act — delaying it could lead to service interruptions and financial inconveniences.

Revised Aadhaar Update Fees

Starting October 1, 2025, UIDAI has revised the charges for updating Aadhaar details.

• Updating personal information such as name, address, date of birth, mobile number, or email will now cost ₹75, up from ₹50 earlier.

• Biometric updates—including fingerprint, iris scan, or photograph changes—will cost ₹125, compared to the earlier ₹100.

However, there’s some relief for parents. Children aged 5–7 years and 15–17 years can update their biometric details once for free. For children aged 7–15 years, biometric updates will remain free until September 30, 2026.

Document updates at Aadhaar centers will now cost ₹75, but online updates through the UIDAI portal will remain free until June 14, 2026. Additionally, reprinting an Aadhaar card will cost ₹40.

If an official visits your home for Aadhaar updates, the charge will be ₹700 for the first person and ₹350 for each additional person at the same address.

PAN-Aadhaar Linking Is Now Mandatory

The government has made it clear that linking PAN with Aadhaar is now compulsory. Failure to do so will result in PAN becoming inactive, which will directly affect your ability to invest in mutual funds, demat accounts, or tax-saving schemes.

In recent months, many investors have faced transaction delays due to unlinked PAN-Aadhaar accounts. To avoid disruptions, taxpayers and investors should complete the linking process as soon as possible.

Simpler and More Secure Aadhaar e-KYC

UIDAI, in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has launched new features called Aadhaar e-KYC Setu and offline KYC. These allow banks and NBFCs to verify a customer’s identity without viewing the full Aadhaar number.

This approach improves data security and privacy, while also speeding up account opening and onboarding processes for customers. Financial institutions can now verify users more efficiently and with greater safety.

Stricter Aadhaar Verification Rules

Under the new UIDAI guidelines, only active and unique Aadhaar numbers will be valid for KYC verification. If a user’s Aadhaar number is found to be inactive or duplicated, their banking or investment account could be blocked until verification is completed.

UIDAI advises all users to regularly check their Aadhaar status through the official UIDAI website or the mAadhaar mobile app to ensure that their identification remains active and valid.

Upcoming Changes from January 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) will see tighter regulations. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed banks and business correspondents to strengthen KYC checks and prevent fraudulent transactions.

While this move enhances security, it may lead to slower or slightly costlier cash withdrawal and deposit services in rural areas where AePS is commonly used.

Additionally, small savings schemes such as Post Office RD, PPF, and NSC will now be opened using Aadhaar-based e-KYC. The new system will make account setup faster and paperless. However, if your Aadhaar is not linked or updated, transactions like deposits or withdrawals could be delayed.

Offline KYC Framework Gets Simpler

UIDAI is also simplifying the offline KYC process. In the coming months, customers will be able to verify their identity using a secure QR code or masked Aadhaar ID, instead of revealing full personal details. This will greatly enhance privacy and reduce data misuse risks across banks and investment platforms.

Bottom Line

The new Aadhaar rules are designed to make digital identity more secure, efficient, and fraud-proof, but they also place a greater responsibility on users to stay updated. With revised fees, mandatory PAN linkage, and stricter verification norms, individuals must ensure that their Aadhaar details are current and active to continue enjoying seamless access to financial and government services.