How to Change Photo in Aadhaar Card: Documents and Process

An Aadhaar photograph may need updating when an older image no longer represents the Aadhaar holder clearly. For anyone searching how to change photo in aadhaar card, the key point is that UIDAI treats the photograph as biometric information. A replacement image is captured in person at an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre rather than uploaded from a phone or computer.

UIDAI’s current fee schedule lists ₹125 for a chargeable biometric update. Specified mandatory biometric updates for children may be free under the applicable age-based rules. UIDAI says updates typically take 30 to 90 days. This article covers the photo-update route, what needs to be carried, the centre process, status tracking and downloading the updated e-Aadhaar.

Can You Change Your Aadhaar Photo Online?

For readers asking can you change photo in aadhaar card online, UIDAI currently does not provide a self-upload facility for replacing the photograph. Its update FAQ states that biometric information, including fingerprints, iris and photograph, is updated by visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

The Aadhaar App supports mobile-number and address updates, biometric lock or unlock, request tracking and e-Aadhaar download. UIDAI’s current service list does not include uploading a replacement photograph. A photo change therefore remains an in-person biometric update.

Documents Required to Change Photo in Aadhaar Card

A standalone photo update does not use the same document set as a demographic correction. UIDAI does not list separate proof-of-identity or proof-of-address documents merely for changing biometrics.

• Aadhaar details: Keep the Aadhaar number available. A printed Aadhaar or e-Aadhaar may be useful for reference.
• Physical photograph: Not required; the centre captures a live image.
• Identity or address proof: Not generally required for a standalone biometric update.
• Other changes: If a demographic field is also being changed, the supporting-document rules for that field may apply.

This avoids confusing documents required for aadhaar photo update with the broader document list for demographic corrections.

Step-by-Step Process to Change Photo in Aadhaar Card

The centre-based route for how to change photo in aadhaar card generally follows these steps:

1. Locate an Aadhaar centre. UIDAI provides a centre locator, and Aadhaar Seva Kendras handle biometric updates. Appointment booking may be available at participating centres.
2. Visit the centre. Keep the Aadhaar number available so the existing record can be identified.
3. Request a biometric update. State that the Aadhaar photograph needs to be changed.
4. Review the details. Check the Aadhaar information shown for the transaction before submission.
5. Have the photograph captured. The operator records a live facial image using authorised enrolment equipment. A passport-size photograph or uploaded image is not used.
6. Complete the biometric transaction. UIDAI’s biometric-update category covers enrolled biometrics such as photograph, fingerprints and iris.
7. Pay the applicable fee. UIDAI’s current charge sheet lists ₹125 for a chargeable biometric update. Age-based rules apply separately to specified mandatory biometric updates for children.
8. Collect the acknowledgement. Retain the update reference for tracking. The Aadhaar number does not change because of a photograph update.

Note: UIDAI may revise its fee schedule. The ₹125 figure reflects the current official charge for a chargeable biometric update.

How to Track Your Aadhaar Photo Update Status Using URN

After submission, the acknowledgement reference is used to check the aadhaar photo update status. UIDAI supports update tracking through identifiers such as EID, URN or SRN, depending on the request.

1. Open the official UIDAI/myAadhaar update-status service.
2. Enter the reference requested on the page.
3. Enter the displayed security or captcha details.
4. Submit the information to view the available status.

UIDAI does not mention the use of OTP being mandatory for every status update request, and therefore, the live process shown on screen should be followed. According to UIDAI, it normally takes 30 to 90 days for Aadhaar updates, depending on the nature of the update and verification. Please keep the confirmation till the update is done.

How to Download Your Updated Aadhaar Card After Photo Change

Once the update is completed, the revised e-Aadhaar may be downloaded through UIDAI. The official service accepts permitted identifiers such as the Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID or VID, followed by OTP verification through the registered mobile number.

A Masked Aadhaar may also be selected. It replaces the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number with “xxxx-xxxx” and displays only the last four digits.

The downloaded e-Aadhaar PDF is password protected. UIDAI specifies the password as the first four letters of the name in capital letters followed by the year of birth. For example, RAJESH with a birth year of 1990 would use RAJE1990.

Conclusion

The central point in how to change photo in aadhaar card is that the photograph belongs to Aadhaar’s biometric record, so the replacement is captured at an authorised centre rather than uploaded independently. For those asking can you change photo in aadhaar card, UIDAI also states that no limit applies to the number of picture updates, although each request follows the applicable biometric-update process and fee rules.

A standalone photo change generally does not require separate identity or address proof. The acknowledgement reference helps track the request during UIDAI’s typical 30-to-90-day processing period, and the revised e-Aadhaar can be downloaded once the update is completed.

Disclaimer : The information in this blog is for general purposes only and may change without notice. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Readers should seek professional guidance and make decisions at their own discretion. IIFL Finance is not liable for any reliance on this content. Read more