Introduction
Your Aadhaar card must always carry your current residential address because it is used as proof of identity and address for bank accounts, SIM cards, ration cards, and dozens of government services. If you have shifted to a new house, updating your Aadhaar address is important. The good news is that an address update on Aadhaar is completely free of cost online through the UIDAI portal. This guide shows you exactly how to do it.
What Is This All About?
UIDAI allows Aadhaar holders to update their address online free of cost using the "Update Aadhaar" service on the official website. You can upload any one of several valid address proofs such as a passport, bank statement, utility bill, or rent agreement. The update is verified and the updated Aadhaar (with the same number) is generated. An address update does not change your Aadhaar number, and the service is free when done online.
Key Benefits and Features
- Online address update is completely free of cost.
- Your Aadhaar number never changes after an address update.
- The updated details are available immediately in the digital Aadhaar.
- You can choose to receive a fresh printed Aadhaar by post.
- The process takes only a few minutes from home.
Who Is Eligible?
- All Aadhaar holders who have shifted to a new address.
- Applicants who have a registered mobile number linked to their Aadhaar (required for OTP).
- Aadhaar holders who want a printed card with the updated address.
- Applicants who have not exhausted the free update facility (limited free updates are allowed in a year).
Documents Required
- Aadhaar number and the mobile number registered with it.
- One valid address proof — passport, bank statement, electricity bill, gas bill, rent agreement, or post office passbook.
- A scanned copy of the address proof in PDF format (2 MB limit).
- For a printed card by post, the postal address must match the updated address.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) and select "Update Your Aadhaar".
- Enter your Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Log in to the Aadhaar Self Service Update Portal.
- Select "Update Address" from the list of update options.
- Choose the document you wish to upload as proof — for example, electricity bill or bank statement.
- Fill in your new complete address exactly as it appears on the proof document.
- Upload the scanned address proof and click submit.
- Note the Update Request Number (URN) displayed after submission.
- Track the status of your update using the URN on the UIDAI website.
- Once approved, your updated address reflects in the Aadhaar; download the updated Aadhaar or order a printed card.
Fees and Processing Time
Address updates done online through the UIDAI portal are free of cost. The printed Aadhaar card, if ordered, is also sent free by post. If you update at a permanent enrolment centre instead, a fee of ₹50 is charged by the centre. Online is therefore the cheaper and easier option.
Important Tips and Common Mistakes
- Use an address proof that is in your own name, such as a bank statement or electricity bill, to avoid rejection.
- Ensure your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar; otherwise you cannot use the online update.
- If you do not have a valid proof, ask the Aadhaar holder with whom you live to do a head-of-family address proof upload.
- Save the URN immediately — you need it to track the update.
- The updated address is shared with banks and agencies that link Aadhaar, so update it soon after moving.
Documents Accepted and Common Update Mistakes
The address proof you upload must be current and must show your full name. Electricity bills and bank statements are the most commonly used proofs because they are issued regularly and carry the current address. Rent agreements are accepted, but they must be registered or accompanied by additional proof in some cases.
One of the most common mistakes is entering the address differently from the proof document. Copy the address exactly as it appears on the bill or statement — the same spellings, the same order, and the same PIN code. Any difference leads to rejection or a long re-verification process.
If you do not have any document in your own name, UIDAI allows the head of family option. In that case, the head of the family uploads their address proof and validates your relationship, and your address is updated based on their proof.
The update request can be tracked using the Update Request Number (URN) on the UIDAI website. Approval normally takes a few days but can take up to 90 days if additional verification is required.
After the address update is approved, your new address is also shared with agencies that use Aadhaar for KYC, such as banks and telecom operators. This keeps your KYC records consistent across institutions.
Note that only a limited number of free updates are allowed each year. If you have exhausted your free update, you may have to visit an enrolment centre and pay the fee, so update carefully and only when necessary.
At Usmani Cyber Cafe we scan your documents, upload the correct proof on the UIDAI portal, and track your update to completion. For customers who cannot use the online process, we guide them to the nearest enrolment centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aadhaar address update really free online?
Yes. Updating your address online on the UIDAI portal is free of cost. A fee of ₹50 applies only if you use an enrolment centre.
Will my Aadhaar number change after an address update?
No. Your Aadhaar number remains exactly the same. Only the address details change.
What documents are accepted for address proof?
Passport, bank statement/passbook, electricity bill, water bill, gas connection bill, rent agreement, and post office passbook are all accepted.
How long does the update take?
Online address updates are usually approved within a few days, though it can take up to 90 days in some cases.
Can I update my address without a registered mobile number?
No, the online process requires an OTP on the registered mobile. Without it, you must visit an enrolment centre.
What happens to my Aadhaar number after the update?
Nothing changes — your Aadhaar number and all other details remain the same, only the address is corrected.
Can I update my address if I live in a rented house?
Yes, a rent agreement is an accepted address proof. Keep the agreement registered if your state requires it for verification.
Conclusion
Keeping your Aadhaar address current is quick and free when you use the UIDAI online service. All you need is a valid address proof and your registered mobile number. If you need help scanning documents, uploading proofs, or tracking your update request, visit Usmani Cyber Cafe — we handle Aadhaar updates for customers of all ages every day.