The issuance of the new card may start from December 2025 or thereafter.

Aadhaar can be changed. As it currently stands, personal information like name, address, and father's name will be removed. There will only be a QR code and a photo. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is planning to launch a new Aadhaar card. Details about why this will be done, when it will be implemented, what the new Aadhaar will contain, and what its need is will be revealed within this news.

What is in the current Aadhaar card?

The following information is printed on today's Aadhaar card:

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• Full name
• 12 digit Aadhaar number
• Date of Birth
• Full address
• Photo
• A small QR code

What will be in the new Aadhar card?

• Photograph of the person only (in large size)
• A secure QR code (large and encrypted)
• No personal details will be printed.

Who made this announcement?

UIDAI CEO Bhavnesh Kumar gave this information in an online conference on November 18, 2025. He said:

"Why do we need extra details on the card? It should just have a photo and a QR code. If we keep printing, people will keep accepting it, and those who know how to misuse it will keep doing so."

He clarified that “Aadhaar should never be used as a document. It should only be verified through the Aadhaar number or QR code."

Why is this change necessary?

Data theft from photocopies

Hotels, event organizers, delivery boys, gyms etc. often ask for a photocopy of Aadhaar.

All personal information is visible in the photocopy

This can lead to data misuse and identity theft.

Violation of the law

According to the Aadhaar Act, no entity has the right to keep a physical copy or photocopy of Aadhaar. However, many organizations do so.

Privacy protection

The new design will be in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which will come into full force in 18 months.

Prohibition on fake Aadhaar

QR code based system will make it extremely difficult to create fake Aadhaar.

How will the verification take place?

The old way (now)

1. Photocopy of Aadhar card is required.
2. All information is visible to the other person.
3. A copy remains with the organization.

New Way (coming soon)

1. Photo Matching : Face matching will be done with your photo
2. QR Scanning : QR code will have to be scanned for verification
3. Masked data : Scanning will only show the required information (e.g., some letters of the name, some part of the address)
4. Face Authentication: In some cases, verification will also be done through facial recognition.
5. No physical copy : No one will need to keep your data

New Aadhaar App

UIDAI is launching a new Aadhaar app that will replace mAadhaar. This app will:

Key Features

• QR Code Sharing : Share QR securely
• Face Unlock : Unlock the app with your face
• Biometric Lock : Lock your fingerprints and iris data
• Masked Aadhaar : Share Aadhaar number by hiding some digits
• Family Profile: You can maintain profiles of up to 5 family members in one app.
• Online Update: Update address, name, mobile number (except biometric) from the comfort of your home.

Where will it be useful?

• Hotel Check-in
• Event Entry
• Cinema hall
• Railway station
• Entry into the society
• Property Registration
• Student Verification

When will it be implemented?

Timeline

• December 2025 : UIDAI will review this rule and take a final decision
• December 1, 2025 : New rules to be discussed and finalized
• The new card issuance may begin in December 2025 or later, but the final decision will be taken by the government.

Important Note

• Old Aadhaar cards will remain valid – you don't need to replace them immediately
• You will receive a new design when you apply for a new or duplicate card.
• PVC card will also be issued in new design

Benefits for ordinary citizens

Data security: Your personal information will not be accessible to everyone. No
More photocopying hassles: No more providing copies.
Reduced fraud: Identity theft and fraud will be reduced.
Increased privacy: Only essential information will be shared.
Faster verification: QR scans verify within seconds.

Challenges

Digital Literacy: QR scanners and internet will be required everywhere
Rural areas: Where there is no internet, there may be initial problems

What should you do now?

Immediately

1. Don't worry : Old Aadhaar card is still completely valid
2. Download the new app : Download the new Aadhaar app from the official website of UIDAI
3. Lock Biometric : Lock your biometric data
4. Update mobile number : Your mobile number should be linked with Aadhaar.

Change habits

• Refuse to provide photocopies at hotels, events, etc.
• Get into the habit of scanning QR codes
• Use digital verification

Important facts

📌 As per the Aadhaar Act 2016, no entity has the right to take or store photocopies of Aadhaar for offline verification.

📌 More than 130 crore Indians have Aadhaar card.

Very important question

Q1. Do I need to replace my old Aadhaar card ?
No. Old Aadhaar cards will remain valid. A new card will only be available for new applications or duplicate cards.

Q2. What if I don't have a smartphone?
The government will support both methods. Offline Verification Seeking Entities (OVSEs) will have QR scanners.

Q3. I don't have internet in my village. What should I do?
UIDAI will implement the transition gradually. Old cards will continue to work, and offline options will also be available.

Q4. Is this mandatory?
This is just a proposal at this time. A final decision will be made in December 2025.

Q5. Where can I download the new app ?
Download it only from the official UIDAI website or the Play Store/App Store.

About UIDAI CEO

• 1995 batch IAS officer (Uttar Pradesh cadre)
• Became CEO of UIDAI on 1 January 2025
• He is also Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• Gold Medalist from NIT Kurukshetra

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