Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra issue official orders; UIDAI clarifies Aadhaar’s limited role in birth authentication
In a move aimed at strengthening identity verification and curbing misuse, the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have issued formal orders stating that the Aadhaar card will no longer be accepted as valid proof of birth or date of birth for official purposes. The decision, announced in late November 2025, follows a clarification from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) that Aadhaar is an identity document—not a birth certificate.
What the Orders Say
The Uttar Pradesh Planning Department, through a circular dated November 24, 2025, instructed all state departments to stop accepting Aadhaar as proof of birth. The directive, signed by Special Secretary Amit Singh Bansal, cites a communication from UIDAI which emphasizes that Aadhaar does not verify birth records and should not be treated as a substitute for certified documentation.
In Maharashtra, authorities have gone a step further by revoking birth certificates that were issued solely on the basis of Aadhaar. Officials argue that such certificates lack legal validity and contradict updated verification norms under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act.
Why Aadhaar Was Disqualified
The core issue lies in the nature of Aadhaar enrollment. While Aadhaar captures demographic and biometric data, it does not require submission or verification of birth certificates. This has led to cases where individuals used Aadhaar to falsely claim birth details, especially in contexts like school admissions, welfare schemes, and legal documentation.
UIDAI clarified that Aadhaar is designed for identity authentication, not for establishing age or birth credentials. Accepting it as birth proof undermines the integrity of official records and opens the door to fraudulent claims.
What Documents Are Now Required
With Aadhaar disqualified, citizens must now present one of the following documents for birth verification:
- Birth certificate issued by municipal or panchayat authorities
- Educational mark sheets (e.g., Class 10 certificate)
- Passport or voter ID for date of birth confirmation
These documents undergo formal verification and are recognized under existing legal frameworks.
Related Changes in Aadhaar Update Rules
UIDAI has also introduced new Aadhaar update guidelines effective November 1, 2025:
- Citizens can update name, address, date of birth, and mobile number online.
- Updates are verified using linked databases like PAN, passport, or voter ID.
- Fees: ₹75 for demographic updates, ₹125 for biometric updates. Biometric updates for children remain free.
These changes aim to improve user convenience while reinforcing Aadhaar’s role as a digital identity tool, not a substitute for foundational documents.
Implications for Citizens
The directive has wide-ranging implications:
- School admissions and government schemes will now require certified birth proof.
- Legal and administrative processes will no longer accept Aadhaar alone for age verification.
- Citizens are advised to review and update their records to ensure compliance with the new norms.
Conclusion: The government’s decision to disqualify Aadhaar as proof of birth marks a shift toward stricter documentation standards. While Aadhaar remains vital for identity verification, it cannot replace certified birth records. Citizens must now rely on legally recognized documents to establish birth details and avoid disruptions in accessing public services.