E-Aadhaar App Set to Launch: Digital QR Code Verification to Replace Photocopies
A major upgrade is coming to Aadhaar services as UIDAI prepares to roll out a QR code-enabled e-Aadhaar system. This new system aims to eliminate the need for submitting physical photocopies of Aadhaar for identity verification. The nationwide implementation is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Beginning November 2025, Aadhaar-related updates will require only biometric verification—such as fingerprint or iris scans—at designated enrolment centres. This transition is part of a broader push to simplify the update process, reduce dependency on paper documents, and strengthen protection against identity fraud.
Under the revamped system, UIDAI will directly retrieve personal data from authenticated government sources, including:
- Birth certificates
- Passports
- Driving licences
- PAN cards
- Ration cards (PDS)
- MNREGA records
Efforts are also underway to incorporate utility bill data, such as electricity bills, to support address verification more efficiently.
Biometric Updates for Children
Special provisions are being made for children’s biometric updates, which are required at ages 5–7 and again at 15–17. Discussions with educational boards, including CBSE, are ongoing to facilitate biometric enrolment drives in schools, ensuring timely updates for student Aadhaar profiles.
Strengthening Security, Reducing Fraud
This digital-first approach is expected to minimize the use of fake documents, especially in areas like property registration and hospitality check-ins. The QR code-based identity verification is currently under review by sub-registrar offices and hospitality stakeholders. Built with privacy-by-design principles, the system ensures that any data is accessed only with the user’s explicit consent.
As Aadhaar services continue to evolve, the focus remains on making identity verification more secure, efficient, and user-centric.
