UIDAI Aadhaar Portal Updates: What's New in 2025
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) continues to evolve the Aadhaar ecosystem to improve accessibility, security, and convenience for over a billion enrolled citizens. Here's a roundup of the most significant updates and features available on the Aadhaar portal and related services as of 2025.
Enhanced mAadhaar App Experience
The mAadhaar application has seen several improvements aimed at making it the primary digital interface for Aadhaar-related services:
- Multi-profile support: You can now add and manage Aadhaar profiles of up to 5 family members within a single app installation
- Face authentication: Biometric verification via face recognition is now supported for select services, reducing dependency on OTPs
- Aadhaar QR scanning: The app includes an integrated QR scanner to verify the authenticity of Aadhaar cards presented by others
- Offline XML download: Users can download a digitally signed offline Aadhaar XML file for use in KYC processes without sharing the full Aadhaar number
Virtual ID (VID) and Masked Aadhaar
UIDAI's Virtual ID system has matured into a widely accepted privacy tool. Key points for 2025:
- VID is a temporary, revocable 16-digit number that can be used in place of the actual Aadhaar number for most verification purposes
- You can generate a new VID at any time from the UIDAI portal or mAadhaar app
- Masked Aadhaar — which shows only the last 4 digits — is now accepted as valid ID by most banks and telecom operators
- Service providers are required by regulation to accept VID and masked Aadhaar without requesting the full number
Aadhaar-Based e-KYC Improvements
Electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) using Aadhaar has become faster and more widely integrated:
- Paperless KYC is now supported for opening bank accounts, getting SIM cards, and accessing government welfare schemes
- OTP-based e-KYC allows instant verification for most financial and telecom services
- Biometric-based e-KYC (fingerprint or iris) is available at authorised service centres for non-OTP situations
Address Update Service: Now Online
One of the most requested features — the ability to update your address online — has been refined. As of recent UIDAI guidelines:
- Address updates can be initiated entirely online via the UIDAI self-service portal
- Acceptable address proof documents now include utility bills, bank statements, and rental agreements
- Address update requests are typically processed within 30 days
- You can track the status of your update request on the UIDAI portal using your URN (Update Request Number)
Aadhaar Lock and Unlock Feature
For users concerned about identity misuse, UIDAI offers a biometric lock feature:
- Lock your biometrics: Prevents anyone from using your fingerprint or iris data for authentication
- Unlock temporarily: Unlock only when you need to use biometric verification, then re-lock afterwards
- This feature is available through the UIDAI portal, mAadhaar app, and UIDAI helpline (1947)
Aadhaar for Children: Baal Aadhaar
Children under 5 years can now be enrolled for a Baal Aadhaar (blue-coloured card) linked to the parents' biometrics. Once the child turns 5 and again at 15, biometric data must be updated at an enrolment centre.
How to Stay Updated on UIDAI Changes
UIDAI publishes all official updates and circulars on its website at uidai.gov.in. Citizens can also follow the official UIDAI social media handles for real-time announcements. For service queries, the UIDAI helpline (1947) is available in multiple languages.
Final Note
The Aadhaar ecosystem is continuously improving. Staying aware of new features — particularly privacy tools like VID, biometric lock, and masked Aadhaar — helps you use your Aadhaar more securely and effectively in an increasingly digital India.