Have you ever looked at your Aadhaar card and thought, “This photo doesn’t even look like me anymore”? You’re not alone. For many of us, Aadhaar photos were clicked years ago—sometimes when we were younger or looked very different.
Since Aadhaar is India’s most accepted ID proof, having an outdated or unclear photo can create problems in daily life.
Why Should You Update Your Aadhaar Photo?
Your Aadhaar is linked to almost every service today. An old or unclear photo can:
- Delay verification for government benefits and subsidies
- Cause issues while opening a bank account or doing KYC
- Lead to questioning during airport security or ID checks
- Result in rejection during cross-verification
That’s why the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) advises citizens to update Aadhaar details, especially photos, if they were captured many years ago.
Can You Update Aadhaar Photo Online?
Yes, you can start the update request online—but remember, the final step requires you to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or an authorized centre for biometric verification and live photo capture.
You can initiate the process in two ways:
- Through the official UIDAI website
- Using the mAadhaar mobile app
Step-by-Step Process: Update Aadhaar Photo
Option 1: Using UIDAI Website
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit UIDAI official website |
| 2 | Log in with Aadhaar number + captcha |
| 3 | Enter OTP sent to your registered mobile number |
| 4 | Select Update Aadhaar → choose Photo Update |
| 5 | Submit request → Visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra for biometric verification |
| 6 | Photo is captured live at the centre |
| 7 | Aadhaar gets updated within 7 working days |
Option 2: Using mAadhaar App
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download mAadhaar app from Play Store/App Store |
| 2 | Log in with Aadhaar number & OTP |
| 3 | Go to Online Aadhaar Update |
| 4 | Select Photo Update → generate Service Request Number |
| 5 | Visit nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra with SRN |
| 6 | Live photo will be captured on the spot |
| 7 | Updated Aadhaar is sent by post to your address |
Aadhaar Photo Update Fees & Rules
UIDAI has kept the process simple and affordable:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Update Fee | ₹50 (non-refundable) |
| Photo Requirement | No printed photos accepted—live photo will be captured at the centre |
| Processing Time | 5–7 working days |
| Aadhaar Delivery | New Aadhaar card is delivered to registered postal address |
Final Thoughts
Updating your Aadhaar photo is more important than most people think. A clear and recent picture ensures smooth verification in banks, government schemes, airports, and other daily needs. The process is simple, affordable, and mostly online—only the live photo step requires a centre visit.
So, if your Aadhaar still has an old photo, don’t wait—update it today to avoid future trouble.