Aadhaar FAQ

Recently Asked Questions

Is it possible to link Mobile Number with Aadhaar through OTP? What is the procedure to link Mobile Number with Aadhaar?

As per DOT Directive, some Telecom Operators have started linking of SIM with Aadhaar via OTP based authentication. To know more about the process, please contact your respective Telecom Service Provider.

What is TOTP?

·         It is an one-time temporary password (OTP), that is generated by an algorithm and valid only for 30 seconds. Because of this time variable characteristic, it is called TOTP.

·         TOTP is 8 digit long numeric string.

·         TOTP is personal to the resident and is uniquely generated every 30 seconds for each resident separately.

·         With time-based OTP, the TOTP validation server and token generation app(like mAadhaar) use their respective system times to generate OTPs. The TOTP algorithm assumes that the system times are synchronized.

Why to use TOTP?

TOTPs avoid a number of shortcomings that are associated with traditional SMS based OTP. The most important shortcoming that is addressed by TOTPs is that resident will not be dependent on mobile network for SMS delivery. Generating and sending OTP requires users to go through a completely unrelated workflow.

How TOTP is generated?

TOTP is generated in mobile application like mAadhaar. However, the Client mobile device’s time should be in sync with IST time-zone.

How to configure?

·         Download mAadhaar android mobile application

·         Create new resident profile.

·         Navigate to TOTP page view, your TOTP should be visible and is valid for 30 seconds.

How is Aadhaar different from any other identity issued by the government?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number that can be obtained by residents of India, based on their biometric and demographic data. The process for Aadhaar enrolment of resident of the country involves use of certain basic demographic information combined with ten finger prints, both irises and photograph to uniquely identify a resident through a process of de-duplication. The uniqueness of Aadhaar helps in elimination of duplicates and fakes.

An Aadhaar number issued to an individual shall not be reassigned to any other individual. An Aadhaar number shall be a random number and bear no relation to the attributes or identity of the Aadhaar number holder.

The verification of his identity is done online with the help of authentication devices which connect to UIDAI’s Central Identity Repository and return only a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response to the basic query-“Is the person who he/she claims to be?” based on the data available with UIDAI.

Is it mandatory to enrol for Aadhaar to file tax returns or apply for PAN in India? If yes, then what is the process for NRIs?

Section 139AA of the Income-tax Act, 1961 as introduced by the Finance Act, 2017 provides for mandatory quoting of Aadhaar / Enrolment ID of Aadhaar application form, for filing of return of income and for making an application for allotment of Permanent Account Number with effect from 1st July, 2017.

It is clarified that such mandatory quoting of Aadhaar or Enrolment ID shall apply only to a person who is eligible to obtain Aadhaar number.

As per the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, only a resident individual is entitled to obtain Aadhaar. Resident as per the said Act means an individual who has resided in India for a period or periods amounting in all to one hundred and eighty-two days or more in the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application for enrolment. Accordingly, the requirement to quote Aadhaar as per section 139AA of the Income-tax Act may not apply to an individual who is not a resident as per the Aadhaar Act, 2016. In this regard attention is invited to UIDAI Circular No. 6-1/2016-UIDAI (DBT), dated 15 November, 2017.

Can we register/ change mobile number online?

For any online update request, including updation of mobile number, resident should already have an active number registered with UIDAI where person can receive OTP SMS and authenticate himself/herself. Otherwise you would need to visit nearest UIDAI permanent Enrolment centre.

Service Provider not accepting e-Aadhaar copy. What to do?

Downloaded Aadhaar or e-Adhaar carries Name, Address, Gender, Photo and Date of Birth details of the Aadhaar holder in similar form as in Printed Aadhaar letter. The e-Aadhaar also contains date of Aadhaar generation & date of e-Aadhaar download. The downloaded Aadhaar or e-Aadhaar is a digitally signed document by UIDAI as per IT Act, 2000 which provides for legal recognition of electronic records with digital signatures.

Hence Downloaded Aadhaar /e-Aadhaar is a valid and secure electronic document which should be treated at par with printed Aadhaar letter.

I want to give up my Aadhaar. How and what needs to be done?

Presently there is no Policy to give up Aadhaar. However Aadhaar holders can secure their Biometric Authentication as per need by locking or unlocking Biometrics using "Lock/Unlock Biometrics” functionality at UIDAI official website "resident.uidai.gov.in".

Can NRIs also get Aadhaar?

In this regard, attention is invited to Section 3(1) of the Aadhaar Act, 2016,which inter-alia lays down that “every resident shall be entitled to obtain an Aadhaar number by submitting his demographic information and biometric information by undergoing the process of enrolment.”Further Section 2(v) of the Aadhaar Act defines ‘resident’ as an individual who has resided in India for a period or periods amounting in all to one hundred and eighty-two days or more in the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application for enrolment. Therefore NRI/OCI may not be eligible for obtaining Aadhaar.

What is the process if NRI / OCI holder needs to apply for Aadhaar? And if they don't have their own residential address in India now?

As per the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, only a resident who has resided in India for a period or periods amounting in all to 182 or more in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application for enrolment.

My name is different in PAN and Aadhaar. It is not allowing me to link both. What to do?

In order to Link Aadhaar with PAN, ideally your demographic details (i.e. Name, Gender and Date of Birth) should match in both the documents.

In case of any minor mismatch in Aadhaar Name provided by taxpayer when compared to the actual data in Aadhaar, One Time Password (Aadhaar OTP) will be sent to the mobile registered with Aadhaar. Taxpayers should ensure that the date of birth and gender in PAN and Aadhaar are exactly same.

In a rare case where Aadhaar name is completely different from name in PAN, then the linking will fail and taxpayer will be prompted to change the name in either Aadhaar or in PAN database.

Note:

For PAN data update related queries you may visit: https://www.utiitsl.com.

For Aadhaar update related information you may visit UIDAI official website: www.uidai.gov.in

In-case linking problem still persists you are requested to visit Income Tax official website or call IT department helpline.

My date of birth in PAN and Aadhaar do not match. Not able to link them. Please help.

In order to Link Aadhaar with PAN, your demographic details – Name, Gender and Date of Birth should match.

We request you to please get in touch with Income Tax department incometaxindia.gov.in or visit https://www.utiitsl.com.

Will my PAN become non-functional if I do not link it to Aadhaar?

The role of UIDAI is limited to issue of Aadhaar numbers and provide authentication services for establishing identity of the beneficiaries. The usage of Aadhaar for delivery of welfare service, benefits etc or for any other purpose and the extent to which Aadhaar is to be used is to be determined by the Implementing agencies such as State Governments/Central Ministries and other agencies.

For PAN related queries, you are requested to please contact with Income Tax department incometaxindia.gov.in or visit https://www.utiitsl.com.

Resident wanted to apply for income Tax return but Aadhaar data showing mismatch?

In order to Link Aadhaar with PAN, your demographic details should match. We request you to please get your details Corrected in appropriate document i.e. PAN or Aadhaar and try to link again.

In-case linking problem still persists, we request you to please get in touch with Income Tax department incometaxindia.gov.in or visit https://www.utiitsl.com.

Resident facing an error while filing online income tax return, while authenticating with Aadhaar Number?

In order to Link Aadhaar with PAN, your demographic details should match. We request you to please get your details Corrected in appropriate document i.e. PAN or Aadhaar and try to link again.

In-case linking problem still persists, we request you to please get in touch with Income Tax department incometaxindia.gov.in or visit https://www.utiitsl.com.

I am unable to access Aadhaar online services / Website from outside India. Please suggest?

UIDAI's official website i.e. www.uidai.gov.in doesn't have any such restriction and should be accessible from anywhere. However, some of the UIDAI web based features like Resident Portal, eAadhaar, Self Service Update Portal (SSUP), Aadhaar Linking Status etc are Geo-Based policy enabled and therefore, will not be accessible from outside India.

How to update my Aadhaar in ration card?

We recommend that you submit a photocopy of your Aadhaar with a copy of ration card to your PDS shop. They may ask you to place a finger on a sensor to authenticate to check that you and your Aadhaar number are matched.

Name different in Aadhaar vis-à-vis service delivery database?

For availing services there shall not be a mismatch in name, documents having in correct name should be corrected. In case the name correction is to be done in Aadhaar, then you can visit the nearest permanent enrolment centre to update your incorrect information as per the provisions of Aadhaar Act, 2016 and Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulation, 2016.

My fingers do not work, when asked to place them on finger print device?

You can visit the nearest permanent enrolment centre to update your biometrics (list available at www.uidai.gov.in). We suggest that you carry proofs for identity and correspondence address. Also, we strongly recommend that you give mobile number, this will help you get confirmation message as when your records are updated.

Have multiple accounts, where will I receive the money of benefit transfer?

Please give your copy of Aadhaar letter with your bank account number written on it or copy of your bank passbook. The bank may require you to fill a form as well. Updating your mobile number in bank is also advisable. This will send out SMS alerts when you get DBT in account or you transact on your account. Please note that the bank account which has been seeded last with the Aadhaar number will be the one to receive money through DBT.

Do I need Aadhaar to get my DBT?

Most of the schemes are seeking Aadhaar number to identify the beneficiaries to remove fakes and duplicates from their database. It is strongly recommended that you give them Aadhaar to assist them. It also helps you in availing benefits offered by various government schemes If you do not have Aadhaar, you can always present your Enrolment ID No. (EID), or submit the request with service delivery database owner to get Enroled for Aadhaar with the stated ID documents. This will allow you to continue getting the benefits, subsidy or services without any restrictions.

How do I change my account where to receive DBT funds?

Please give your copy of Aadhaar letter with your bank account number written on it or copy of your bank passbook to the bank where you want to receive the funds. The bank may require you to fill a form as well. Updating your mobile number in bank is also advisable. This will send out SMS alerts when you get DBT in account or you transact on your account. Please note that the bank account which has been seeded last with the Aadhaar number will be the one to receive money through DBT.

How would I know that DBT funds have come to my account?

We recommend that you update your mobile number in bank. The Bank will send out SMS alerts when you get DBT in account or you transact on your account. Alternatively, you can also check your account balance using ATM, microATM/ Bank Mitra, internet banking or calling the bank for details of your transactions.

What all can I do using a Bank mitra, who visits my village?

Bank Mitra carry a handheld device, which can allow you multiple type of banking transactions on your Aadhaar linked Bank account. Transactions possible are Balance, Enquiry, Cash Deposit, Cash Withdrawal, Paying Bills, Remitting funds to other Aadhaar holder. Bank mitra also helps in opening of Aadhaar linked bank account.

How does Aadhaar based DBT help me as a beneficiary?

Aadhaar linking in your scheme database ensures that nobody else can claim your share of the benefits by impersonating you as a person. Also, in case of cash transfers, the money reaches directly to your Aadhaar linked bank account, and you do not have to pursue different people to get the funds. Besides this, you can decide the bank account in which you would like your benefits/money to be transferred.. But all benefits go to your latest Aadhaar linked bank account, so all the subsidies are transferred in single bank account.

Why are Government schemes asking for Aadhaar?

It helps schemes to clean out duplicates and fakes, to provide accurate data and enable implementation of direct benefit programmes. Use of Aadhaar reduces the costs of identifying persons and provides Increased transparency to the government in implementation of its schemes.

I have received blue color of Aadhaar of card for my child. Is it Valid?

Yes, Blue color Aadhaar is valid like other Aadhaar Letter. As per the new policy, UIDAI is issuing Blue Color Aadhaar (Namely Bal Aadhaar) for children whose age is between 0 to 5 Years. After attaining the age of 5 years, this Aadhaar become Invalid and the child should get his/her demographic and biometric details updated against same Aadhaar Number by visiting nearest Enrolment Centre. Else the Aadhaar will become invalid.