Updating your Aadhaar Card picture is essential when your current photo is outdated, unclear, or no longer matches your appearance. In 2025, UIDAI has made the update process more accurate and secure, ensuring that every Aadhaar holder has an identity record that reflects their current look. Since Aadhaar verification is widely used in banks, SIM activation, travel, and government services, having a clear and updated photo helps avoid authentication problems.
This blog explains the complete process of how to update Aadhaar card photo: cost, required documents, centre-based procedure, timelines, and expert tips for a smooth and hassle-free update.
Can Aadhaar Photo Be Updated Online?
Updating your Aadhaar photo cannot be done online as of 2025. UIDAI has strict rules regarding biometric and photo updates, and these services are available only at Aadhaar Enrolment Centres or Aadhaar Seva Kendras. This means you cannot upload or submit a digital/printed photo through the online portal.
UIDAI Rules in 2025
- Aadhaar photo updates require live photo capture
- Biometric verification (fingerprint + iris scan) is mandatory
- Only authorised Aadhaar operators can capture the photograph
- Self-uploaded or passport-size photos are not accepted
Why Online Upload Is Not Allowed
- No biometric verification happens online
- Uploaded images can be manipulated or fake
- Photos must meet UIDAI’s technical and security standards
- Only UIDAI-certified cameras/devices can capture Aadhaar photos
What Services Are Available Online vs Offline
Online Services (Available on myAadhaar Portal)
- Address update
- Document re-upload
- Order PVC card
- Check update status
- Download Aadhaar
- Virtual ID (VID) generate
- Lock/Unlock biometrics
- Mobile/email verification
Offline Services (Centre Visit Required)
- Photo update
- Mobile number update
- Name correction
- Gender update
- Date of Birth correction
- Biometric update (fingerprint/iris)
- Face authentication issues
Requirements to update Aadhaar Card Photo
Who Can Update Their Aadhaar Photo?
- Adults whose appearance has changed
- People with unclear or outdated Aadhaar photos
- Individuals wanting a recent photo
- Children (mandatory updates at age 5 and 15)
- Senior citizens or those whose biometrics changed
No limit on updates, as long as identity is verified.
Mandatory Documents (Proof of Identity POI)
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Voter ID
- Bank Passbook with photograph
- Ration Card with photograph
- Any UIDAI-approved POI document
No photocopies needed. Operator scans original and returns it immediately.
Do You Need a Printed Photo for Aadhaar Update?
No — you do not need to carry a printed photo. A live photograph is taken at the centre using UIDAI equipment.
Step-by-Step Centre Process to Update Aadhaar Card Photo
1. Booking Appointment (Optional)
- Visit the myAadhaar portal
- Click Book Appointment
- Select city and Aadhaar Seva Kendra
- Choose Biometric Update → Photo Update
- Select date and time
- Confirm booking and show appointment slip at centre
2. Visiting the Aadhaar Centre
- Carry valid POI document (PAN, Passport, etc.)
- Share Aadhaar Number and POI document
- Inform operator you want a photo update
- Verify details on screen
3. Biometric Verification
- Fingerprints
- Iris scan
4. Live Photo Capture
- Neutral expression (no smile)
- Plain light background
- Face must be visible
- No sunglasses/caps/head coverings (except religious)
- Look straight into camera
5. Payment of Fees
₹100 (including biometrics & GST) for update at Aadhaar centre.
6. Receiving the URN Slip
- Receive URN (Update Request Number) slip
- Track update status on the myAadhaar portal
Cost of Aadhaar Photo Update in 2025
Cost of Aadhaar photo update ₹100 (including GST) — covers photo capture, biometrics, and processing. Optional: ₹50 for PVC card order (printing + delivery).
Processing Time for Aadhaar Photo Update
- Centre process: 5–10 minutes
- UIDAI approval: 5–15 working days (usually within a week)
- Download updated Aadhaar or order PVC card after approval
How to Check Aadhaar Photo Update Status
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| URN (Update Request Number) | Visit myAadhaar → Check Update Status; enter URN & captcha; view status |
| SRN (Service Request Number) | If appointment booked, enter SRN on Check Status page |
| When to Check | After 2–3 days of visit; UIDAI completes in 5–15 days |
How to Download Aadhaar with Updated Photo
- Visit myAadhaar website
- Click on Download Aadhaar
- Choose Aadhaar Number, Enrolment ID, or VID
- Enter required info + captcha
- Send OTP; enter OTP; download eAadhaar PDF
How to Verify if New Photo is Updated in Aadhaar
- Open downloaded eAadhaar
- Check new photo at top
- Verify name, DOB, address; compare to old Aadhaar
- If old photo, wait 24–48h and re-download/update status
UIDAI Photo Guidelines for 2025
Do’s
- Neutral facial expression
- Plain, light background
- Eyes open & visible
- Religious head covering (face visible)
Dont’s
- Smile or exaggerated expressions
- Sunglasses, tinted glasses, hats
- Edited/filter photos; only live capture allowed
- Heavy shadows/dark backgrounds
Tips for a Clear Photo
- Hair away from face; sit straight; look directly into camera
- Avoid reflective spectacles; ensure face is well-lit
- Wear simple/solid-colored clothes; avoid distracting prints/accessories
Common Problems & Solutions related to Aadhaar Card Photo
Photo Not Updated Yet
- Wait 5–15 days (UIDAI timeline)
- Check status using URN
- Re-download eAadhaar after clearing browser cache
- If 20+ days, revisit centre with URN slip
URN Not Working
- Wait 24h & retry
- Check URN entry
- Try different browser
- If unresolved in 3 days, contact UIDAI or revisit centre
Update Rejected
- Wrong POI, biometric mismatch, incorrect details
- Solution: Reapply, valid POI, verify details
Biometrics Mismatch
- Common for seniors/labour workers/children
- Solution: Update fingerprints & iris scan; use iris if fingerprints fail
Mobile Number Not Linked
- Cannot download Aadhaar, get OTP, or check status
- Solution: Visit centre, verify biometrics, link/update mobile number
Aadhaar Photo Updates for Children (Baal Aadhaar)
Children Below Age 5
- No biometrics for below 5
- Only child’s photo is recorded; Aadhaar is blue color
- Aadhaar linked to parent’s card
Mandatory Updates at Age 5 and 15
Age 5:
- First biometric (fingerprints + iris) and new photo; mandatory update
Age 15:
- Second biometric and photo update; mandatory update
Required Documents for Minors
- Birth Certificate
- School ID
- Parent’s Aadhaar
- No printed photo needed—live capture only
Security Tips After Photo Update
Check Correct Details
- Download eAadhaar; verify photo, name, DOB, address
Download New Aadhaar Safely
- Use only official portals (myAadhaar or mAadhaar app)
Lock/Unlock Biometrics
- myAadhaar Portal → Lock/Unlock Biometrics
- Lock when not needed, unlock only for verification
FAQs – Aadhaar Card Photo Update 2025
1. Can I update my Aadhaar photo online?
Ans: No. Photo updates only at a centre due to live capture/biometrics.
2. How much does a photo update cost?
Ans: ₹100 official charge (biometrics + photo update).
3. Do I need a printed photograph?
Ans: No. Only live capture at the centre.
4. How long for new photo to appear?
Ans: Usually 5–15 days for UIDAI approval online.
5. What documents required?
Ans: Only one POI—PAN, Passport, DL, Voter ID, Bank Passbook, etc.
6. Can children update photo?
Ans: Yes. Below 5: only photo; at 5/15: biometrics + photo update mandatory.
7. What if URN not working?
Ans: Wait 24h and try again; if still not, visit centre with URN slip.
8. Can NRIs update Aadhaar photo?
Ans: Yes, NRIs can update at any centre in India.
9. Can I update photo again if I dislike the new?
Ans: Yes, you can reapply and pay ₹100 again.
10. How to download updated Aadhaar?
Ans: Go to myAadhaar → Download Aadhaar; verify via OTP; download PDF.
Conclusion
Updating your Aadhaar Card picture is a simple but important step for smooth banking, SIM, travel, benefits, and government services. With UIDAI’s 2025 guidelines, it’s secure and easy—just visit a centre, bring a valid POI, and complete biometrics. Always keep your Aadhaar details current for seamless access everywhere.
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