The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has clarified that while Aadhaar is widely accepted as proof of identity, it does not serve as a valid proof of date of birth, putting the onus on individuals to submit separate documents in case of any dispute over their registered date of birth.
In a post on X, previously Twitter, UIDAI said Aadhaar is intended to serve as proof of identity when used with authentication, but it is not considered proof of date of birth per se.
In a detailed clarification document, the UIDAI pointed out that the Aadhaar Act, 2016 “did not address its acceptance as proof of date of birth”.
“Therefore, in case of dispute regarding the validity of date of birth in Aadhaar, the burden of proof falls on the holder of Aadhaar number. In view of this and some judgments of the Supreme Court,” the document says.
“They clarified that the Aadhaar number can be used to identify the individual being authenticated, but it is not in itself proof of date of birth.”
Read also | PIL in SC seeks strict guidelines for issuance of Aadhaar cards to teenagers and adults
What happens if the validity of the date of birth is contested?
According to an official notification issued by Sanjeev Yadav, Director, UIDAI, “In case there is a dispute regarding the validity of date of birth in Aadhaar, the burden of proof falls on the Aadhaar number holder.”
It is up to the individual Aadhaar User Agencies (AUAs) and e-KYC User Agencies (KUAs) to determine their own approach in using Aadhaar to determine date of birth, the notification added.
While the law is silent on proof of DOB, it “provides for the collection, updating, and maintenance of demographic information, including date of birth, for authentication inquiries,” the document said.
What is the official use of Aadhaar?
“Aadhaar is merely proof of the fact that the person who is trying to avail benefit/service by identifying himself on the basis of Aadhaar number is the same person who registered for Aadhaar after submitting his biometrics and other documents at the time of his registration,” UIDAI said in a separate note by Assistant Director General Ashok Kumar.
Read also | UIDAI rolls out new Aadhaar app with focus on privacy and digital verification
How to update DOB in Aadhar card?
To update date of birth in Aadhaar, individuals can submit documents like birth certificate, valid Indian passport, service photo ID, etc:
To update your date of birth in Aadhaar, you can submit any of the following valid documents:
• Birth certificate
• A valid Indian passport
• ID card photo service
• Retired photo ID card
• Mark sheet/certificate issued by a recognized education board,
and other documents as mentioned in the list of acceptable documents,” said another UIDAI circular.
