How to Lock and Unlock Your Aadhaar Card Online to Prevent Unauthorized Access
One such vital identification document in India is the Aadhaar card. While the Aadhaar card provides a comprehensive security framework for identity verification, its misuse can lead to identity theft or unauthorized access to your sensitive information. To bolster its security, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced the feature to lock and unlock your Aadhaar card online. This feature allows users to disable access to their Aadhaar numbers temporarily, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized use. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully lock and unlock your Aadhaar card online. Additionally, we’ll briefly touch on how to update the date of birth in an Aadhaar card, another significant feature offered by UIDAI.
Why Locking Your Aadhaar Card is Important
Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand why locking your Aadhaar card is necessary. The ability to lock Aadhaar card acts as a preventive measure against identity theft or unauthorized transactions. Once your Aadhaar number is locked, authentication cannot be performed using it, whether through biometric or demographic modes. This is particularly useful if you suspect unauthorized use or plan not to use your Aadhaar number for some time. By locking your Aadhaar, you can ensure it won’t be used without your consent.
Steps to Lock Your Aadhaar Card Online
Step 1: Visit the UIDAI Website
Open a web browser on your device and navigate to the official UIDAI website. This is where you will find the option to lock and unlock your Aadhaar card.
Step 2: Access the Aadhaar Services Section
On the UIDAI homepage, locate the ‘My Aadhaar’ section. Hover over this section to reveal a dropdown menu, and select ‘Aadhaar Services.’ You will find the option to access a variety of services related to your Aadhaar card here.
Step 3: Lock Your Aadhaar Number
Click on the ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ option from the Aadhaar Services menu. This will redirect you to a page where you can enter your Aadhaar number and the security captcha to proceed. You will then receive an OTP (One Time Password) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to authenticate your request. Finally, select the option to lock your Aadhaar number. Once locked, your Aadhaar cannot be used for authentication.
Steps to Unlock Your Aadhaar Card Online
Step 1: Log into the UIDAI Website
Visit the UIDAI website and navigate back to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section.
Step 2: Navigate to the Unlock Option
In the same ‘Aadhaar Services’ menu, select the ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ option.
Step 3: Unlocking Your Aadhaar Number
Enter your Aadhaar number and the security captcha, followed by the OTP received on your registered mobile number. This time, choose the option to unlock your Aadhaar number. It will re-enable the biometric and demographic authentication features of your Aadhaar card. You should use this feature only when you need to perform any transactions requiring Aadhaar authentication.
Updating Date of Birth in Aadhaar Card
While we’ve focused primarily on locking and unlocking Aadhaar for security, update date of birth in Aadhar card is another crucial service provided by UIDAI. Keeping your date of birth accurate is essential for various verifications and availing government benefits.
Steps to Update Date of Birth in Aadhaar Card
- Visit an Aadhaar Enrollment Center: You will need to visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Centre. Carry original documents that serve as valid proof of your date of birth.
- Fill the Correction Form: Request for an Aadhaar correction form at the enrollment center and fill in the necessary details, including your updated date of birth.
- Document Verification: Present the original documents for verification. The officials will verify and make copies of the documents to be attached with your application.
- Receive Acknowledgment Slip: Once your documents are verified and submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment slip containing an Update Request Number (URN). You can use this number to track the status of your update online.
- Updating Process Time: It usually takes a few weeks for the update to reflect in your Aadhaar card. You can check the status online using the URN on the UIDAI website.
Conclusion
Locking and unlocking your Aadhaar card online is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of your identity in a digital world. By availing these options, users can exert more control over their Aadhaar usage and help protect against identity misuse. It’s equally important to keep your Aadhaar data, such as your date of birth, updated to avoid any discrepancies in identity verification. With these measures in place, you can confidently secure your Aadhaar information and leverage its potential without compromising on security. Always ensure you regularly check your Aadhaar updates and use these lockdown features as needed to maintain optimal security.
