New Aadhaar Rules 2026: UIDAI Expands Document List for Enrolment and Updates

Documentation for Aadhaar enrolment and updates is now easier and more flexible, as UIDIA has revised and expanded the list of documents for NRIs and resident Indians. The new Aadhaar rules 2026 simplify what documents are now accepted for various updates, from valid passport and voter ID to bank statements, utility bills, marriage/divorce certificates, insurance policies, and education marksheets. It aims to improve accessibility for both NRIs and resident Indians.

New document list for Aadhar enrolment and updates in 2026 

The Aadhaar First Amendment Regulations, 2026 has expanded the list of documents for Proof of Identity (PoI), Proof of Address (PoA), Proof of Date of Birth (PDB), and Proof of Relationship (PoR). 

• e-Voter ID
• e-Ration card
• Pension payment orders
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce certificates
• CGHS/ECHS/ESIC cards
• Utility bills
• Educational certificates/marksheets
• Bank statements/passbooks
• Insurance policies
• Registered rent agreements
• NREGA job cards
• Prisoner ID documents
• Shelter home certificates
• UIDAI standard certificate formats issued by officials

Aadhaar 2026 rules include certain conditions for new applicants and existing Aadhaar users: 

• Supporting documents must be valid during submission
• Supporting documents must be owned by the applicant
• Supporting documents must be verifiable
• The applicants’ name must be consistent across documents
• Issuing authority must not have invalidated documents

UIDAI clarifies which documents are valid for what updates

Passport: Valid Indian passports continue to be among the most important documents under the UIDAI rules 2026 for Aadhaar. Resident Indians and NRIs can use it as proof of identity, address proof, relationship proof, and date of birth proof.

Ration Card / e-Ration Card: As per the new Aadhaar rules, ration cards can be used as proof of identity, address proof, and relationship proof. However, UIDAI does not accept them as valid proof of date of birth.

Voter ID / e-Voter ID: Residents and non-resident Indians can use it for ID proof and address proof during Aadhaar updates. Voter ID is not valid for relationship proof or date of birth proof under UIDAI’s latest document list.

Driving Licence: A driving licence is accepted only as proof of identity. UIDAI’s latest supporting document list does not treat it as a valid proof for address, relationship, or date of birth.

Government-issued service ID cards: Photo ID cards issued by the Central Government, State Governments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and statutory or regulatory bodies are widely accepted under the Aadhaar card rules 2026. These documents can be used for identity proof, address proof, and in certain cases, date of birth proof as well.

Documents such as Pensioner Photo ID Cards, Freedom Fighter Photo ID Cards, and Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) are accepted for multiple Aadhaar update categories including identity proof, address proof, relationship proof, and date of birth proof. Kisan Photo Passbooks are accepted mainly as proof of identity and address proof.

Key Aadhaar rule changes 2026

Restricted limits: Aadhaar Card holders now get only once chance to modify the date of birth and gender. It is crucial to get these key details right.

Child’s Aadhaar enrolment: Head of Family-based enrolment is central to Aadhaar applications for young children. Kids under 5 years must submit biometric updates when they will turn 5 years old, and next at the age of 15.

Strict name validation: Strict document verification for name changes is in place now as a measure to prevent fraud and money laundering, given one’s Aadhaar Card is linked to PAN and bank accounts these days.

For OCI Cardholders: Aadhaar for OCI Cardholders and foreign nationals (from Nepal and Bhutan) is valid for 10 years. For other foreign nationals and Long-term Visa holders (LTV), it is valid as long as their visa to India or FRRO permit.

New Aadhaar design: By late 2026, redesigned physical Aadhaar Cards will be issued only with the photograph and a secure QR code. Your 12-digit number and residential address will not be printed on the front.