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Aadhaar Card to Undergo Major Redesign from December: Here’s What Will Change

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is preparing for one of the biggest upgrades to the Aadhaar system since its launch. Beginning December 2025, the Aadhaar card will come in a completely new form, featuring a refreshed design and improved security layers. According to recent reports, the traditional printed details—including name, address, and the 12-digit Aadhaar number—may no longer appear on the physical card. Instead, the new Aadhaar will display only the holder’s photograph and a secure QR code.

This shift represents a major policy move aimed at addressing rising concerns around data misuse and unverified offline identity checks still practiced in hotels, event venues, housing societies, and commercial establishments.

UIDAI CEO Bhawesh Kumar confirmed during an online conference that the upgraded design and new verification system are planned for rollout from December 2025.

Why Printed Personal Details Are Being Removed

According to UIDAI, printed personal information on Aadhaar cards has become the biggest reason for widespread identity misuse. Currently, many organizations photocopy Aadhaar cards and store them without proper safeguards, increasing the risk of identity theft.

Individuals are often asked to submit Aadhaar photocopies for hotel stays, event registrations, renting homes, and entrance to residential complexes. Once stored, these documents can be misused or leaked without the knowledge of the cardholder.

The redesigned Aadhaar aims to eliminate such risks by shifting verification from physical details to digital authentication. All essential information will remain encrypted within the QR code, which can be read only by authorized verification systems. UIDAI emphasizes that Aadhaar should not be used as an open identity document but only as a means of digital or QR-based verification.

A New Aadhaar App Will Replace mAadhaar

To support this transition, UIDAI is also set to launch a new Aadhaar mobile application that will replace the existing mAadhaar app. This upgraded app will allow users to verify identity using:

• Face-recognition-based authentication

• QR code scanning

• Controlled data sharing where users choose what information to disclose

The new app will enable citizens to share only limited and secure data with service providers, reducing exposure of sensitive personal details.

Where the New Digital Verification System Will Apply

The redesigned Aadhaar and its digital-first verification framework will be implemented across multiple sectors, ensuring a uniform and secure identification process. Some key areas where the new system will be mandated include:

• Hotel check-ins

• Residential complex entry gates

• Event registrations and entry points

• Age verification

• School and college admissions

• Mobile SIM verification

• Various public-facing services requiring identity confirmation

UIDAI states that the system will function similarly to the DigiYatra model, where identity verification is entirely digital and extremely secure.

A Step Toward Stronger Data Protection

The upcoming Aadhaar transformation marks a significant step toward strengthening data security and preventing misuse of personal information. By removing printed sensitive details and replacing them with encrypted QR-based verification, UIDAI aims to modernize the identity ecosystem while reducing risks associated with offline handling of personal documents.

The December rollout is expected to begin in phases, providing users with a more secure, efficient, and technologically advanced Aadhaar experience.