New rules make it easier for NRIs to get Aadhaar card

Mandatory for Indian citizens, Aadhaar works like a social security number in India

New rules have made it easier for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to get an Aadhaar card, a mandatory identity proof for Indian citizens, that works like a social security number in India.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UDAI) issued a notification on Jan 16 with different forms for enrolling for Aadhaar and updating it for resident and non-resident Indians. Earlier, NRIs were not eligible to apply for an Aadhaar form, but now are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card at any Aadhaar Kendra.

The new rules provide two ways to update information in the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) – by visiting the enrolment center or via a website/mobile application.

The old 2016 rules provided only for the updation of addresses in online mode. For other details updation, the Aadhaar number holder was required to visit the enrolment center.

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The new Form 1 will be used by resident and non-resident Indians (having proof of Address in India) aged 18 years and above for Aadhaar enrolment. The same form can be used by the same category of individuals to update details in their Aadhaar.

If the age of the individual is declared (with no documentary proof of date of birth) or approximate, then only the year of declared/approximate birth will be printed on the Aadhaar card. Hence, if someone wants the complete date of birth to be printed on the Aadhaar card, they will have to provide documentary proof for the same.

The enrolment for Aadhaar and the update of Aadhaar details can be done either based on document verification or based on confirmation by the Head of Family (HoF).

If the latter method is used, HoF would be required to provide his/her Aadhaar details and sign Form 1. NRI must provide an email ID in Aadhaar. In case NRI provides a non-Indian mobile number, no SMS/text message will be sent to the same, as per the Form 1 guidelines.

For NRI, only a valid Indian passport is acceptable as Proof of Identity (POI). For NRI who have address proof outside India, Form 2 will be used for enrolment and updation.

Form 3 is to be used for the enrolment of children (resident or NRI having Indian address) aged between 5 years and above but less than 18 years.

Form 4 is to be used for NRI children having addresses outside India.

Form 5 will be used for residents or NRI children (having Indian address) below 5 years of age.

Form 6 will be used for NRI children (with outside India address) below 5 years of age.

Form 7 will be used by a resident foreign national above 18 years of age. A foreign passport, valid long-term visa, OCl Card, and Indian visa are mandatory for enrolment in this category. Having an email ID is compulsory as well.

Form 8 will be for resident foreign nationals below 18 years of age.

Form 9 is notified by the UIDAl for cancellation of the Aadhaar number upon attaining 18 years of age.

An Aadhaar number holder may update documents or information on completion of 10 years from the date of generation of the Aadhaar number, according to the notification.

The updation of the Aadhaar number can be done in the online form provided on the website or mobile application of the UIDAI or by submitting the form at the enrolment center.

UIDAI has been running a campaign on its website urging people to update their Aadhaar if not been done in the last 10 years.

The 2016 rules do not allow updation of documents or information via online form or mobile application.

The address details provided on the Aadhaar Card also serve as your address proof or Proof of Residence.

For investments in the Indian Market (such as Mutual Funds and Stocks) Aadhaar card is used as a tool for online KYC (Know Your Customer) which is a process of verifying your details for investments.

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) can also obtain an Aadhaar card. Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship so people with foreign citizenship can apply for an Aadhaar card, but OCls must stay in India for 182 days or more in a year before applying for the Aadhaar Card.

According to the Income Tax Act (1961) definition, an individual must stay in India for 182 days or more in one financial year in order to become a resident of India.

To enroll for Aadhaar, NRIs can visit any Aadhaar Kendra with a valid Indian Passport and ask the operator to enroll as NRI with an Email ID which is mandatory for NRIs.

You may choose to use your Passport itself as Proof of Address and Date of Birth proof or give some other valid documents for this (As per UIDAl Valid Documents List)

Complete the biometric capture process. Check all details on the screen (in English and the local language) before you allow the operator to submit

Collect the acknowledgment slip/ enrolment slip that has your 14-digit Enrolment ID and Date & Time Stamp. You can check the status of your Aadhaar from: https://resident.uidai.gov.in/check-aadhaar

For more information, visit UIDAl page for NRIs.