No Aadhaar photocopies required, details can be shared on new QR-code based app

No Aadhaar photocopies required, details can be shared on new QR-code based app

Sidhartha@timesofindia.com 16.06.2025

New Delhi : In a few weeks, you may not need to provide photocopies of Aadhaar and will instead be able to share electronic Aadhaar, either in full or the masked version, using a new app based on QR code. And, by Nov, other than submitting your biometric details, you will not be required to visit Aadhaar centres to update address and submit other details as the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has lined up a new protocol that will draw from the birth certificate, matriculation certificate, driving licence, passport, PAN, PDS and MNREGA database to seek your address and other details to not just simplify life for citizens but also reduce the possibility of forged documents being used to get Aadhaar. 

Talks are underway to access electricity bill database which will make it more convenient for citizens. UIDAI chief executive officer Bhuvnesh Kumar told TOI that a new app has been developed by the agency and around 2,000 of the one lakh machines have now moved to the new tool. “You will soon be able to do everything sitting at home other than providing fingerprints and IRIS,” he said. This will include updating addresses, phone numbers, name change and even rectification of a wrong date of birth. The move to allow QR code-based mobile to mobile or app to app transfer of Aadhaar is seen to be crucial to check against misuse and is proposed to be used for several purposes — from checking in at hotels to identity verification on a running train. “It offers maximum user control over your own data and can be shared only with consent,” Kumar said. This can also be used by sub-registrars and registrars at the time of property registration, where frauds often take place. 

He said UIDAI has also initiated talks with CBSE and other exam boards to ensure biometric and  other data updation of children, which require to be done between five and seven years and again between 15 and 17 years. A special drive is planned so that the eight crore missing details for the first update (for kids aged between five and seven years) and 10 crore second update can be completed. Separately, UIDAI is also working with players such as security agencies, hotels, food and cab aggregators, CGHS and ESIC as part of SWIK, or social welfare, innovation and knowledge drive, for covering entities that are not mandated to use Aadhaar. This can help in verifying the credentials of cab drivers or delivery boys, and even for attendance at ESIC hospitals.