The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is planning a major redesign of the Aadhaar card that would display only the holder’s photograph and a QR code, eliminating all printed personal details such as name, address, and the 12-digit Aadhaar number. The proposal, expected to be reviewed in December 2025, aims to strengthen privacy protections and reduce the misuse of Aadhaar data during offline verification.
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar explained that the change is intended to prevent organisations from collecting or storing Aadhaar-related information in violation of the Aadhaar Act. Many entities, including hotels, event organisers, and residential facilities, continue to photocopy Aadhaar cards, increasing the risk of identity theft. Kumar noted that retaining printed details on the card encourages this practice and makes it easier for data to be misused. He stated that the redesigned card should contain only a photograph and a QR code so that personal details remain protected and accessible only through authorised verification methods.
According to UIDAI, all essential information will be stored securely inside the encrypted QR code. The authority emphasised that Aadhaar is meant to be authenticated digitally rather than used as a physical identity document, and relying solely on printed information makes it vulnerable to forgery.
To support the new verification system, UIDAI is preparing to introduce an updated Aadhaar mobile application that will replace the existing mAadhaar app. The new platform will enable QR code scanning along with facial recognition-based authentication, allowing users to securely share only the specific information required for each situation. This digital process is expected to simplify identity checks for event entry, hotel check-ins, age verification, and gated community access, working similarly to the DigiYatra system used at airports.
The proposed rules for the redesigned Aadhaar card will be considered by UIDAI on December 1, 2025. If approved, the change will mark a significant step toward enhancing privacy and strengthening the digital identity infrastructure in India.