Aadhaar serves as a crucial document for Indian citizens, acting as both proof of identity and proof of address, enabling them to access various government-related services. To learn more about how to apply for Aadhaar Card, CLICK HERE. To ensure the security of your Aadhaar, UIDAI offers the option to lock and unlock your biometric data online. The AADHAAR biometrics lock/unlock feature safeguards the privacy and confidentiality of an applicant’s fingerprint and iris biometrics data. By utilizing UIDAI’s online service, applicants can easily lock and temporarily unlock their biometrics.

Locking the biometrics results in a system error if anyone attempts to use AADHAAR for authentication using fingerprint or iris, effectively preventing any potential misuse. READ MORE ABOUT HOW TO PREVENT AADHAAR MISUSE. For children, their biometric details such as fingerprints or iris scans may change as they age. Additionally, illness or accidents may alter the biometric information of adults in some rare cases. To address such situations, it becomes essential to update the details in the Aadhaar system.

IMPORTANCE OF BIOMETRIC DATA IN AADHAAR:

• The Aadhaar program aims to provide a unique 12-digit identification number to every individual in India through biometric verification.
• Biometric data collected during Aadhaar enrollment or updates is crucial for the process.
• After collecting biometric data, the system cross-verifies the Aadhaar number with existing database details before issuance.
• This verification ensures that there are no duplicate records in the database.
• Aadhaar is only issued or updated when the submitted biometric details are confirmed to be unique.
• Biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, are used to ensure the uniqueness of each Aadhaar number.

TYPES OF AADHAAR BIOMETRIC DATA: 

1. Facial Image: A facial image is captured using a camera in auto-focus and auto-capture modes. The process involves placing a diffused light source in front of the enrollee and ensuring neutral facial expressions.

2. A biometric device captures images of all 10 fingers, excluding the thumbs, in a sequence. After capturing four fingers of each hand, it then records the thumbs. Proper finger placement on the platen is essential for successful capture.

3. Iris Images: The process of capturing iris images is similar to taking photographs. However, it requires ambient lighting, and artificial or direct light must be blocked during the process. The device used for this purpose should be fixed and steady at a specific location.

HOW TO SUBMIT AADHAAR BIOMETRIC DATA: 

1. Provide your demographic details.

2. Have your photograph taken.

3. Provide the fingerprints of all 10 fingers.

4. Have the irises of both eyes scanned.

HOW TO LOCK AADHAAR BIOMETRIC DATA: 

1. Go to the official UIDAI website and access the ‘Aadhaar Lock and Unlock Service’ under the ‘My Aadhaar’ and ‘Aadhaar Services’ section.

2. Choose the ‘Lock UID’ option to proceed with locking your biometric data.

3. Provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number, as printed on your Aadhaar card.

4. Enter your full name as per the Aadhaar records.

5. Input your pin code.

6. Fill in the security code or captcha displayed on the webpage.

7. Click on either ‘Send OTP’ or ‘Enter OTP,’ depending on your preference.

8. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS. Enter this OTP on the webpage.

9. Verify the OTP for authentication.

10. After successful verification, a message confirming the locking of your Aadhaar number will appear on your screen. It will prompt you to use the Virtual ID (VID) for future authentications.

HOW TO UNLOCK AADHAAR BIOMETRIC DATA:

1. Go to the UIDAI’s official website.

2. Click on the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab and select ‘Aadhaar services,’ then choose ‘Aadhaar lock/unlock.’

3. Opt for the ‘Unlock UID’ option and provide your virtual ID and security code.

4. Click on ‘Send OTP.’

5. Enter the received OTP and click on ‘Submit.’

6. You will successfully unlock your Aadhaar number.

AADHAAR BIOMETRIC DATA FOR CHILDREN: 

1. Children below the age of 5 are issued a Baal Aadhaar without biometric details, using the parent’s information.

2. When the child turns 5 years old, their biometric data is recorded for Aadhaar.

3. At the age of 15, the Aadhaar biometric update must be performed once again, following the same procedure as for adults and children.

HOW TO UPDATE AADHAAR BIOMETRICS:

1. Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (updating biometrics is not possible online) in your vicinity to initiate the biometric update process.

2. Obtain the Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Form and provide all the required details as per the form’s instructions.

3. Submit the completed form to the enrolment centre executive along with your existing Aadhaar details.

4. Proceed with providing your biometric data for authentication. You can either opt for fingerprint scans or iris scans.

5. Once the details are verified and authenticated, your data will be updated or recorded accordingly.

6. The enrolment centre executive will securely update your data in the UIDAI’s database.

7. During the process, you must pay a nominal fee of Rs. 50 for the biometric update in Aadhaar.

AADHAAR BIOMETRIC FEES / CHARGES:

1. For adults, the fee for Aadhaar biometric update is Rs. 50, which includes GST. This fee is applicable each time you update your biometric details.

2. For children, the first biometric update at the age of 5 is free of charge.

3. The first biometric update after the child turns 15 is also free.

4. Any subsequent biometric updates for children will incur a fee of Rs. 50.