If your Aadhaar photograph is old or you want to replace your existing photograph, you can request a photo update in Aadhaar by visiting an authorised Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Centre.
UIDAI treats the photograph as part of the biometric information recorded in Aadhaar. Photo, fingerprints and iris information are biometric details, and biometric updates have to be completed by visiting an Aadhaar centre.
This guide explains how to update photo in Aadhaar Card, where to update it, the complete process, applicable charges, documents, appointment facility and important points to remember.
⭐ Can You Update Your Photo in Aadhaar Card?
Yes. UIDAI allows Aadhaar holders to update their photograph.
The photograph is included under biometric information, along with fingerprints and iris scans. UIDAI’s official information states that a person who wants to change the Aadhaar picture needs to visit a nearby Aadhaar centre and request a biometric update.
A photo update cannot currently be completed through the online Aadhaar update facility or Aadhaar mobile app. Biometric information such as photo, fingerprints and iris must be updated by visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Centre.
⭐ Why Do People Update Their Aadhaar Photo?
Aadhaar is used as an identity document in many situations, and some people may find that their photograph no longer represents their current appearance.
For example:
- The photograph may be very old.
- Your appearance may have changed significantly.
- The existing photograph may be unclear.
- You may want your Aadhaar biometric information to reflect your current appearance.
- A child may have an old photograph from an earlier age.
UIDAI provides a facility to update the photograph as part of biometric information update.
It is important to understand that updating the Aadhaar photograph is an Aadhaar biometric update, rather than an ordinary online profile change.
⭐ How to Update Photo in Aadhaar Card?
The photo update process requires a physical visit to an authorised Aadhaar centre.
Step 1: Find an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
First, locate an Aadhaar centre that provides biometric update services.
UIDAI provides the Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal for locating Aadhaar centres. You can search nearby centres using the “Centres Nearby” option or search for centres within a particular PIN code using “Search by PIN Code.”
You can also visit a UIDAI-run Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Step 2: Visit the Aadhaar Centre
Visit the selected Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Centre.
For a photo update, you need to be physically present because the centre operator has to capture your photograph as part of the biometric update process.
Step 3: Request a Biometric Update
Tell the Aadhaar centre operator that you want to update your Aadhaar photograph.
Since the photograph is included under biometric information, the request is processed as a biometric update.
UIDAI identifies photo, fingerprints and iris as biometric information.
Step 4: Provide Your Aadhaar Details
Provide your Aadhaar number or the information requested by the operator so that your Aadhaar record can be located.
The operator will process your update request through the authorised Aadhaar enrolment/update system.
Step 5: Biometric Verification
The centre may carry out the required biometric authentication or verification as part of the update process.
This helps establish that the Aadhaar holder requesting the change is the person associated with the Aadhaar record.
Step 6: Capture Your New Photograph
The centre operator will capture your new live photograph using the Aadhaar enrolment/update equipment.
You do not need to provide a printed passport-size photograph for the actual photo capture.
The new photograph is captured at the Aadhaar centre as part of the biometric update process.
Step 7: Check the Update Details
Before completing the request, check the details recorded in the update request.
Make sure the information is correct and that the requested service is the biometric/photo update.
Step 8: Pay the Applicable Fee
Pay the applicable UIDAI charge for the biometric update.
The applicable fee depends on the type of biometric update and the circumstances under which it is being carried out. UIDAI publishes the applicable Aadhaar enrolment and update charges.
Step 9: Collect the Acknowledgement
After the request is submitted, collect the acknowledgement slip from the centre.
Keep this acknowledgement safely because it contains information that can be used for tracking the update request.
⭐ Aadhaar Photo Update Process at a Glance
| Step | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find an authorised Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre |
| 2 | Visit the centre personally |
| 3 | Request biometric/photo update |
| 4 | Provide Aadhaar details |
| 5 | Complete required verification |
| 6 | Get your new photograph captured |
| 7 | Check the update request details |
| 8 | Pay the applicable UIDAI fee |
| 9 | Collect the acknowledgement slip |
| 10 | Track the request after submission |
⭐ What Documents Are Required for Aadhaar Photo Update?
Photo is a biometric update, so the process is different from demographic updates such as changing your name or address.
UIDAI’s official information confirms that biometric information includes facial photograph, fingerprints and iris.
For a photo update, you should carry your Aadhaar details and follow the document/verification requirements applicable at the centre.
If you are also requesting a name, address, date of birth or other demographic update at the same time, supporting documents may be required for those particular changes.
UIDAI maintains a separate list of acceptable supporting documents for Aadhaar enrolment and updates.
⭐ Aadhaar Photo Update Fees
The Aadhaar photo is included in biometric information. UIDAI’s current published fee structure provides different charges depending on the age and circumstances of the biometric update.
| Biometric Update | Applicable Fee |
|---|---|
| Biometric update once between age 5–7 years | Free |
| Biometric update once between age 15–17 years | Free |
| Biometric update otherwise | Applicable UIDAI fee |
UIDAI’s Aadhaar Seva Kendra information currently lists the standard biometric update charge as ₹125 where the applicable exemption does not apply. It also notes a temporary exemption for biometric updates between ages 7 and 15 until 30 September 2026.
Because UIDAI can revise service charges, applicants should check the current fee displayed by UIDAI before visiting the centre.
⭐ Can Aadhaar Photo Be Updated Online?
No.
Aadhaar photograph is biometric information, and UIDAI currently requires biometric updates such as photo, fingerprints and iris to be completed by visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Centre.
Online Aadhaar services are available for certain eligible updates, particularly address-related services, but the photograph cannot currently be replaced through the online portal.
⭐ Can Aadhaar Photo Be Updated Through the Aadhaar App?
Currently, biometric details cannot be updated through the Aadhaar App.
UIDAI specifically states that photo, fingerprints and iris details can only be updated by visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Centre.
Therefore, if your purpose is specifically to change the photograph, you need to visit an authorised centre.
⭐ How to Find the Nearest Aadhaar Centre?
UIDAI provides an official Aadhaar centre locator through the Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal.
You can search in two main ways.
Search Using Centres Nearby
- Open the official Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal.
- Select Centres Nearby.
- Enter your location information.
- View the Aadhaar centres available around your location.
- Check the services available at the selected centre.
Search Using PIN Code
If you know your area’s PIN code:
- Open the Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal.
- Select Search by PIN Code.
- Enter your PIN code.
- Check the Aadhaar centres displayed for that area.
- Select a centre that provides the required service.
UIDAI specifically provides these two options for locating Aadhaar centres.
⭐ Aadhaar Seva Kendra Timings
UIDAI states that its Aadhaar Seva Kendras normally operate seven days a week, excluding national and regional holidays.
The normal working hours are:
9:30 AM to 5:30 PM IST
However, Aadhaar Enrolment Centres other than UIDAI-run Aadhaar Seva Kendras can follow timings determined by their respective registrars.
Therefore, if you are visiting a bank, post office, CSC or another authorised enrolment centre, check its operating hours before visiting.
⭐ Can You Book an Appointment for Aadhaar Photo Update?
Yes. UIDAI provides an online appointment facility for Aadhaar services at UIDAI-run Aadhaar Seva Kendras.
UIDAI states that Aadhaar Seva Kendras follow an online appointment system for Aadhaar enrolment and update services.
You can use the official appointment system to select a suitable centre and available appointment slot.
The appointment facility is provided by UIDAI as a free service.
⭐ How Many Times Can Aadhaar Photo Be Updated?
UIDAI’s FAQ states that there is no limit applicable to picture updates. If an Aadhaar holder wants to change their picture, they can visit an Aadhaar centre and request a biometric update.
However, the applicable biometric update fee and other rules can depend on the circumstances of the update.
⭐ What Happens After Aadhaar Photo Update?
After you submit the biometric update request, UIDAI processes the request.
You should keep your acknowledgement details safely so that you can track the request when required.
Once the update is successfully processed, the updated Aadhaar information becomes available through UIDAI’s Aadhaar services.
If you need a new physical Aadhaar letter or Aadhaar PVC Card showing the updated details, UIDAI advises that the Aadhaar information should first be successfully updated and then the relevant print/PVC request can be made.
⭐ Can Photo and Other Aadhaar Details Be Updated Together?
Aadhaar allows different types of updates, but the applicable process depends on the information you want to change.
UIDAI categorises updates into:
Demographic Information
This includes:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth/age
- Gender
- Mobile number
- Email address
Biometric Information
This includes:
- Facial photograph
- Fingerprints
- Iris
If you want to change your photograph along with demographic information, tell the operator about all the required updates when submitting the request.
The applicable charges can depend on whether demographic information is updated separately or along with biometric information. UIDAI’s published fee structure provides separate rules for these situations.
⭐ Important Things to Remember Before Updating Aadhaar Photo
Keep these points in mind:
- Aadhaar photo update requires a visit to an authorised Aadhaar centre.
- You cannot currently change the Aadhaar photograph online.
- Photo is treated as biometric information.
- The new photograph is captured at the Aadhaar centre.
- Use the official UIDAI/Bhuvan portal to locate a centre.
- Check whether the centre provides biometric update services.
- Check the applicable UIDAI fee before payment.
- Keep the acknowledgement slip after submitting the request.
- If you are changing demographic details at the same time, carry the applicable supporting documents.
- UIDAI-run Aadhaar Seva Kendras normally operate from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, except national/regional holidays.
- You can contact UIDAI’s helpline at 1947 if you need assistance.
⭐ Difference Between Aadhaar Photo Update and Address Update
The two services are different.
| Feature | Aadhaar Photo Update | Aadhaar Address Update |
|---|---|---|
| Type of information | Biometric | Demographic |
| Online update | Not currently available | Available for eligible cases |
| Centre visit | Required | Available |
| Information updated | Facial photograph | Address |
| Supporting documents | Depends on the request | Valid Proof of Address required for applicable updates |
| Official portal | UIDAI Aadhaar Centre | MyAadhaar / Aadhaar Centre |
UIDAI states that eligible address updates can be submitted online through MyAadhaar, while biometric information such as photo, fingerprints and iris requires a centre visit.
⭐ Aadhaar Photo Update for Children
Aadhaar biometric requirements can differ according to age.
UIDAI provides specific mandatory biometric update provisions for children reaching the relevant age milestones. Aadhaar Seva Kendras provide mandatory biometric update services for children attaining 5 years and 15 years.
Parents or guardians should therefore check the applicable age-based biometric update requirement and the current UIDAI fee before visiting the centre.
⭐ What If Aadhaar Photo Update Request Is Rejected?
If your Aadhaar update request is rejected, UIDAI provides grievance redressal options.
You can:
- Contact UIDAI through the 1947 helpline.
- Use the UIDAI grievance redressal facility.
- Contact UIDAI through the official support channels.
- Check the status and reason associated with your update request where available.
UIDAI specifically provides 1947 as its helpline for Aadhaar-related assistance.
⭐ Conclusion
Updating your photograph in Aadhaar is a straightforward process, but it cannot currently be completed online. Since the photograph is part of Aadhaar’s biometric information, you need to visit an authorised Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
The basic process is simple: find an authorised centre, visit the centre, request a biometric/photo update, get your new photograph captured, pay the applicable fee and collect your acknowledgement slip.
UIDAI provides the official Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal to locate nearby centres and check available services. It also provides an appointment facility for UIDAI-run Aadhaar Seva Kendras.
The applicable fee depends on the type and circumstances of the biometric update, so it is advisable to check the latest UIDAI fee structure before visiting.
For more Aadhaar-related information and government service guides, visit Sarkari Bakery.
⭐ Frequently Asked Questions
Based on Google's Helpful Content System, this article emphasizes user value, transparency, and accuracy. It incorporates principles of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).
Why Choose Sarkari Bakery?
Official Information
Government schemes & banking information based on official sources.
Step-by-Step Guides
Simple application process explained for every service.
Regular Updates
Content updated whenever official rules or services change.
People-First Content
Helpful, transparent and user-focused content.