Breaking: Aadhaar Gets New Design

 

A Fresh Look for the Aadhaar Card: What’s Changing?

By : Vijesh Nair

Date : 25/11/2025

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is gearing up to give the Aadhaar card a major facelift. According to multiple reports, the new physical format of the card will likely display only the holder’s photograph and a QR code, with other personal details like name, address and even the 12-digit Aadhaar number removed. 

Here are the key expected changes:

• The printed Aadhaar number, name, address and other demographic details may no longer be visible on the physical card. 

• The card will prominently display a QR code which encodes all the necessary information and can be scanned by authorised entities.

• The photo of the card holder remains — as a visual identity check.

• The change is motivated by the desire to prevent offline misuse of Aadhaar copies (for example by hotels, event organisers) and better protect user data.The changes are expected to be introduced around December 2025. 

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Why This Redesign?

1. Reducing Data Exposure

Currently, many physical copies of Aadhaar cards—including when submitted offline—carry full demographics, address and number. This creates risk of data misuse. The UIDAI’s leadership noted that if details are printed and widely accepted as proof, they keep being misused.

2. Discouraging Offline Verification Misuse

Under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, collection, storage or use of Aadhaar numbers or biometric data for offline verification is heavily restricted. But many organisations still insist on physical copies. The redesign aims to shift verification to authorised QR-scanning and online authentication, reducing risks of fake documents. 

3. Aligning with Digital Security & Privacy Norms

With evolving data protection norms in India (for example the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023), there is increased emphasis on limiting what is exposed physically. The redesign fits this shift. 

What This Means for Citizens

• If you receive a new version of the Aadhaar card in future, don’t be alarmed if your address or Aadhaar number is not printed on it.

• The QR code will carry your details in a secure, encrypted way. Verification will need a scanner or authorised app/device.

• You may continue to use your existing Aadhaar card until a formal switch is mandated or you choose to upgrade/replace.

• Organisations or entities asking you for a photocopy of your Aadhaar (especially with full demographic details) for offline verification may no longer be compliant with how UIDAI expects Aadhaar to be used going forward.

• It might mean simpler physical design, but slightly more reliance on digital verification methods — QR scanning, authorised apps, etc.

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What To Look Out For: Timeline & Practicalities

• UIDAI CEO has indicated that the rule change will be taken up by the Aadhaar authority on 1 December 2025

• The exact roadmap for rollout (whether pilot states, full national rollout) has not yet been fully detailed publicly.

• If you need to update your Aadhaar (address, photo, mobile number), the process remains similar — but after the redesign, receiving a new physical card might follow different features.

• Keep an eye on official announcements from UIDAI (via their press-release page).