Editor’s Note
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a significant redesign of the Aadhaar card, shifting from a document containing personal details to a minimalist format featuring only a photograph and a secure QR code. This move aims to enhance privacy and security by reducing the exposure of sensitive information.
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The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is planning to change the design of the Aadhaar card. The new design will not contain personal information such as name, address, and Aadhaar number. The card will only display the holder’s photo and a secure QR code.
UIDAI has considered this step to prevent data theft and fraud arising from the creation of fake copies of Aadhaar. According to UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, many hotels, event organizers, and private institutions still keep photocopies of Aadhaar cards, which is prohibited under the Aadhaar Act. This increases the risk of identity theft and fraud.
When printed information is present, people tend to treat the card itself as the document. Malicious actors can misuse these details. The QR code will be the only genuine and secure verification medium.
UIDAI will decide on this proposal on 1 December 2025. Alongside this, UIDAI is soon going to launch a new Aadhaar App, which will replace the mAadhaar app. This app will facilitate secure identification via QR code scanning and face recognition.
Through the app, users will be able to share only the necessary information required. Identification will be faster at places like hotel check-ins, event entries, cinema halls, colleges, society gates, etc. This system will function similarly to DigiYatra used at airports.
UIDAI has held meetings with banks, hotels, and fintech companies, informing them that all institutions, referred to as Offline Verification Service Entities (OVSEs), will have to integrate with this new system.