Aadhaar Cleanup Begins: UIDAI to Deactivate Numbers of Dead Individuals
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is now closing the Aadhaar numbers of those who have died, so that their identity cannot be misused. Aadhaar number is a 12-digit unique identity which is given to every Indian citizen. But after the death of a person, it becomes necessary to close his Aadhaar number so that no one can misuse it.
To make this work easier, UIDAI started a new service "Information about the death of a family member" on 9 June 2025 on the 'My Aadhaar' portal. Through this service, any person can apply to close the Aadhaar number of his deceased family member by giving information about him. For this, they will have to prove their identity and provide the Aadhaar number of the deceased person, death certificate information and other details. This facility has been started in 24 states and union territories at present, preparations are on to start in the remaining states soon.
Further, UIDAI had requested the Registrar General of India (RGI) to share death records linked to Aadhaar numbers. On UIDAI's request, the Registrar General of India (RGI) has so far provided around 1.55 crore death records through Civil Registration System (CRS) from 24 States and Union Territories. After proper verification, around 1.17 crore Aadhaar numbers have been deactivated. Similar process is underway with non-CRS States and Union Territories. Around 6.7 lakh death records have been received so far and the process of deactivating them is underway.
UIDAI is also taking the help of state governments in identifying deceased Aadhaar number holders. Under a pilot project, demographic data of Aadhaar holders above 100 years of age is being sent to the states to verify whether the Aadhaar holders are alive or not. On receipt of the report, necessary verification will be done before deactivating such Aadhaar numbers.
UIDAI appeals that whenever a family member dies and a death certificate is received, then their information must be given on the 'My Aadhaar' portal, so that their Aadhaar number can be closed in time.