Aadhaar Not Valid as Proof of Birth: Key Details You Must Know
Aadhar not Valid as Proof of Birth! Know Details Here
aadhar - Taxscan
aadhar - Taxscan
In a major development affecting millions of Indians, the government had clarified that Aadhaar will not be accepted as proof of date of birth for official purposes.
Why Aadhaar is Not Accepted
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has reiterated that the Aadhaar number is primarily an identity authentication tool and not proof of birth. In its guidelines, UIDAI has stated that Aadhaar does not record details like place of birth and hence cannot be relied upon for statutory requirements such as school admissions, government jobs, driving licenses, or passports.
This clarification settles the confusion prevailing among public authorities and citizens who frequently use Aadhaar as a convenient document for confirming date of birth. With the new law, the Birth Certificate now becomes the single source of truth for age-related verifications.
Implications for Citizens
The decision has wide-reaching consequences for daily compliance and administrative formalities.
- Passports and visas: Applicants must produce a Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar to prove date of birth, instead of Aadhaar.
- School admissions: Educational boards will require students to provide Birth Certificates at the time of admission or registration for examinations.
- Government services and jobs: Verification of birth and age will be based solely on Birth Certificates or documents specifically notified by concerned authorities.
- Property, inheritance, and succession matters: Courts and registrars will insist on Birth Certificates rather than Aadhaar for birth proof.
Government’s Push for Uniform Records
The Act also mandates all hospitals, local bodies, and registrar offices to digitize birth and death records. A national database will be integrated with other departments, including voter lists, ration cards, and government benefits.
What Should Citizens Do?
People who have so far depended on Aadhaar must ensure they obtain an official Birth Certificate from local registrars, especially for future requirements. Citizens born before the new rule may apply for birth registration through municipal authorities or panchayats to avoid difficulties in documentation.
With this historic change, the Birth Certificate becomes indispensable as a valid proof of date of birth, replacing earlier practices that relied heavily on Aadhaar for convenience.
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