The Aadhaar Card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is a distinctive 12-digit identification number extended to Indian residents. Participation in obtaining an Aadhaar Card is voluntary and does not hinge on an individual's existing paperwork.
This unique identifier is formulated from an individual's biological data, including 10 finger impressions, 2 iris scans, and a facial image, alongside demographic details. Serving as a lifelong identifier, the Aadhaar number verifies both identity and address nationwide.
Importance of Aadhaar Card
- Versatile identification document: Aadhaar Card serves as a comprehensive identity and address proof recognised nationwide, simplifying authentication processes.
- Government welfare: Aadhaar facilitates the direct transfer of subsidies to beneficiaries, reducing the need for intermediaries.
- Tax compliance: It is mandatory to link PAN with Aadhaar for filing Income Tax Returns.
- Banking services: Banks mandate Aadhaar as a key KYC document for opening accounts.
- Mobile connectivity: Telecom providers utilise Aadhaar for verifying individuals seeking new connections.
- LPG subsidies: Aadhaar Card is essential for availing LPG subsidies and other associated benefits.
- Digital life certificates: Pensioners can obtain digital life certificates using Aadhaar, eliminating the requirement for physical presence.
- Financial investments: Aadhaar is necessary for investing in various financial instruments such as mutual funds and shares.
- Insurance procurement: Insurance providers require Aadhaar for issuing new insurance policies.
The Aadhaar Card is vital for integrating and accessing government benefits, subsidies, and services handily. An Aadhaar link with your mobile number is crucial, therefore.
Benefits of linking Aadhaar Card with mobile number
Connecting your Aadhaar identification to your mobile number provides various advantages for citizens and the nation:
- Enhanced security: Linking the unique 12-digit Aadhaar number to mobile devices strengthens identity verification and reduces identity fraud. This improves safety for individuals and bolsters national security systems.
- Access to government services: Linking your mobile number to your Aadhaar ID is required to utilise many online Aadhaar services, like the Self-Service update Portal and mAadhaar mobile application. This connectivity enables direct access to welfare schemes and benefits.
- Efficient service delivery: Pairing Aadhaar with mobile phones allows citizens to conveniently access Aadhaar services through SMS notifications. This simplifies verification processes and smoothens the delivery of public services.
- Simplified KYC processes: Citizens can electronically verify Income Tax Returns using their Aadhaar number and an OTP sent to their linked mobile device. Connecting Aadhaar with mobiles reduces paperwork and simplifies Know Your Customer norms for individuals.
How to link mobile number with Aadhaar Card?
If you are wondering how to link mobile no. with Aadhaar Card online, here is a step-by-step process:
- Go to the Indian postal service website: Open your internet browser and go to the official Indian postal service website.
- Enter your information: Fill in your name, phone number, address, email, and other required details.
- Choose the service: From the dropdown menu, select 'PPB-Aadhaar Service'. Then choose 'Link/Update Aadhaar with Mobile/Email'.
- Get an OTP: After filling in the fields, click 'Get OTP'. You will receive a one-time passcode on your mobile.
- Enter the passcode: On the next screen, enter the OTP you received.
- Confirm your request: Click 'Confirm request'. You will get a reference number to track your application.
- Verification process: Your nearest post office will get the request. An officer will visit your home and verify using a mobile biometric device. The officer will complete the linking/ update process.
Keep in mind that there are no charges for linking your Aadhaar Card with mobile number at the time of enrolment. However, there is a Rs. 50 (GST included) charge for linking, changing, or updating your registered phone number later.
To check whether your Aadhaar Card is linked with mobile number, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the official UIDAI page
- Select ‘VERIFY EMAIL/MOBILE NUMBER’ on the ‘MY AADHAAR’ drop-down menu
- Enter your Aadhaar number and mobile phone number and complete the captcha
- Verify with an OTP
You should get the message ‘The mobile number you have entered has already been verified with our records.' This indicates that your mobile phone number is already linked with your Aadhaar Card. If that is not the message you receive, it means that your phone number does not match UIDAI records.
Steps to link Aadhaar Card with mobile number offline
Since you cannot update your latest mobile number online with your Aadhaar, follow this process:
- Visit your nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre
- Fill out the Aadhaar correction form
- Enter the mobile number that you want to update on your Aadhaar card
- Your biometrics will be taken by an Aadhaar executive for authentication
- Submit your form
Remember, linking Aadhaar to mobile numbers strengthens identity security, opens access to government services, and simplifies documentation requirements. This connectivity ultimately benefits citizens and enhances efficiency while using public services.
Step-by-step process for linking Aadhar Card with mobile number using IVR
The Government of India facilitates telecom subscribers in linking Aadhaar to SIM via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) services. Both pre-paid and post-paid subscribers can follow these steps:
- Dial toll-free number 14546 from your mobile
- Select residency status (1 for Indian resident)
- Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Confirm Aadhaar number by pressing 1
- Enter the mobile number registered with Aadhaar to receive OTP
- Provide consent for telecom operator to access DOB, name, and photo from UIDAI
- Enter received OTP
- Press 1 to finalise re-verification process
Check which mobile number is linked with Aadhaar through TAFCOP portal
To determine the mobile numbers linked to your Aadhaar card, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) portal.
Procedure
- Access the portal: Visit the TAFCOP portal.
- Enter mobile number: Input your mobile number in the designated field.
- Request OTP: Click on the "Request OTP" button.
- Verify OTP: Enter the received OTP.
- View linked numbers: The portal will display all mobile numbers associated with your Aadhaar.
- Remove invalid links: If any listed numbers are incorrect or obsolete, initiate the removal process.
Note: Currently, the TAFCOP portal is accessible only in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Fee for linking your Aadhaar with mobile number
No fee is required to link your Aadhaar card to your mobile number during the initial Aadhaar enrolment process. However, if you subsequently need to link, change, or update your mobile number associated with your Aadhaar, a fee of Rs. 50 (inclusive of GST) will apply. Please note that there is no additional charge for updating multiple fields simultaneously.
