How to Change Photo in Aadhaar Card Online (2026)

Is your Aadhaar card photo old, blurry, or unrecognizable? An outdated photo can cause problems during identity verification at banks, airports, and government offices. Here's how to update your Aadhaar photo.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with UIDAI.

When Should You Update Your Aadhaar Photo?

• Your photo is very old and you look significantly different now
• The photo is blurry or dark — taken during initial enrollment
• You were a child when Aadhaar was made and have grown up
• Photo was captured incorrectly (eyes closed, face partially visible)
• You want an updated photo for official identification purposes

Note: UIDAI recommends updating your Aadhaar photo every 10 years for adults and every 5 years for children (under 15).

Can You Change Aadhaar Photo Online?

Partially. As of 2026, UIDAI allows photo updates through two methods:

1. Online (via myAadhaar portal) — limited availability; you can upload a document that has your photo, but the actual photo is re-captured via biometric update
2. At Aadhaar Enrollment Center — the standard and most reliable method

For a proper photo update, visiting an Aadhaar Enrollment Center is recommended because the photo is captured live with proper equipment.

Method 1: Update Photo at Aadhaar Enrollment Center (Recommended)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Find nearest center: Visit appointments.uidai.gov.in or see our center finder guide

2. Book an appointment (optional but saves time)

3. Visit the center with:

   • Your Aadhaar card or Aadhaar number
   • One valid photo ID (PAN, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License)
   • ₹50 update fee (cash)

4. At the center:

   • Fill the Aadhaar Update/Correction Form
   • Tick "Photo" in the fields to update section
   • You can also update biometrics (fingerprints, iris) at the same time
   • The operator captures a fresh photo using the enrollment camera
   • Your biometrics (fingerprints + iris) are also re-captured

5. After submission:

   • You receive an acknowledgment slip with URN
   • New photo reflects in 7-15 working days
   • Download updated e-Aadhaar from myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

Tips for a Good Photo:

• Dress neatly — the photo appears on your ID
• Remove sunglasses and hats — face must be clearly visible
• Face the camera directly — avoid tilting
• If you wear spectacles regularly, you can keep them on
• Religious headgear is allowed as per UIDAI policy

Method 2: Online Photo Update via myAadhaar

UIDAI has introduced limited online document upload for updates:

1. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Login with Aadhaar number + OTP (sent to registered mobile)
3. Click "Update Aadhaar Online"
4. Select "Update Photo" if the option is available
5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph meeting UIDAI specifications
6. Upload supporting identity document
7. Pay ₹50 online
8. Submit and note URN

Important limitations:

• Online photo update may not be available in all regions
• The online-uploaded photo may differ from center-captured quality
• If online option is not shown, you must visit a center
• Mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar for OTP (see our mobile linking guide)

Photo Specifications (If Uploading Online)

Cost and Timeline

How to Track Photo Update Status

1. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Click "Check Aadhaar Update Status"
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and URN from acknowledgment slip
4. Enter captcha and submit
5. Status will show: Processing / Completed / Rejected

What If Photo Update Is Rejected?

Reasons for rejection and solutions:

If rejected, you can re-apply immediately — there's no cooldown period.

Update Photo for Children

For children's Aadhaar:

• Under 5 years: No biometrics captured; only photo and demographic data. Photo should be updated at age 5 and 15
• 5-15 years: All biometrics captured. Update recommended every 5 years
• Mandatory update at 15: UIDAI requires biometric update (including photo) when the child turns 15
• Fee: Free for mandatory updates at age 5 and 15

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Aadhaar photo online?

Limited online photo update is available via myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in for some users. The most reliable method is visiting an Aadhaar Enrollment Center where a fresh photo is captured.

How much does Aadhaar photo update cost?

Aadhaar photo update costs ₹50 whether done online or at an enrollment center. Mandatory updates for children at age 5 and 15 are free.

How long does Aadhaar photo update take?

The photo update is processed within 7-15 working days. After that, you can download the updated e-Aadhaar online. Physical card by post takes 30-60 days.

Can I update Aadhaar photo without documents?

At an enrollment center, you need your Aadhaar number and biometric verification. Carrying one photo ID is recommended but biometrics serve as primary verification.

Will my Aadhaar number change after photo update?

No. Your 12-digit Aadhaar number remains the same forever. Only the photo on the card changes.

Can I update photo and other details together?

Yes. When visiting an enrollment center, you can update photo, name, address, mobile number, and other details in a single visit. Each update field costs ₹50.

How many times can I update my Aadhaar photo?

There's no fixed limit on photo updates. However, UIDAI recommends updates every 10 years for adults. You can update as needed.

What if my Aadhaar center refuses photo update?

Every Aadhaar center must process update requests. If refused, note the center details and complain to UIDAI helpline at 1947 or email help@uidai.gov.in.