If your Aadhaar has been accidentally deactivated, the UIDAI has issued a procedure to reactivate it. After submitting an application, undergoing biometric verification, and validation, the Aadhaar can be reactivated within 30 days.
Aadhaar Card Deactivate: The Aadhaar card has become a very essential identity document in India today. However, sometimes due to technical reasons or incorrect information, the Aadhaar number gets deactivated. In such cases, neither OTPs are received, nor can one avail of any government services. Recently, on July 7, 2025, UIDAI issued a new circular explaining how to reactivate an Aadhaar card that was mistakenly closed assuming the cardholder was deceased.
How and Why Aadhaar Numbers Get Deactivated?
According to UIDAI, when there is a matching between death registration details and the Aadhaar database, the Aadhaar number of a person is deactivated upon confirmation of their demise. But sometimes, due to errors or duplicate data in death registration, the Aadhaar of a living person also gets deactivated by mistake. This becomes even more troubling when the person gets to know about it due to not receiving OTPs or interruptions in services. Now, UIDAI has presented a solution to this problem.
UIDAI Issues Official Circular
On July 7, 2025, UIDAI clarified that any individual whose Aadhaar has been accidentally deactivated can reactivate it. This process is entirely based on human oversight and biometric confirmation to prevent repetition of errors.
How to Reactivate a Deactivated Aadhaar?
UIDAI has determined the complete procedure to reactivate Aadhaar. Let's understand it step-by-step below:
1. Submit the Application
First, the Aadhaar number holder needs to submit an official application. You can submit this application through the following means:
- UIDAI Regional Office
- Relevant State Office
- Via post or email
- By personally appearing
2. Biometric Verification at the Aadhaar Center
Within two weeks of submitting the application, you will be called to a designated Aadhaar center under the supervision of a UIDAI officer. Here, you will need to provide the following biometric data:
- Facial recognition
- Iris scan
- Fingerprints
3. Status Notification
Within 30 days of submitting the biometric information, the concerned office will inform you about the status of the application. This information will be received through the following means:
- SMS alerts
- By logging into the myAadhaar portal
What Happens If False Death Registration is Proven?
If it is confirmed that the person is alive and their Aadhaar has been accidentally deactivated, then UIDAI will:
- Reactivate their Aadhaar number
- Send information to the Registrar of Births and Deaths
- A report will also be sent to the Registrar General of India
- And the Aadhaar holder will also be informed
Things to Keep in Mind?
- If you are not receiving OTPs, first check the status by logging into the myAadhaar portal.
- Always keep your mobile number and email ID updated.
- Get the incorrect death information corrected from the registrar immediately in any government document.
- Get information about Aadhaar updates from the UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) or the toll-free number.
If your Aadhaar card has been accidentally deactivated, do not panic. The UIDAI has issued an easy and transparent procedure to reactivate it. Just apply, get biometric verification done, and avail of digital services again. This process further strengthens the reliability of Aadhaar and provides relief to citizens.
