How to Surrender or Cancel Your Aadhaar UIDAI Card: An Important Guide
The Aadhaar card in India is a unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It has become an integral part of the daily lives of Indian citizens, serving as a primary identity proof for various essential services. However, in some rare circumstances, individuals may need to surrender or cancel their Aadhaar card. This guide will walk you through the steps to do so.
Steps to Surrender or Cancel Your Aadhaar Card
Surrendering or canceling an Aadhaar card is a straightforward process, but it's important to be aware of the consequences and necessary preparations. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Visit the UIDAI Website
The first step is to visit the official UIDAI website, which can be accessed at
2. Download the Aadhaar Surrender Form
On the website, you will find an option to download the Aadhaar Surrender Form. This form is essential and needs to be completed with the required details, including your Aadhaar number and personal information.
3. Fill Out the Form
After downloading and printing the form, fill it out with your personal details accurately. Ensure that all required fields are completed.
4. Submit the Form
The completed form can be submitted either at your nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Center or through the UIDAI's regional offices. For convenience, online submission of the form may also be an option, if available.
5. Receive Confirmation
Once your request is processed, you should receive a confirmation regarding the cancellation of your Aadhaar number. Keep track of this confirmation to ensure that there are no issues.
6. Contact Customer Support
If you encounter any issues or need assistance during the process, you can contact UIDAI's customer support through their helpline number or email. Their contact details can typically be found on the UIDAI website.
Important Notes
Surrendering your Aadhaar card means you will lose access to services that are linked to it. Therefore, it's crucial to understand the implications fully before proceeding.
If you have linked your Aadhaar to various services such as income tax returns (ITR), bank accounts, property sales and purchases, along with other services, you will need to update these services with alternative identification.
It is important to note that once your Aadhaar is cancelled, you will be unable to file your income tax return in India, as your ITR is linked to both Aadhaar and Permanent Account Number (PAN). Additionally, all your bank accounts are now linked to your Aadhaar card, and numerous organizations now rely on Aadhaar for identification purposes, such as gas connections, municipality property taxes, and mobile phone services.
Some important considerations:
Surrendering your Aadhaar card: This will result in losing access to services linked to Aadhaar. Updating services: If you have linked your Aadhaar to various services, you will need to update those services with alternative identification. No benefit in cancelling it: Given the extensive use of Aadhaar for identification and verification purposes, there is no benefit in cancelling it.Final Thoughts:
Aadhaar was initially introduced to track terrorist activities but has since expanded its scope, offering numerous benefits. It is an excellent document to establish identity and is widely used in India. It's a system that has been adopted by numerous organizations to prevent identity fraud and promote transparency. Instead of cancelling it, it's advisable to keep it and make the most of its benefits.
In conclusion, while it is possible to surrender or cancel your Aadhaar card, it is generally not advisable unless there are specific reasons. The best course of action is to continue using your Aadhaar card for all its benefits and ensuring its safety and security.