Suspended (Deactivated) vs Cancelled (Omitted)

• Deactivation (suspension): the Aadhaar number stops working for authentication and services, but the record can be reviewed and, if you are eligible, reactivated.
• Omission (cancellation): the number is permanently removed, for example a duplicate Aadhaar issued later or one obtained through fraud.
• UIDAI regional offices have the authority to deactivate or omit an Aadhaar number.
• Holders are usually informed by SMS, registered email, phone call or letter after deactivation.

Why is an Aadhaar Suspended or Cancelled?

• Duplicate Aadhaar: more than one Aadhaar issued to the same person. The first one is retained; later ones are cancelled.
• Fraud or false documents: enrolment using forged documents, wrong information or impersonation.
• Wrong photo or biometric misuse: an old photograph used instead of a live photo, or the biometric exception clause misused.
• Same biometrics on multiple numbers: several Aadhaar numbers with identical demographic and biometric data.
• Child biometric update not done: mandatory biometric update at age 5 and 15 was not completed in time.
• Death of the holder: Aadhaar of deceased persons is deactivated after matching death registration records. Sometimes a living person is wrongly reported deceased.
• Poor or unusable biometrics / data errors: when enrolment or update data is found incorrect and not corrected on request.

Rule-wise Reasons and Solutions

• Reg. 27 – Omission (cancellation): duplicate Aadhaar (earlier kept, later ones cancelled) and other serious cases. Solution: use your first Aadhaar. If you think the action is wrong, complain under Reg. 29(2) with documents; Reg. 31(1) provides rectification for omissions other than duplicates.
• Reg. 28(1)(a) – Photo-on-photo: old photo used instead of a fresh one. Solution: update your photo at an Aadhaar center and the number can be reactivated. If not updated within one year of deactivation, it may be omitted.
• Reg. 28(1)(c) – No valid documents: enrolment done without valid supporting documents. Solution: update with valid POI/POA; the number stays deactivated until you do.
• Reg. 28(1)(e) – Child biometric: biometrics not updated at age 5 / 15. Solution: complete the Mandatory Biometric Update at an Aadhaar center with the parent's Aadhaar.
• Reg. 28(1)(ea) – Deceased: added by the 2025 amendment. Solution: if you are alive but wrongly reported dead, apply on the myAadhaar portal (UIDAI Circular 02/2025); UIDAI reactivates after verification.
• Reg. 28(1)(f) and 28A – Other cases: any case UIDAI deems fit, and certain foreign nationals (28A, since 2023). Solution: contact the UIDAI Regional Office or helpline 1947 and follow the verification asked.
• Reg. 28(2), 29, 31(2) – Process: services stay suspended until you update or rectify the information; you should be informed of the deactivation; a field inquiry or hearing may happen; and you must update your identity information partly or fully as UIDAI specifies. Complaints go under Reg. 29(2).

How to Check Your Aadhaar Status

1. Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and open "Verify Aadhaar".
2. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha.
3. The result shows whether your Aadhaar is valid / active or not.

Reactivation Process

1. Find out the reason from the SMS, email or letter you received from UIDAI, or by calling 1947.
2. If the reason is a pending child biometric update or an error in your data, visit your nearest Aadhaar center and complete the update with original documents.
3. For other cases, submit your reactivation request with supporting documents to the UIDAI Regional Office or through the UIDAI complaint / help channels (help@uidai.gov.in).
4. If you were wrongly reported deceased, apply for reactivation on the myAadhaar portal as per UIDAI Circular 02/2025 (dated 07-07-2025).
5. UIDAI examines the case, may hold a verification or hearing, and reactivates the number if it is satisfied.
6. Keep your complaint or request number and check the status again after a few days.

Documents That May Be Needed

Important Points