Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers about applying for, updating and using India's main identity documents.
What is the difference between Aadhaar and PAN?
Aadhaar is a twelve-digit identity number issued by UIDAI and is widely used for identity verification and access to government services. PAN is a ten-character number issued by the Income Tax Department and is required for tax matters and most significant financial transactions. They serve different primary purposes, and many people need both for different situations.
How do I update my address or name in Aadhaar?
Aadhaar details such as address, name, date of birth and mobile number can be updated through the official UIDAI channels, with supporting documents needed for most changes. Some updates can be started online while others may require a visit to an enrolment centre, depending on what is being changed. Keeping your registered mobile number current makes the process smoother because many steps rely on it.
Why should the details on my identity documents match each other?
Differences in spelling of names or in dates of birth across documents are one of the most common reasons applications and verifications get rejected. When your Aadhaar, PAN, passport and other records agree, processes like opening accounts or applying for new documents go through far more smoothly. It is worth correcting any mismatch as early as you notice it rather than waiting for a rejection.
Which identity documents are accepted as both identity and address proof?
Several documents serve more than one purpose, with the passport and driving licence commonly accepted as both identity and address proof, and the voter ID widely accepted as identity proof. Exactly which document an institution will accept depends on its own requirements, so it is wise to check before you apply. Carrying a document that covers both needs can save a second trip.
What is DigiLocker and are its documents valid?
DigiLocker is an official facility that lets you store and share digital versions of many government-issued documents from your account. Documents issued or pulled into it through official sources are treated as valid in many situations, which can remove the need to carry physical copies. Availability depends on the issuing department having connected its records to the system.