The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a significant update to the Aadhaar enrolment ecosystem through a new notification dated 25 November 2025. Issued under the powers granted by Section 54 of the Aadhaar Act, the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Third Amendment Regulations, 2025 brings a comprehensive revision to Schedule II, which lists acceptable documents for Aadhaar enrolment and update.
This amendment enhances clarity, simplifies enrolment for young children, and establishes well-defined provisions for foreign nationals, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and long-term visa holders.
Why This Amendment Matters
Aadhaar continues to be India’s foundational identity platform, enabling access to a wide range of subsidies, digital services, and financial benefits. Clear documentation requirements are essential for ensuring easy enrolment while maintaining security and authenticity. The 2025 amendment modernizes the document list, strengthens the enrolment process for minors, and creates clear pathways for non-citizens residing in India.
1. Updated Document List for Children up to Five Years
For children below five years, Aadhaar enrolment happens either through:
a) Enrolment Type I — Head of Family (HoF)-based enrolment
Under this category, the child’s Aadhaar is linked to the Aadhaar of the Head of Family. UIDAI now prescribes the following accepted documents:
- Birth Certificate under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act → Allowed as both Proof of Relationship (PoR) and Proof of Date of Birth (PDB).
- Valid Indian Passport (for NRIs) → Accepted for both PoR and PDB.
- Legal guardianship documents issued under relevant Acts → Accepted as PoR but not as PDB.
This clarification helps parents, NRIs, and legal guardians enrol children easily, without confusion about acceptable documentation.
b) Enrolment Type II — Document-based enrolment (when HoF-based enrolment is not possible)
A special provision is made for vulnerable children. A certificate issued by the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) along with a Child Care Institution placement order (Form 18 of the Juvenile Justice Rules) will now serve as:
- Proof of Identity (PoI)
- Proof of Address (PoA)
However, it cannot be used as a Proof of Date of Birth.
2. Clear Framework for OCI Holders, LTV Holders, Nepal & Bhutan Nationals, and Other Foreign Residents
Recognizing India’s growing international presence and migrant population, UIDAI has now standardized which documents non-citizens can present:
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders
- Valid foreign passport + OCI card
→ Valid PoI and PDB; PoA must be from List III (adult document list).
Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan
- Passport OR
- Citizenship certificate with Limited Validity ID
→ Valid PoI and PDB.
Long Term Visa (LTV) holders
- Valid LTV issued to minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan
→ Valid PoI, PoA*, PDB.
Other foreign nationals
- Valid foreign passport + valid visa
→ Valid PoI and PDB.
Where PoA is marked X, applicants must use Address Proof documents from List III, which applies to individuals aged 18 and above.
A Step Toward Greater Inclusivity and Simplified Enrolment
The updated Schedule II is a major stride toward harmonizing Aadhaar enrolment requirements across demographic groups. It simplifies documentation for young children, strengthens support for institutionalised minors, and creates well-defined pathways for foreign nationals who reside in India for extended periods.
By providing clarity, consistency, and broader document acceptance, UIDAI continues to ensure that Aadhaar remains accessible, secure, and inclusive.