What happens to Aadhaar after death and how can it be closed?

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• Aadhaar is not deactivated automatically after a person's death.
• Families can now report a death online via the UIDAI portal.
• Deactivating Aadhaar prevents misuse and identity theft risks.

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The death of a family member brings not only emotional grief but also a long list of official formalities. One document that often raises questions is Aadhaar. Many families are unsure whether the unique identity number remains active after a person’s death and what steps must be taken to prevent its misuse.

It is important to note that the Aadhaar doesn't automatically get deactivated after a person's death; the concerned family member needs to get it closed by providing certain documents online.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) now enables relatives to report a death online, facilitating the secure and organised deactivation of the deceased's Aadhaar number.

To close the Aadhaar of a deceased person, a family member must log in to the UIDAI portal at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and access the dashboard. There, the option titled ‘Report death of a family member’ should be selected. The system then requests details of the death certificate.

The family member must first choose the state that issued the death certificate. UIDAI has clarified that the online registration facility is currently available in selected states and will be extended to the remaining states in due course.

The next step is to enter the deceased's Aadhaar number and the Death Registration Number (DRN). The name of the deceased must be entered exactly as it appears on the death certificate. The applicant must also select the gender and provide both the date of death and the date the death certificate was issued.

The portal then requires the death certificate to be uploaded. UIDAI accepts documents only in PNG, JPEG, or PDF format, and the file size must not exceed 2MB. After this, the person reporting the death must specify their relationship with the deceased. Before submitting the request, the informant must provide a declaration confirming that all information provided is correct.

The declaration also includes a legal warning that if the details are found to be false, the informant’s own Aadhaar number may be deactivated and legal action may be taken.

Once the request is successfully submitted and verified, UIDAI deactivates the Aadhaar number of the deceased.

Why is the closure necessary?

Closing an Aadhaar is important because it is widely used for financial transactions, subsidies, bank accounts, and mobile connections. Deactivation helps prevent identity theft, fraudulent withdrawals, and unauthorised use of the deceased person’s credentials.

Amidst grief and paperwork, this crucial step can protect sensitive personal data and provide formal closure to one of the most important identity documents in India.

The introduction of the online death reporting facility signifies a major step towards simplifying post-death documentation and decreasing the need for physical visits to enrolment centres. It also places the onus on families to ensure their loved ones' identities are protected even after death.