Important Procedure

Report Death & Deactivate Aadhaar Permanently

It is a legal responsibility to inform UIDAI about the demise of an Aadhaar holder. Deactivating the Aadhaar prevents identity theft and misuse. Understand the official process involving the Death Registrar.

🛡️ Guide by Kunal Mali • Updated for 2026 Rules

Immediate Actions

Choose an action to secure the deceased’s identity:

🔒 Lock Biometrics Now

— OR —

📄 Get Death Report Info

Why Deactivation is Mandatory?

Aadhaar is a unique identification valid for a lifetime, but it does not automatically expire upon death. If not deactivated, the Aadhaar number remains active in the database, posing severe risks.

Identity Fraud: Criminals may use the active Aadhaar to issue SIM cards or take loans.
Financial Liability: Active accounts linked to Aadhaar might continue receiving subsidies, creating legal issues for heirs.
Data Hygiene: It is the duty of the nominee to ensure government records are updated.

⚠️ Important: There is NO direct online link to delete an Aadhaar card from home. The authority lies solely with the Registrar of Births and Deaths who verifies the death certificate.

Step-by-Step Deactivation Process

Follow this official channel to ensure the record is legally marked as ‘Deceased’:

Step 1: Obtain Death Certificate Apply for the death certificate at your local Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat. Ensure the deceased’s Aadhaar Number is mentioned in the application form.
Step 2: Approach the Registrar Visit the Registrar of Births and Deaths office. Under the 2023 Amendment Act, Registrars are now empowered to collect Aadhaar numbers during death registration.
Step 3: Formal Request Submit a written application requesting Aadhaar deactivation, attaching the original Death Certificate and the Aadhaar Card of the deceased.
Step 4: Automatic Update Once the Registrar processes the death certificate with the Aadhaar number, the data is pushed to UIDAI systems to mark the UID as ‘Deceased’.

Required Documents

Document	Requirement	Format
Death Certificate	Issued by Local Body (Municipality/Panchayat)	Original
Deceased’s Aadhaar	For linking UID with Death Record	Original / Copy
Applicant’s ID	Proof of relationship (Nominee/Heir)	PAN / Aadhaar

⚖️ Pro Tip: If you are worried about immediate misuse while the paperwork is processed, use the “Lock Biometrics” button above. This instantly disables fingerprint and iris authentication for that Aadhaar number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I keep the physical Aadhaar card as a memory?

Yes, you can keep the card for sentimental reasons, but strictly ensure it is never used for any KYC or verification purpose after death.

Q: Does the bank account close automatically?

No. Deactivating Aadhaar at UIDAI does not close bank accounts. You must visit each bank branch with the Death Certificate to settle claims and close accounts.

Q: Is there a penalty for not reporting?

There is no direct fine, but if the Aadhaar is misused or if the family continues to draw pension benefits using the deceased’s Aadhaar, it amounts to fraud and can lead to legal action.