Navigating the Aftermath: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Aadhaar Post-Demise

In the unfortunate event of losing a loved one, families are often faced with numerous administrative tasks, many of which can be emotionally taxing. Among these, managing the digital identity of the deceased, specifically their Aadhaar card, emerges as a critical, yet often overlooked, responsibility.

While the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) currently does not offer a direct 'deactivation' or 'deletion' process for the Aadhaar cards of deceased individuals, it is crucial to take measures to prevent any potential misuse of their identity.

The primary method recommended by UIDAI to safeguard a deceased person's Aadhaar is to 'lock' it.

Locking an Aadhaar number effectively prevents any authentication requests using that Aadhaar, thereby curbing any unauthorized access or fraudulent activities. This action acts as a crucial barrier, protecting the digital legacy and identity of the departed.

Why is Locking Aadhaar Important?

An Aadhaar card is linked to numerous services, bank accounts, welfare schemes, and digital platforms.

If left unmanaged after a person's demise, there's a risk of their identity being misused for various illicit purposes, ranging from financial fraud to identity theft. Locking the Aadhaar provides peace of mind, ensuring that the unique identity number cannot be employed for any transactions or authentications after their passing.

Understanding the Current Process: Locking Aadhaar

As of now, the most effective route for relatives to manage a deceased person's Aadhaar is through the Aadhaar locking mechanism available on the myAadhaar portal or the mAadhaar mobile application.

It's important to note a significant prerequisite: to lock an Aadhaar, access to the mobile number registered with that Aadhaar is typically required to receive a One-Time Password (OTP).

Step-by-Step Guide to Locking Aadhaar via myAadhaar Portal/mAadhaar App:

1. Access the Portal/App: Begin by visiting the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) and navigating to the 'myAadhaar' section, or open the mAadhaar application on your smartphone.
2. Locate 'Lock/Unlock Aadhaar': Within the 'myAadhaar' services, search for the 'Lock/Unlock Aadhaar' option.

   This is your gateway to initiating the security measure.

3. Enter Details: You will be prompted to enter the deceased person's Aadhaar number and the security captcha verification code.
4. Generate OTP: Click on the 'Send OTP' button. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with the deceased's Aadhaar card.

   This is where having access to that specific mobile number is critical.

5. Verify OTP and Lock: Enter the received OTP in the designated field and proceed to lock the Aadhaar. Once confirmed, the Aadhaar will be locked, preventing any further authentication requests until it is explicitly unlocked (which would also require OTP verification).

Important Considerations:

• Required Documents: While the online locking process primarily relies on the registered mobile number, it is advisable to keep a copy of the deceased's Aadhaar card and their death certificate handy.

  Though not always required for the online locking steps, these documents might be necessary if you need to contact UIDAI support for any specific issues or future processes.

• Access to Registered Mobile Number: The biggest hurdle for many families is not having access to the deceased's registered mobile number, especially if the SIM card has been deactivated or lost.

  Without this, the online locking process becomes challenging. In such cases, contacting UIDAI customer support for guidance is the next best step, though direct assistance for deactivation without OTP can be limited.

• Future Developments: UIDAI is continually evolving its services.

  There is ongoing discussion and potential for a more streamlined and direct process for managing Aadhaar after death in the future, possibly involving official documentation like death certificates without requiring OTP from the deceased's number. Until then, locking remains the most viable protective measure.

By taking proactive steps to lock the Aadhaar card of a deceased family member, you are not only securing their digital identity but also ensuring peace of mind for yourself and other relatives, preventing any potential future complications arising from identity misuse.