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UIDAI deactivates 20 million Aadhaar numbers of deceased individuals
Over 20 million Aadhaar numbers belonging to people who have passed away have been deactivated, using data from states and agencies to prevent identity fraud
UIDAI used data from the Registrar General of India (RGI), state and UT authorities, the Public Distribution System and the National Social Assistance Programme. (Photo: Shutterstock)
2 min read Last Updated : Nov 26 2025 | 3:47 PM IST
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has deactivated more than 20 million Aadhaar numbers belonging to people who have passed away.
To identify deceased individuals, UIDAI used data from the Registrar General of India (RGI), state and UT authorities, the Public Distribution System and the National Social Assistance Programme. The agency also plans to work with banks and other institutions to get more verified data of deceased persons.
UIDAI said that Aadhaar numbers are never reissued. However, deactivation is necessary after a person’s death to stop identity fraud or illegal use of the Aadhaar number for welfare benefits.
Earlier this year, UIDAI introduced a dedicated service -- reporting the death of a family member -- on the myAadhaar portal. This feature is currently active in 25 states and UTs that use the Civil Registration System.
To report a death, a family member must log in with their own Aadhaar authentication and enter the Aadhaar number, death registration number and basic details of the deceased. UIDAI processes the request after verifying the information and then decides on the deactivation of the Aadhaar.
UIDAI has urged Aadhaar holders to use this facility after receiving the official death certificate from local authorities.