The Aadhaar Card is for every Indian. Like social security number system in the USA, this card bears a unique 12-digit number. The banks and income tax departments accept it as an identity proof.

NRIs can also apply for it. However, it is not mandatory for them from July 2017. Erstwhile, the Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 had made it mandatory under the Finance Act 2017. The non-enrollment kept them apart from filing a return of income. Even, they could not apply for the Permanent Account Number (PAN) since 1^st July 2017.

The non-residents who did not reside in India for a period or periods amounting in all to 182 days or more in the 12 months immediately preceding the enrollment date are free from that mandate.

But, the complications pop when the non-residents reside for that time period. In that case, they have to link their PAN card with Aadhaar number. Otherwise, their banking transactions can meet challenges. Also, the details in that card should be updated. If it is obsolete, both documents cannot be linked due to changed name or status.

Let’s say, you got married, but the Aadhaar still shows single status that needs to be changed. And, your PAN card clearly reads your married status, as you might have applied for it subsequently. The bank will reject your request for KYC for being carried incorrect status. Consequently, you cannot file for income tax return in the future.

This article can help you to get through such critical condition easily. Your problem can be easily sorted out, as you update your status in your aadhar. 

Let’s catch the steps to change that status.

How can NRIs update status in Aadhar Card in India?

First and foremost, the non-residents should have these documents:

• Proof of Identity- Being an OCI or a PIO, the non-residents can submit their green card or similar document as an identity proof. Make sure that it does not read ‘single’ adjacent to your status details, which you might have fed the immigration authority with by submitting CENOMAR.
• Proof of Date of Birth: The birth proof can be your birth certificate, SSL book/certificate, passport, PAN card, mark sheet issued by any government board or university, central/state pension payment order and a DoB certificate issued by group A Gazette officer on letterhead.

Upon scanning these documents, follow these steps:

1. Visit the nearest UIDAI center in India.
2. Make sure that you have kept the aforementioned proofs of your birth and identity.
3. Reach the enrollment center.
4. Ask for the enrollment form.
5. Fill the requisite details in it.
6. Enclose the proofs to verify your identity and birth together with that form.
7. The competent authority will cross check the details through the originals.
8. Your biometrics will be verified through scanning machines.
9. The verifier will update it in the dashboard. But, the update will reflect after a week.
10. Pay INR 50 as a service fee.

Afterwards, a prompt through an SMS will let you know about the updated number. It will bear your URN number, which you can use to check its status.

How can you check its status online?

• Visit the site- https://uidai.gov.in/
• Mouse over ‘Aadhaar Enrolment Section’ under ‘Aadhaar Online Services’.
• Click ‘Check Aadhaar Status’ option.
• Input your Aadhaar ID.
• Type URN number (Update Request Number).
• Input security code/ captcha.
• Click ‘Get Status’.
• Scan or save the status, if it reflects on the screen.
• Download or print e-Aadhaar.  

After that, you can link your PAN with that card, as tax payers have to first register on the income tax e-filing portal. To go through ‘how to link’, follow these steps:

• Log in to the e-Filing portal of the IT department.
• Input credentials, such as ID, password and DoB.
• A prompt will pop up on the screen to link them.
• Your details, which were fed before, will appear.
• Just verify them, matching details in your Aadhaar.
• The matching details signal that you can click on ‘Link Now’ tab.

This is how you can easily link both vital proofs of your identity. Subsequently, you can easily file for return and carry out banking transactions.