How to Change the Local Language in Aadhar card?

There are multiple ways to change the local language of your Aadhar card and the same can be done both online and offline, provided your mobile number is registered with UIDAI.

Aadhar card is the most frequently used identity document in India today. It can be linked to almost any official account or other such documents and can also be used as proof for validating your identity. What is an Aadhar card, you ask? It is basically a card with 12-digit unique identification number issued by UIDAI which stands for Unique Identity Authority of India and this number holds your personal information like your name, address, biometrics, number and address etc.

This database of information is recorded with the Government and other authorized entities that utilize the information accordingly as approved by you. In the information provided, there is a section which is related to the cardholder’s demographic details. This includes the state, city, local language etc. Though all the details are stored in English, a copy of the data is also stored in your local language.

For example, if you live in Tamil Nadu, your registered information is also stored in Tamil, apart from the common language- English. This is fine as long as you continue to live in Tamil Nadu. But once you shift to some other state and city, then changing the local language to that of that state has to be done. However, you can’t choose your local language as per your preference if you are not located in the relevant state.

The necessity of local language is to be able to use the Aadhar card conveniently across that state and city without any issues. It is an automatic process once you update your address. For example, if you move to Karnataka from Tamil Nadu, then the local language will automatically set to Kannada as per your address.

There are three ways to go about changing your local language and they are as follows:

Any Aadhar card information can be easily changed or altered through the Self Service Portal (SSUP) provided by UIDAI (Unique Identity Authority of India). Having said that, you can simply access the form provided for address update and get your language changed too; this can also be done through the postal system.

If that doesn’t help, then following the good old way of visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment center is the go to option, from the center you can get your local language updated.

Here are the steps to use to follow through both the methods mentioned above:

Updating local language Online

This method should only be accessed if you have a good internet connection and a scanner to scan your necessary documents. If you can make it work, then here are the steps further to complete the alteration-

• You will have to visit the official UIDAI website and navigate to the Aadhaar update option (“Update your Aadhaar data”).
• After that, scroll down to the “Click here” option and tap on it.
• This is where you will be asked to enter in your Aadhaar number. This is for verification purposes. It is safe to provide the 12-digit number as the site is secure under the Government. After having ticked all necessary boxes, click on submit.
• The registered mobile number with the Aadhar card will receive the OTP number (One Time Password) which is to be filled by you in the required box and click on enter.
• An interface with options to update or rectify any of the information already provided will be visible, select the Update Address Option and enter the correct updated information. You will be asked to review the information provided again after clicking on submit, make sure to make no mistakes and proceed to the next page.
• Attach the necessary scanned copies of the documents with proof and submit it for validation for the next step.
• Once the address is changed, then the local language will be automatically changed, as mentioned.
• It is also to be noted that an URN is provided with the request made and it stands for Update Request Number that is generated after the request is placed and helps tracking the status of the update made.

A change in the local language can be updated to the Aadhar card via post by the following steps:

• You will have to visit the official website and download the relevant form for updating your Aadhaar address.
• After that, navigate to the ‘Aadhaar Data Update/ Correction Form’ and click on the Update Address option.
• Download the form provided and fill it duly. Be sure of providing the new address in the address column instead of the old one, as it is a common mistake that is made. Note that you must fill in details in the new local language section on the right-hand side of the column.
• The documents you deem necessary and that which you can provide a scanned copy of has to be specified at the bottom of the form; these documents must be enclosed within the post. The list of documents that can be provided is available on the official site and can be looked up if necessary.
• Authorize the form and documents with your signature and pack the form and documents carefully.
• The postal addresses are as follows-

UIDAI Post Box Number- 10 Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, India- 480001 (Or) UIDAI Post Box Number- 99, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad India- 500034

The update takes about 2-3 weeks after the post has been received.

Visiting the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center is the more commonly accessed option. All you have to do for this method is approach the nearest center along with original documents and your Aadhar card. Fill out a form they hand over and a copy of those original documents will be made for their use. The procedure is guided through and you will have no troubles updating your card.

Though, at first thought, a change in the local language can seem trivial, it is anything but that. India is diverse with its cultures and languages and keeping your identity document updated is only going to prevent any challenges from occurring. And the fact that PAN cards and Aadhar cards have to be linked for tax return filing, bank accounts are linked with Aadhar cards too. It only makes any related processes like opening a new bank account etc. easier, and hence, keeping your identity document up to date with any changes on your end is the least you can do.

Recommended Read: How to Unlock Biometric in Aadhaar Permanently?