EPFO has recently made changes to its document verification process for correcting or updating the date of birth (DoB). The organization, which operates under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, issued an announcement on January 16, revealing that Aadhaar has been removed from the list of acceptable documents for proof of date of birth.

As per the reports the exclusion of Aadhaar as a valid document for verifying the date of birth is a result of a directive issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). In a circular released on December 22, 2023, UIDAI emphasized that while Aadhaar remains a credible proof of identity and address, it should not be used as evidence for the date of birth.

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To update or correct the date of birth in an EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) account, individuals are now required to submit alternative documents, as outlined in a circular from August 2023. The acceptable documents include:

• Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar
• Marksheet issued by Government Board or University.
• School Leaving Certificate (SLC)/ Transfer Certificate (TC)/ SSC certificate
• Certificate based on the service records of the Central/State Government Organizations.
• Medical Certificate issued by a Civil Surgeon, supported by an affidavit by a Competent Court.
• Passport.
• PAN card
• Central/State Pension Payment Order.
• CGHS/ Medi-Claim Card issued by Govts./ PSUs having Photo & Date of Birth.
• Domicile Certificate

UIDAI’s position on Aadhaar for proof of date of birth is clear. While Aadhaar is recognized as a valid proof of identity and address, it cannot be utilized as evidence of the date of birth. The uniqueness of Aadhaar lies in its 12-digit identification number, issued by UIDAI on behalf of the Government of India. During the enrollment or updating process, UIDAI records the claimed date of birth based on the documents submitted by the resident, as outlined on the UIDAI website. According to Regulations 10(4) and 19A of the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016, the verification of enrollment and update data adheres to the provided schedule.

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To clarify the matter further, an Office Memorandum dated December 20, 2018, issued by MeitY through UIDAI explicitly states that while an Aadhaar number establishes identity subject to authentication, it should not be considered as proof of date of birth.

This clarification is consistent with the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, as underscored in recent judgments by several High Courts, including the decision of the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay on July 28, 2023. Taking into account these legal considerations, the UIDAI issued a circular on December 22, 2023, advising the exclusion of Aadhaar as proof of date of birth from the list of acceptable documents.