Aadhaar is proof of identity, not family relationship, says UP Registration Department

Published 25 June 2026 · india

A day after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the Indian passport is a travel document, not a proof of citizenship, the UP

A day after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the Indian passport is a travel document, not a proof of citizenship, the UP Government's Registration Department has stated that an Aadhaar card is merely an identity proof, not a proof of relationship. Use other documents to verify family ties The official notification states that Aadhaar is strictly proof of identity and address, not proof of family relationship. It also advised officials to use other documents, like birth certificates or family registers, to verify relationships. In particular, the notification stated that details like "C/o" or "W/o" on an Aadhaar card should not be treated as legal proof of relationship. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What is the purpose of Aadhaar according to the UP Registration Department? ⌵ The UP Registration Department states that Aadhaar serves strictly as proof of identity and address, not as proof of family relationships. 2 Why can Aadhaar not be considered proof of citizenship? ⌵ Aadhaar is not considered proof of citizenship because it does not convey any rights of citizenship or domicile; it is merely an identity document.

3 How should family relationships be verified if not through Aadhaar? ⌵ Family relationships should be verified using other documents such as birth certificates or family registers, as Aadhaar is not a legal proof of relationship. 4 What clarification has the Ministry of External Affairs provided regarding passports? ⌵ The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that a passport is a travel document and not proof of citizenship, underscoring its role in facilitating travel rather than establishing citizenship. 5 Should citizens rely on Aadhaar to assert their citizenship? ⌵ No, citizens should not rely on Aadhaar to assert their citizenship; instead, official documents like certificates of naturalization or registration are necessary for proving citizenship. Also Read | DFS plans tighter Aadhaar checks, staggered results for bank exams The circular issued by the Inspector General of Registration, Uttar Pradesh, on June 19 to all Assistant Inspectors General of Registration instructed officials not to rely solely on Aadhaar while verifying family relationships in applications, registration work, or other administrative matters. Aadhaar is proof of identity, not citizenship It should be noted that the UIDAI has clarified that while the Aadhaar number is a proof of identity, it does not confer any right of citizenship or domicile in respect of an Aadhaar number holder.