Aadhaar eSign

In the era of digital transformation, where paperwork is being replaced by electronic processes, Aadhaar eSign emerges as a game-changer. This innovative solution allows individuals to sign documents digitally using their Aadhaar credentials. Let us explore the benefits of Aadhaar eSign and its impact on our daily lives.

What is Aadhaar eSign?

Aadhaar eSign is a digital method for signing documents using an Aadhaar Card. It eliminates the need for physical paperwork, streamlining the signing process. With legal validity equivalent to handwritten signatures, Aadhaar eSign empowers individuals and organisations to execute legally binding documents efficiently and securely.

Is Aadhaar eSign legal in India?

Absolutely, Aadhaar eSign holds legal validity in India. The Central Government officially introduced it in 2015, incorporating it into the Second Schedule of the Information Technology Act. This move empowered individuals to digitally sign documents using their Aadhaar credentials. The legal framework ensures that Aadhaar eSigns have the same evidentiary value as handwritten signatures.

How does Aadhaar based eSign work?

The process of Aadhaar eSign is remarkably straightforward:

1. Signer consent: The signer receives a document and provides consent for Aadhaar eSign.
2. Authentication: The signer enters their Aadhaar number and authenticates via OTP, biometric, or iris scan.
3. Affixing the signature: Upon successful authentication, Aadhaar eSign is affixed to the document.
4. Document delivery: The signer receives the eSigned document via email or SMS.

This entire process takes less than a minute, making it efficient and user-friendly.

What documents can you eSign using Aadhaar?

Aadhaar eSign can be used to sign a wide array of documents across different sectors. Some common examples include:

1. Financial documents: Loan agreements, account opening forms, KYC documents, etc.
2. Government forms: Tax returns, pension documents, land records, etc.
3. Insurance papers: Policy documents, claim forms, premium payment authorisations, etc.
4. Legal contracts: Rental agreements, employment contracts, service agreements, etc.
5. Educational records: Admission forms, scholarship applications, mark sheets, etc.

The versatility of Aadhaar eSign makes it applicable in various fields, streamlining processes and ensuring security and authenticity in digital transactions.

Ways to verify Aadhaar signature online

Aadhaar holders have the option to validate their signatures online through either the UIDAI portal or the mAadhaar app. Below is a detailed guide on how to authenticate an Aadhaar e-signature.

Verification via UIDAI portal

If your eSign Aadhaar is not verified, follow these steps using Adobe reader:

1. Download the Aadhaar card PDF from the UIDAI portal
2. Open the PDF with Adobe Acrobat Reader and select ‘Signature Properties’ from the box with the yellow question mark labelled ‘Validity Unknown’
3. Click ‘Show Signer's Certificate’ in the Signature Properties box
4. Proceed to the ‘Trust’ page and click ‘Add to Trusted Certificates’
5. Check all boxes and click ‘OK’ twice, returning to Signature Properties
6. Finally, click ‘Validate Signature’ to complete the e-sign validation

Upon successful validation, a green tick will confirm the Aadhaar eSign's authenticity.

Validation via mAadhaar app

One can also verify their e-Aadhaar signature through the mAadhaar app:

1. Download the mAadhaar app from Google Play or the App Store
2. Enter your registered phone number and confirm it with the OTP sent to the same number
3. Choose ‘Register My Aadhaar’ on the app's home screen and fill in the required information
4. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Card number and scan the QR code
5. Once scanning is complete, your demographics and other details will appear, including your image and signature

You can now download your e-Aadhaar card and authenticate your e-signature.

Aadhaar eSign - Key features

Aadhaar eSign represents the pinnacle of digital signing solutions, blending cutting-edge features with the future of signatures. It provides an advanced platform where innovation meets the evolution of digital signing experiences, ensuring seamless and secure document authentication.

1. Unlimited signing capability:
   • Aadhaar eSign offers an unrestricted signing capacity, catering to businesses of all sizes.
   • Whether it's a small team or a large enterprise, Aadhaar eSign adapts to the signing needs, providing flexibility and scalability.
2. Tailored document templates:
   • Businesses can create and deploy personalized templates for various document types.
   • This feature streamlines the signing process, ensuring uniformity and efficiency in documentation workflows, enhancing productivity.
3. Smart eSign dashboard:
   • The Smart eSign Dashboard provides users with a centralized and intuitive interface.
   • Users can manage and monitor the eSigning process, track document status, view signatories, and access essential details remotely from a single, user-friendly dashboard.
4. Multiple document support:
   • Aadhaar eSign supports signing multiple documents, including PDF and docx formats, within a single workflow.
   • This capability enhances efficiency and scalability, particularly when multiple agreements or forms need to be signed in a single transaction.
5. Multiparty and multi-location signing:
   • Aadhaar eSign facilitates multiparty signing, enabling multiple signatories from different locations to sign a single document.
   • This feature is invaluable in scenarios where approvals or authorizations are required from multiple stakeholders, ensuring smooth collaboration.
6. Adaptable signing sequence:
   • Aadhaar eSign caters to diverse workflows, allowing signatories to sign documents in parallel or sequential orders.
   • This flexibility ensures seamless alignment with specific business process requirements, enhancing operational efficiency.
7. Advanced encryption protocols:
   • Aadhaar eSign prioritizes top-tier security, employing industry-grade cryptosystems and Aadhaar-based eSign encryption protocols.
   • This ensures the integrity and confidentiality of signed documents, aligning with the rigorous security standards of various industries, providing peace of mind to users.

Conclusion

Aadhaar eSign revolutionises the way we sign documents, making it accessible, secure, and eco-friendly. As India moves toward a paperless future, Aadhaar eSign stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation and efficiency in documentation processes. So, whether you are applying for a loan, signing a contract, or authorising a transaction, Aadhaar eSign simplifies the process, one digital signature at a time.

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