The Aadhaar card contains a unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India. It serves as a proof of identity and address. Your Aadhaar card also includes biometric and demographic information, enhancing authentication accuracy for various government and private services.
UIDAI provides a physical copy of the Aadhaar card as well as the digital copy that you can use while availing of any of the government or banking-related services. You can download the e-Aadhaar from the official website of UIDAI.
However, validating the digital version requires the presence of a printed signature on the Aadhaar card for authentication.
Utilise the easy access to crucial documents like the Aadhaar card which comes in handy during emergency expenses. Specifically, for financial assistance, you would need a copy of the Aadhaar card to serve as your KYC document required for personal loan applications.
What is an Aadhaar e-signature?
An Aadhaar signature, also known as Aadhaar e-signature is an electronic authentication tied to your Aadhaar card. This encrypted signature is specifically designed to electronically sign digitised documents like contracts, letters, etc.
It holds an equivalent legal standing as a handwritten signature. Nonetheless, digital signatures differ from electronic signatures in their nature and implementation.
How does Aadhaar e-signature work?
Aadhaar e-signature is a digital method of signing documents electronically, streamlining the authentication process. Here's how it works:
- User authentication: The process begins with user authentication through Aadhaar credentials. You must provide your Aadhaar number and complete the biometric or OTP verification.
- Document upload: After authentication, you upload the document you wish to sign digitally. This document is encrypted for security.
- Digital signing: Once verified, the e-signature is generated using the Aadhaar infrastructure, creating a unique cryptographic signature that links your identity to the document.
- Verify signature: Recipients can easily verify the signature using UIDAI’s online verification tool, ensuring the authenticity of the signed document.
- Legally binding: Aadhaar e-signatures are legally valid under the Indian Information Technology Act, making them acceptable for various transactions.
This efficient process enhances security and reduces the need for physical paperwork.
How to verify Aadhaar card signature?
You can follow these simple steps to verify your signature on e-Aadhaar.
- Visit the official UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/ and login to download e-Aadhaar.
- Once downloaded, use Adobe Reader to open the PDF file.
- Enter the provided password to view your e-Aadhaar.
- Then, right-click on the 'validity unknown' icon and choose 'validate signature'.
- You can click on 'signature properties' and then select 'show certificate'.
- Ensure the presence of the certification '(n) Code Solutions CA 2014' to verify UIDAI's authentication.
- Export and save the certificate on your device for future reference.
- Access the trust tab and include the certificate among your trusted certificates.
- Click on 'validate signature' to complete the verification process.
Aadhaar signature validity
Aadhaar signatures are an essential aspect of identity verification in India, ensuring that documents signed electronically are legitimate and traceable. The validity of an Aadhaar signature hinges on several key factors:
- UIDAI verify: To confirm the authenticity of an Aadhaar signature, individuals can use the UIDAI verify service, which helps validate the signature against the Aadhaar database.
- Digital signature certificate: Aadhaar signatures often utilize a digital signature certificate, which must be issued by a licensed authority to be legally binding.
- Compliance with regulations: Ensure that the Aadhaar signature adheres to the guidelines set by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for electronic transactions.
- Validity period: Check if the digital signature is within its validity period, as expired signatures may not be accepted.
By understanding these factors, individuals can ensure the reliability and acceptance of their Aadhaar signatures in various transactions.
mAadhaar app-based Aadhaar signature validation
The mAadhaar app offers a convenient way to validate Aadhaar signatures, enhancing security and ease of access. Here’s how it works:
- User-friendly interface: The mAadhaar app provides a straightforward platform for users to manage their Aadhaar information and perform signature validations with ease.
- UIDAI verification: By utilizing the app, users can quickly conduct UIDAI verification of signatures, ensuring that the signed documents are authentic and linked to the correct Aadhaar number.
- Biometric authentication: The app supports biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access and validate their Aadhaar signatures.
- Secure transactions: mAadhaar enables secure document handling, reducing the risk of fraud by providing a verified digital signature directly associated with the user’s Aadhaar profile.
- Instant notifications: Users receive instant notifications regarding any signature validations, enhancing transparency and trust in electronic transactions.
By leveraging the mAadhaar app, users can efficiently validate Aadhaar signatures, ensuring the integrity of their documents.
Benefits of Aadhaar e-signature
- Digital authentication: Aadhaar e-signature provides a secure and paperless method of digital authentication.
- Legally binding: It holds legal validity, making it a recognized form of electronic signature.
- Cost-effective: Eliminates the need for physical signatures, reducing paperwork and associated costs.
- Convenience: Enables easy and quick document signing from anywhere, reducing time and effort.
- Government recognition: Aadhaar e-signature is recognized by various government agencies, enhancing its credibility.
- Identity verification: Links the signature directly to the Aadhaar number, ensuring accurate identity verification.
- Financial transactions: Streamlines and accelerates financial transactions with secure electronic signatures.
- Reduces fraud: Enhances security, minimising the risk of fraudulent activities such as in fake Aadhaar cards associated with traditional signatures.
What documents can be signed using e-Aadhaar?
e-Aadhaar facilitates the digital signing of various documents, streamlining processes across multiple sectors. Here are some common types of documents that can be signed using e-Aadhaar:
- Financial documents: This includes loan applications, bank forms, and investment agreements, allowing for quicker processing without physical signatures.
- Government forms: e-Aadhaar can be used to sign various government forms, such as tax returns, subsidy applications, and other official documents, ensuring authenticity and compliance.
- Legal agreements: Individuals can digitally sign contracts, lease agreements, and affidavits, enhancing security and reducing paperwork.
- Educational certificates: Institutions can use e-Aadhaar for signing admission forms, result declarations, and other educational documentation, making processes efficient.
- Employment contracts: Job offers and employment agreements can be signed electronically, facilitating smoother onboarding processes.
Using e-Aadhaar for these documents not only saves time but also ensures legal validity, making transactions more efficient and secure.
Aadhaar e-signature allows you to sign the legal documents digitally by using Aadhaar identification details. However, to utilise this facility, you need to link your Aadhaar card with your registered mobile number.
In case you require funds, it is wise to keep essential documents such as the Aadhaar card within reach. It can act as your supporting document when you apply for a personal loan.
Read about the documents required for a personal loan from Bajaj Finance.
