In the digital age, safeguarding personal information is crucial. The masked Aadhaar Card is a valuable tool that balances the need for identification with privacy concerns. Let us explore what it is, why you should use it, how to download it, and when it is most useful.
What is a masked Aadhaar Card?
A masked Aadhaar Card is essentially the same as a regular downloaded e-Aadhaar Card, but with a part of your Aadhaar number hidden to protect your privacy. Specifically:
- The first 8 digits of your unique Aadhaar number are replaced with the characters ‘xxxx-xxxx.’
- Only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number are visible.
Why should I use a masked Aadhaar?
Using a masked Aadhaar card offers several benefits, primarily focused on enhancing privacy and security. Additionally, it provides peace of mind to individuals concerned about their privacy, especially when sharing Aadhaar details for various services or transactions. Here are compelling reasons to opt for a masked Aadhaar Card:
- Privacy protection: By masking most of your Aadhaar number, you prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information.
- Security: A masked Aadhaar Card reduces the risk of identity theft and misuse.
- Legal validity: Despite masking, it remains a legally valid proof of identity.
Is masked Aadhaar valid everywhere?
Yes, a Masked Aadhaar is legally valid and can be used in most scenarios where Aadhaar is accepted. It conceals the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number, displaying only the last four, thereby protecting your full Aadhaar number from potential misuse. This feature is particularly useful when sharing your Aadhaar for verification purposes, such as Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, where disclosing the complete number isn't necessary.
However, it's important to note that for certain government subsidies and benefits, the full Aadhaar number may be required. In such cases, a Masked Aadhaar might not suffice.
How to download masked Aadhaar in simple steps
Follow these steps to obtain your masked Aadhaar Card:
- Visit the UIDAI official website
- Click on ‘Login’ and enter your Aadhaar number and the Captcha code
- Receive an OTP on your mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Enter the OTP and click on ‘Login’
- Click on ‘Download Aadhaar’
- Choose the option for a ‘Masked Aadhaar’ during the download process
How to downloading Masked Aadhaar from DigiLocker
- Download: Install the DigiLocker app from your device's app store.
- Sign in: Log in using your mobile number, username, or Aadhaar number and associated security PIN.
- Access documents: Navigate to the "Issued Documents" section.
- Download: Locate and download your masked Aadhaar card using the "Save" button.
How to downloading Masked Aadhaar from mAadhaar app
- Login: Access the mAadhaar app and sign in.
- Select masked Aadhaar: Choose "Download Aadhaar" under the "Get Aadhaar" section and select the "Masked Aadhaar" option.
- Enter credentials: Provide your Aadhaar number, Virtual ID (VID), or Enrolment ID (EID), along with the CAPTCHA code.
- Verify OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to verify your identity.
- Download: View and download your masked Aadhaar card.
Password protection
- Password format: The downloaded masked Aadhaar card is password-protected. The password consists of the first four capital letters of your name and your birth year in YYYY format.
- Example: For Vishal Singh born in 1982, the password would be VISH1982.
- Note: Ensure you keep your masked Aadhaar password secure and use it only when necessary.
Key differences between masked and regular Aadhaar Cards
Feature |
Masked Aadhaar Card |
Regular Aadhaar Card |
Aadhaar Number Visibility |
Only the last four digits are visible. The first eight digits are masked. |
The complete 12-digit Aadhaar number is visible. |
Use for Government Schemes |
Not acceptable for government schemes. |
Acceptable for government schemes. |
Format Availability |
Available only in e-Aadhaar format. |
Available in both physical and e-Aadhaar formats. |
Validity |
Equally valid as a regular Aadhaar card. |
Legally valid across India. |
When should I use a masked Aadhaar Card?
Use a masked Aadhaar Card in the following scenarios:
- Online verifications: When sharing your Aadhaar for online services, use the masked version to protect your privacy.
- KYC processes: During Know Your Customer (KYC) verifications, present the masked Aadhaar to fulfil requirements without revealing your full number.
- Authentication: For any situation where Aadhaar verification is necessary, the masked card serves as a valid proof.
- Digital platforms: When providing Aadhaar details on digital platforms, such as e-commerce websites or mobile apps, to safeguard against potential data breaches.
Can masked Aadhaar be used as an identification document?
Yes, a Masked Aadhaar is a valid identification document and is widely accepted for various verification purposes. It conceals the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number, displaying only the last four, thereby protecting your full Aadhaar number from potential misuse.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has clarified that all forms of Aadhaar—physical Aadhaar card, e-Aadhaar, masked e-Aadhaar, and m-Aadhaar—are equally valid and should be accepted as proof of identity.
