Aadhaar Card E-Signature

As a citizen of India, you can make the most out of various features and benefits offered by the Aadhaar Card. One such benefit is - the Aadhaar e-sign. It facilitates you to virtually sign digital documents. The Aadhaar e-signature is cryptographically designed to avoid fraudulent activities and holds the same value as that of a handwritten signature.

The Aadhaar e-signature makes the authentication process seamless and error-free. It also eliminates the additional paperwork and improves workflow and efficiency. To be able to utilise this facility, you need to link your mobile number with your Aadhaar.

The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) has empowered three Certifying Authorities to provide the e-signature service in India. They are -

• eMudra Limited

• (n)Code Solutions

• C-DAC
   

If your signature is not verified in the Aadhar card, you can contact any of these Certifying Authorities acting as e-sign service providers. The objective of these service providers is to ensure that no fraudulent activities are carried out in the use of Aadhaar e-sign. Therefore, a reliable method called ‘User Authentication’ has been set up by CCA.

To make use of the Aadhaar e-signature facility, you require your UIDAI ID (Aadhaar card number), and the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. The authentication process is completed via KYC-enabled OTP which is sent to you on the registered mobile number. Once the OTP is entered, the Certifying Authorities shall issue the cryptographically designed Aadhaar e-signature.

If your e-Aadhar signature is not verified, then you must follow these quick and simple steps to validate the signature using your smartphone:

• Download the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store or App Store

• Enter your registered mobile number and verify using an OTP sent to the registered number

• Click on “Register My Aadhaar” on the home page of the app to create your profile by entering all the relevant details

• Then enter your 12-digit Aadhaar card number and scan the QR code

• Once the scanning is done, you will see the demographics and other details like photographs on your screen

• Then you can download e-Aadhaar card and validate the e-signature

If your e-Aadhaar card signature is not verified, then you can simply follow the below-mentioned steps to validate the same using Adobe Reader.

• Download the Aadhar card PDF from the UIDAI portal and open the PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.

• Click on the box with a yellow question mark that says “Validity Unknown” and then click on “Signature Properties”.

• Click on “Show Signer’s Certificate” in the Signature Properties box.

• Then go to the “Trust” tab and click on “Add to Trusted Certificates” at the bottom.

• Tick all the boxes and click “Ok” twice. You will be navigated back to the Signature Properties.

• Lastly, click on “Validate Signature” at the bottom to validate the e-sign.

Note: Ensure that you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of the Aadhaar e-signature facility.

• Confidentiality and Privacy:The encrypted e-sign feature ensures the privacy of your information. The verifying and authentication process is designed in a way that the contents of the document remain confidential. It can be safely used on legal documents.

• Multiple Authentication Options: With this feature, you get the flexibility to use multiple ways of authentication such as biometrics like iris or fingerprint scanning. You can also authenticate using the One Time Password (OTP) via your registered mobile number.

• Quick and Reliable Online Verification: The e-Aadhaar signature verification process does not require you to be physically present. It is a fully online process that can be done from anywhere, thereby reducing the chances of mistakes and errors.

• No Physical Submission of Documents: Since the documentation process is done online using digital authentication methods, it eliminates the stress and hassle of physically submitting the documents.

• Safe and Legal: The Aadhaar e-signature service providers are certified by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) and are licensed under the IT Act. Therefore, using this facility is completely safe.

The above-mentioned details have highlighted the benefits of the Aadhaar e-signature and steps to validate the same. If you haven’t validated your e-signature in your Aadhaar card, you may do so by referring to the steps listed above. Your Aadhaar card is the document that is linked with your all-important accounts, hence, using the Aadhaar e-signature feature will secure you from fraudulent activities.

Additionally, since an Aadhaar card is the first document a lender requests when verifying documents, possessing one will make the process of getting a home loan simpler. You may seek a home loan using the Bajaj Markets platform if you intend to purchase a house.