Masked Aadhaar Card

A masked Aadhaar is an updated version of the regular Aadhaar card. The initial 8 digits of the Aadhaar number are hidden and represented as ‘XXXX-XXXX’ and only the last 4 digits are visible. All the other details like the photograph, QR code, contact details, address details, etc. are mentioned exactly as on a regular Aadhaar card.

 

A masked Aadhaar card is also issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and therefore can be legally used as identity proof anywhere in the country. This card can be used when furnishing the document to private entities where full number disclosure isn't required. It adds a layer of security and safety in such cases.

Here are some major differences between a regular and masked Aadhaar that you should be aware of:

*Note: Both versions are issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and can be downloaded from the official UIDAI website. The choice between regular and masked Aadhaar should be based on the specific requirements of the service or entity requesting the document.

Here are the different ways to download a masked Aadhaar card.

Method 1 - Aadhaar Number 

• Navigate to the official website of UIDAI

• Go to the 'My Aadhaar' section and choose 'Download Aadhaar'

• Following that, you will be taken to a new page. Select the ‘Aadhaar Number’ option and enter the 12-digit number along with the captcha code.

• Click on ‘Send OTP’ and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
  
  

• The message asking whether you want a masked Aadhaar will appear on the page. Click on ‘Verify and download’ to proceed.
  
  

• After that, you can download your masked Aadhaar card
  
  

Method 2 - Enrolment Number

• Go to UIDAI's official webpage

• Select 'Download Aadhaar' under the 'My Aadhaar' section to get started
  

• Following this, choose the ‘Enrolment ID Number’ option and provide your 28-digit number
  
  

• Enter the captcha code and click on ‘Send OTP’

• You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number which you must provide to verify your details and proceed
  
  

• A message confirming whether you wish to get a masked Aadhaar will be displayed. Select the ‘Verify and download’ option to continue.
  
  

• Now, you will be able to download the masked Aadhaar card
  
  

Method 3 - Virtual ID

• Visit the official website of UIDAI

• Select 'Download Aadhaar' under the 'My Aadhaar' section

• Next, choose the ‘Virtual ID’ option and enter your 16-digit number along with the captcha code

• Click on the ‘Send OTP’ option
  
  

• Lastly, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number, which you must enter
  
  

• A message will appear asking if you want to download a masked Aadhaar. Click on ‘Verify and download’ to proceed.

Follow these simple steps to view and download your masked Aadhaar with the help of the DigiLocker App:
 

Download and Install DigiLocker

Download the official DigiLocker app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

Sign In or Create an Account

Open the app and sign in using your mobile number. If you are a new user, you can create an account by following the on-screen instructions.

Link Your Aadhaar

Link your Aadhaar number to your DigiLocker account using your mobile number. Verify your Aadhaar details using OTP (One Time Password). Once linked, it will be added to the ‘Issued’ tab on your app. 

Access the Document

Tap on the 'Issued' tab.  Under the ‘My Issued Document’ section, the ‘Aadhaar Card’ option will be visible. Tap on the 3 dots beside it and choose from ‘Download XML’ and ‘Download JSON’ as per your preference and requirement. You can also select the ‘View PDF’ option and download the file in this format as well. 

The citizens can also download masked Aadhaar cards via the mAadhaar App. Follow these quick and simple steps and get a masked Aadhaar card on your device in minutes -

• Install the mAadhaar App on your device via Google Play Store
  

• Provide your registered number and submit the generated OTP
  

• Under the ‘All Services’ section, click on the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option under the ‘Get Aadhaar’ sub-section
  

• You will be asked to select the type of Aadhaar card you wish to download. Choose the ‘Masked Aadhaar’ option.
  

• Depending on the information available, select either ‘Aadhaar Number’, ‘Virtual ID (VID) Number’, or ‘Enrolment ID Number’
  

• Enter the information as per your selection and the captcha code mentioned on the screen
  

• Tap on the ‘Request OTP’ option
  

• Following this, the masked Aadhaar card will be directly downloaded on your mobile

 

*Note: The e-copy of your Aadhaar will be downloaded in the pdf format. The password to access this document is the first 4 letters of your name in capital letters and the year of your birth. For example, if your name is Rajeev and you were born in 1996, then the password for this document would be ‘RAJE1996’.

The Aadhaar card is one of the most important documents used for various documentation and verification purposes. There are a variety of reasons why one should opt for masked Aadhaar cards -

• Masked Aadhaar card is a password-protected electronic copy which can be easily carried
  

• Masked Aadhaar card eliminates the possibility of personal information getting misused for fraudulent activities
  

• Using a masked Aadhaar card in public places as identity proof will ensure the confidentiality of other relevant information
  

• Masked Aadhaar card can be used for e-KYC as well, where 12-digits of Aadhaar card are not mandatory
  

The password-protected electronic copy of the masked Aadhaar card comes with a default password set by the UIDAI. The password is a combination of the initial 4 letters of your name in CAPITAL and your birth year. So when an individual downloads a masked Aadhaar card, the PDF comes with a password set by the UIDAI. UIDAI does not offer the facility to change or reset the password of the masked Aadhaar card to the citizens. 

Using a masked Aadhaar card is advisable in the following scenarios:

Identity Verification

You can use a masked Aadhaar for identity verification purposes, such as when applying for services that require proof of identity but do not necessitate full disclosure of your Aadhaar number. This includes situations like opening bank accounts or applying for government services.

Avoiding Identity Theft

Sharing your full Aadhaar number can expose you to identity theft and fraud. A masked Aadhaar minimises this risk by only providing partial information, making it harder for malicious entities to misuse your details.

Compliance with UIDAI Guidelines

The UIDAI advises against sharing photocopies of your Aadhaar card, as they can be misused. Instead, using a masked version aligns with UIDAI's recommendations for safeguarding personal information.