What is Masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar implies replacing of first 8 digits of Aadhaar number with “xxxx-xxxx” while only last 4 digits of the Aadhaar Number are visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use Aadhaar Freely
Recently, UIDAI has issued an advisory asking people not to share their Aadhaar number openly in the public domain especially on Social Media or other public platforms. Does this mean that I should not use Aadhaar freely?
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You should use your Aadhaar without any hesitation for proving your identity and doing transactions, just like you use your bank account number, PAN card, debit card, credit card, etc., wherever required. What UIDAI has advised is that Aadhaar card should be freely used for proving identity and doing transactions, but should not be put on public platforms like Twitter, Facebook, etc. People give their debit card or credit card details or cheque (which has bank account number) when they purchase goods, or pay school fee, water, electricity, telephone and other utility bills, etc. Similarly, you can freely use your Aadhaar to establish your identity as and when required without any fear. While using Aadhaar, you should do the same level of due diligence as you do in case of other ID cards – not more, not less.
If Aadhaar has to be freely used for proving identity and it is safe to do so, then why has UIDAI advised people not to put up their Aadhaar number in Social Media or public domain?
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You use PAN card, debit card, credit card, bank cheques wherever required. But do you put these details openly on internet and social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.? Obviously no! You do not put such personal details unnecessarily in public domain so that there is no unwarranted invasion attempt on your privacy. The same logic needs to be applied in case of uses of Aadhaar.
I gave my Aadhaar card to a service provider for proving my identity. Can anyone harm me by knowing and misusing my Aadhaar number?
Open or CloseNo. Just, by knowing your Aadhaar number, no one can harm you. To prove your identity, Aadhaar number is verfied/authenticated by agencies through various modes as prescribed under Aadhaar Act, 2016.
There are many agencies that simply accept physical copy of Aadhaar and do not carry out any biometric or OTP authentication or verification. Is this a good practice?
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No, in this connection MeitY has issued detailed instructions to all Government Ministries/Departments vide office memorandum no 10(22)/2017-EG-II(VOL-1) dated 19.06.2023.
Why am I asked to verify Bank account, Demat account, PAN and various other services with Aadhaar?
Open or CloseAadhaar verification/authentication is governed by the sections of Aadhaar Act, 2016, under which the use case has been notified by the concerned Ministry/Department for providing services.
Does linking my bank account, PAN, and other services with Aadhaar make me vulnerable?
Open or CloseNo. UIDAI does not have visibility of linking of your Aadhaar with any other services. Concern departments such as bank, income tax etc. do not share any information of Aadhaar number holder neither UIDAI stores any such informations.
Can a fraudster withdraw money from my Aadhaar linked bank account if he knows my Aadhaar number or has my Aadhaar card?
Open or CloseJust by knowing your Aadhaar number or Aadhaar linked bank account, no one can withdraw money from Aadhaar linked bank account.
Aadhaar Letter
What if an Aadhaar Number holder misplaces his Aadhaar number?
Open or Closea) Aadhaar number holder can find his Aadhaar number using Aadhaar Service - Retrieve Lost UID/EID available on https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
b) Aadhaar number holder can call 1947 where our Contact Centre Agent will help him/her in getting his/her EID and the same can be used to download his/her eAadhaar from MyAadhaar Portal - Download Aadhaar
c) Aadhaar number holder can also get his/her Aadhaar number from EID number on IVRS system by calling 1947
What if Aadhaar letter is not delivered to the Aadhaar Number holder?
Open or CloseIf Aadhaar Number holder does not receive Aadhaar letter, he/she should contact UIDAI contact center with his/her Enrolment number or may check Aadhaar status online at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus. Meanwhile Aadhaar Number holder can download e-Aadhaar.
You are also requested to verify the correctness of the address in eAadhaar and update the same accordingly (if required).
After I get Enroled, how long will it take to get my Aadhaar letter? And how do I get my Aadhaar letter?
Open or CloseAadhaar generation may take up to 90 days from the date of enrolment. Aadhaar letter is delivered by ordinary post at the registered address of the Aadhaar Number holder.
I updated my Aadhaar recently. However, the status still shows 'in process'. When will it get updated?
Open or CloseAadhaar update takes up to 90 days. If your update request is more than 90 days old, then please dial 1947 (toll free) or write to help@uidai.gov.in for further assistance.
I recently updated my Aadhaar. Can you please expedite it? I need it urgently.
Open or CloseAadhaar update has a fixed process which takes up to 90 days from the date of update request. The update process cannot be altered. You may check the status from https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus
I applied for Aadhaar earlier but did not get it. So, I re-applied. When will I get my Aadhaar?
Open or CloseIf your Aadhaar was generated from the first Enrolment then every attempt to re-enrol will be rejected. DO NOT re-apply. You can retrieve your Aadhaar:
(a) Online using Retrieve EID/UID service available on https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/ (if you have the registered mobile no)
(b) By visiting any enrolment centre
(c) By dialing 1947
What is Aadhaar PVC Card? Is it equivalent to paper based laminated Aadhaar Letter?
Open or CloseAadhaar PVC card is PVC based Aadhaar card which can be ordered online by paying nominal charges.
Yes.Aadhaar PVC card is equivalent to paper based Aadhaar letter.
How do I link PAN with Aadhaar?
Open or CloseFor linking your PAN with Aadhaar, you may visit the website of Income Tax Department and follow the instructions.
Aadhaar Features, Eligibility
What is Aadhaar?
Open or CloseAadhaar number is a 12 digit random number assigned to an individual seeking enrolment on completing the enrolment process. This is digital identity issued to an Aadhaar holder which can be authenticated through biometric or mobile OTP.
What are the features and benefits of Aadhaar?
Open or CloseOne Aadhaar: Aadhaar is a unique number, and no Aadhaar number holder can have a duplicate number since it is linked to their individual biometrics; thereby identifying fake and ghost identities which result in leakages today. Savings from eliminating duplicates and fakes through Aadhaar-based identification will further enable governments to expand benefits to other eligible individuals.
Portability: Aadhaar is a universal number, and agencies and services can contact the central Unique Identification database from anywhere in the country to authenticate a beneficiary's identity by availing authentication services.
Electronic benefit transfers: The UID-enabled-Bank-Account network will offer a secure and low cost platform to directly remit benefits to Aadhaar number holders without the heavy costs associated today with benefit distribution; the leakages in the current system will also be stemmed as a result.
Aadhaar-based authentication to confirm entitlement delivered to the beneficiary: The UIDAI will offer online authentication services for agencies who wish to validate a Aadhaar number holder's identity; this service will enable confirmation of the entitlement actually reaching the intended beneficiary. Improved services through increased transparency: Clear accountability and transparent monitoring would significantly improve access and quality of entitlements to beneficiaries and the agency alike.
Self-service puts Aadhaar number holders in control: Using Aadhaar as an authentication mechanism, Aadhaar number holders should be able to access up-to-date information about their entitlements, demand services and redress their grievances directly from their mobile phone, kiosks or other means. In the case of self-service on the Aadhaar number holder's mobile, security is assured using two-factor authentication (i.e. by proving possession of the Aadhaar number holder's registered Mobile Number and knowledge of the Aadhaar number holder's Aadhaar PIN). These standards are compliant with the Reserve Bank of India's approved standards for Mobile Banking and Payments.
Will getting Aadhaar be compulsory?
Open or CloseIndividuals who are eligible for Aadhaar can apply for Aadhaar as per the provisions of the Aadhaar Act and the Regulations framed thereunder. Similarly, agencies providing benefits and services may choose to use Aadhaar in their systems and may require that their beneficiaries or customers provide their Aadhaar for these services.
What is the process to be followed for Aadhaar enrolment and what information is to be provided to get Aadhaar?
Open or CloseAn individual seeking enrolment to visit an Aadhar enrolment centre and submit a request (as specified) alongwith valid supporting documents.
The enrolment operator shall capture the following information during the course of enrolment:
Mandatory Demographic information (Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address)
Optional demographic information (mobile number, email)
Details of Mother/Father/Legal Guardian (in case of HOF based enrolment)
And
Biometric Information (Photo, 10 finger prints, both Iris)
After completing the enrolment the operator shall return all the documents alongwith an acknowledgement slip containing the applicable charges.( New Enrolment is Free of charge)
List of valid supporting documents is available at List of Supporting Document
You can locate the nearest enrolment centre at : Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal
How Date of Birth (DOB) in Aadhaar can be verified ?
Open or CloseDOB in Aadhaar shall be marked as verified when a valid proof of birth document is submitted at the time of enrolment or update. You are requested to ensure that the operator selects 'verified' option for DOB. Only year of birth (YOB) shall be printed on your Aadhaar Letter if the DOB is marked as 'declared' or 'approximate'.
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