UIDAI My Aadhaar

In today’s digital-first world, securing your identity is paramount. With Aadhaar playing a central role in India’s digital identification system, concerns over data security and privacy have grown as well. Responding to these concerns, the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) introduced a more privacy-conscious version of the Aadhaar card: the Masked Aadhaar Card.

What is a Masked Aadhaar Card?

A Masked Aadhaar Card is a digitally secure version of the traditional Aadhaar card, where only the last 4 digits of your 12-digit Aadhaar number are visible. The first eight digits are replaced with asterisks (e.g., XXXX XXXX 1234). This ensures that while your Aadhaar remains valid for identification purposes, your full Aadhaar number is not exposed, thereby significantly reducing the risk of misuse.

The Masked Aadhaar card still displays all other details such as:

• Your photograph
• Name
• Date of Birth
• Address
• Gender
• QR code (for quick, secure verification)

• 16-digit Virtual ID (VID)

This version is legally valid and accepted for most identity verification purposes, especially where disclosure of the full Aadhaar number is not mandatory.

Key Features and Benefits of Masked Aadhaar Card

Key features and benefits of MAsked Aadhaar Card are:

1. Enhanced Privacy

The most prominent benefit is that it protects your full Aadhaar number from being exposed. This becomes important when you are submitting Aadhaar as ID proof in non-sensitive scenarios like hotel check-ins, SIM card purchases, etc.

2. Prevention of Identity Theft

Masking the Aadhaar number significantly reduces the possibility of unauthorized persons using your Aadhaar for fraudulent activities.

3. Valid Identity Document

UIDAI confirms that the Masked Aadhaar is a legitimate and valid document for identification purposes. It can be used just like the e-Aadhaar or physical Aadhaar card.

4. Includes Virtual ID (VID)

The 16-digit Virtual ID present on the Masked Aadhaar can be used in place of the full Aadhaar number for authentication, providing an extra layer of security.

5. Easy to Access and Download

It is freely downloadable from the UIDAI portal and can be obtained within minutes.

How to Download Masked Aadhaar Card?

The UIDAI has enabled multiple ways for users to download their Aadhaar card, including the option to download a Masked Aadhaar. Each method is secure and easy to follow.

Method 1: Download Masked Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number

Follow these steps to download the Masked Aadhaar using your Aadhaar number:

Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in or go directly to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

Step 2: Click on “Download Aadhaar” under the “Get Aadhaar” section.

Step 3: Select the option “Aadhaar Number”

Step 4: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and complete the CAPTCHA verification.

Step 5: Tick the checkbox “Do You want a masked Aadhaar?”

Step 6: Click on “Send OTP.”

Step 7: Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Step 8: Click on “Verify and Download.”

Step 9: Your masked Aadhaar will be downloaded in PDF format.

Step 10: Use the password to open the file. The password is a combination of the first 4 letters of your name (as mentioned in Aadhaar, in UPPERCASE) and your birth year. Example: If your name is Priya Singh and your DOB is 1992, your password is PRIY1992.

Method 2: Download Using Enrolment ID (EID)

If you haven’t received your Aadhaar number yet but have an enrolment ID, you can still download a masked Aadhaar.

Steps:

1. Visit: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricDownloadAadhaar

2. Select the “Enrollment ID (EID)” option.

3. Enter your 28-digit EID (found on the Aadhaar enrolment slip).

4. Enter CAPTCHA.

5. Select “Masked Aadhaar.”

6. Click on “Send OTP.”

7. Enter OTP and verify.

8. Download the masked Aadhaar PDF.

9. Use the same name+year password format to open it.

Method 3: Download Using Virtual ID (VID)

Virtual ID (VID) is a 16-digit temporary, revocable number issued by UIDAI, which can be used in place of your actual Aadhaar number for authentication purposes. It ensures better privacy and helps you avoid exposing your full Aadhaar number. If you already have your VID, you can use it to download your Masked Aadhaar Card online.

Step 1: Visit the Official UIDAI Download Portal

Go to the official UIDAI Aadhaar download page: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricDownloadAadhaar

Step 2: Choose “VID” as Your Identifier

On the form page:

• You will see three options to proceed: Aadhaar Number, Enrollment ID, and VID.
• Select the third option: VID (Virtual ID).

Step 3: Enter Your 16-digit VID

• Carefully enter your 16-digit Virtual ID.
• Make sure you don’t confuse it with your Aadhaar number.
• Enter the CAPTCHA code shown on the screen to verify you’re human.

Step 4: Choose the Type of Aadhaar

• Tick the checkbox that says “Do You want a Masked Aadhaar” if you prefer a version with only the last 4 digits visible.
• If you skip this checkbox, you will download the regular (full) Aadhaar.

Step 5: Click on “Send OTP”

• Once everything is filled in, click the “Send OTP” button.
• An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number (linked with your Aadhaar).

Step 6: Enter the OTP

• Check your phone for the OTP.
• Enter the OTP in the given field.

Step 7: Download Your Masked Aadhaar

• After entering the correct OTP, click on the “Download Aadhaar” button.
• Your Masked Aadhaar PDF will be downloaded to your device.

• Open using the name+year password format to download your password-protected Masked Aadhaar PDF?

How to Generate or Retrieve Virtual ID (VID)

You can generate a new VID at any time or replace an existing one, and only one valid VID is active for a user at a time. To generate or retrieve your VID, follow the steps provided below:

Step 1: Visit the Official Aadhaar Services Portal

Go to the UIDAI’s self-service Aadhaar portal: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

Step 2: Open the VID Generation Page

On the homepage, look for and click on the “VID Generator” option from the available services.

Step 3: Enter Your Aadhaar Details

• Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number in the required field.
• Enter the CAPTCHA verification code exactly as shown on the screen to proceed.

Step 4: Request OTP for Verification

• Click the “Send OTP” button.
• An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your mobile number linked with Aadhaar.

Step 5: Complete the Authentication

• Enter the OTP received on your mobile in the designated field.
• Click the “Generate” button to proceed.

Step 6: Receive Your Virtual ID

• Your newly generated or updated Virtual ID (VID) will be sent via SMS to your registered mobile number.

• It will be a 16-digit number that can now be used for secure Aadhaar-related transactions.

Important Tips:

• Regenerating VID automatically deactivates the previous one, so only one VID stays active at a time.
• You must have access to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar to complete the OTP-based verification.
• Always save your VID securely and avoid sharing it unnecessarily.
• This VID can now be used in place of your Aadhaar number to download Aadhaar (regular or masked) or for eKYC processes.

Comparison: Regular Aadhaar vs. Masked Aadhaar

Method 4: Download Masked Aadhaar Using mAadhaar Mobile App

The mAadhaar app, developed by UIDAI, provides an easy and secure way to manage your Aadhaar. Here’s how to use it for downloading the Masked Aadhaar card:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Download and Install the App

   • Go to Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) and install the “mAadhaar” app.

2. Launch the App and Register

   • Open the app and set a 4-digit password.

   • Register your Aadhaar profile using your 12-digit Aadhaar number and OTP sent to your registered mobile.

3. Access Aadhaar Services

   • Navigate to the “Services” section from the home screen.

   • Tap on the “Download Aadhaar” option.

4. Choose Identifier and Provide Details

   • Select your identifier: Aadhaar Number, VID, or EID.

   • Enter the selected identifier and solve CAPTCHA.

5. Select Masked Aadhaar Option

   • Before OTP, enable the checkbox for “Masked Aadhaar.”

6. Enter OTP and Download

   • You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile.

   • Enter OTP and tap “Download.”

   • The file will be saved to your device, viewable with the same password format as mentioned earlier.

Where Can You Use Masked Aadhaar?

You can use Masked Aadhaar as a valid identity proof in the following situations:

• Booking hotel rooms
• Mobile SIM verifications
• Air or train ticket booking verifications
• Office ID verification
• Private institutions requiring basic ID proof
• Banking services (depending on the nature of the requirement)

However, some services (especially government-related or financial ones requiring KYC compliance) may require the full Aadhaar number or physical copy.

Additional Security Tips

To ensure your Aadhaar and Masked Aadhaar remain protected:

• Do not share your full Aadhaar or VID casually
• Avoid uploading Aadhaar on insecure or unknown websites
• Regularly check your Aadhaar Authentication History via https://resident.uidai.gov.in/notification-aadhaar
• Use the Aadhaar Lock/Unlock feature to secure your biometric and demographic data

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Issue: OTP Not Received

• Ensure mobile number is linked to Aadhaar
• Wait a few minutes; network issues may delay OTP
• If still not received, visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra

Issue: Incorrect Password

• Remember password format: First 4 letters of name in UPPERCASE + Year of Birth
• Example: NAME1991

Download Fails or Page Errors

• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Use an updated browser
• Retry using incognito/private mode

Masked Aadhaar Rejected

• In rare cases, full Aadhaar may be needed for official KYC
• Use full e-Aadhaar or physical card as a fallback

The Masked Aadhaar Card is a thoughtful, secure innovation by UIDAI to protect the identity of Indian citizens in today’s rapidly digitizing society. Whether you need ID for everyday tasks or are wary of oversharing your sensitive data, the Masked Aadhaar is a powerful tool in your digital security arsenal.

Downloading it is simple and convenient, whether through a browser or mobile app, using Aadhaar, EID, or VID. With enhanced privacy features, legal validity, and wide acceptance, it provides peace of mind without compromising on accessibility.

Make it a habit to use Masked Aadhaar whenever possible—and take one more step towards protecting your digital identity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is Masked Aadhaar as valid as the regular Aadhaar card?

Yes, it is valid for most identification purposes where the full Aadhaar number is not explicitly required.

Q2. Can I use Masked Aadhaar for bank account opening?

Some banks may still request the full Aadhaar. Confirm with the institution.

Q3. How often can I download my Masked Aadhaar?

Unlimited times. You can download it anytime for free.

Q4. Is it safe to store Masked Aadhaar on my phone? Yes, but it is recommended to use a secure folder or encrypted storage.

Q5. Can I print the Masked Aadhaar and use it?

Yes. A printed version is acceptable for most offline verifications.