Masked Aadhaar Card – Meaning, Uses & How to Download?
What is a Masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar is a version of the regular Aadhaar card, where the first 8 digits are masked or hidden and only the last four digits are visible. By hiding the first 8 digits of one’s Aadhaar card number, UIDAI ensures that their identity remains safe, even if the card is lost or misplaced. It can be used anywhere that accepts an Aadhaar card as proof of identity, except for availing government benefits and subsidies.
In this blog, we will discuss how a masked Aadhaar is different from a regular Aadhaar, how you can download one, where you can use it, and more.
Latest Update
UIDAI recently announced that people, whose Aadhaar cards were issued more than 10 years ago, can update their demographic details on myAadhaar portal for FREE from 15th March, 2023 to 30th June, 2023.
What Makes Masked Aadhaar Card Different From a Regular Aadhaar Card?
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) now offers Indian residents the option to download and use a masked Aadhaar instead of a regular one. The following are some major differences between the two:
1. Aadhaar Number
In Masked Aadhaar, the first 8 digits are hidden, while in regular Aadhaar, all the 12 digits are visible.
2. Security
Masked Aadhaar provides a higher level of security as it masks a portion of one’s Aadhaar number. This reduces the risk of identity theft, misuse, and fraud. While an Aadhaar card has some inbuilt features, such as hologram, guilloche pattern, ghost image, and more, it is still less secure since the Aadhaar number is visible and can be misused by con artists.
3. Usage
Masked Aadhaar can be used in the same way as regular Aadhaar for verification purposes. However, since the first 8 digits are masked, some services may require the full Aadhaar number for verification purposes – such as government benefits.
4. Privacy
Masked Aadhaar is preferred by those who wish to keep their Aadhaar number private as it only reveals the last four digits. Regular Aadhaar, on the other hand, shows the full Aadhaar number, which could be misused by anyone with access to someone else’s physical card or a digital copy.
5. Availability
Both Masked Aadhaar and Regular Aadhaar can be obtained by Indian residents, and the process to obtain them is the same. However, Masked Aadhaar is only available in a digital format, while Regular Aadhaar can be obtained in both physical and digital formats.
How to Download Masked Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number?
- Visit the UIDAI Website
Go to the official UIDAI myAadhaar portal.
- Select ‘Download Aadhaar’
From the myAadhaar page, click on ‘Download Aadhaar’
- You will be Redirected to eAadhaar Download
Here, you can select the Aadhaar number option.
- Enter Your Aadhaar Number and Captcha
You will have to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the security code displayed on the screen and then click on the ‘Send OTP’ button.
- Enter OTP
Enter the OTP sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card and check the ‘Do you want a masked Aadhaar?’ box. Next, click the ‘Verify & Download’ button.
- Get a Confirmatory Message
On the next screen, you will receive a confirmation of your masked Aadhaar download.
- Download the Masked Aadhaar From the Downloads Section
Go to the downloads section of your computer and click on the masked Aadhaar document. You will be asked for a password, which will be a combination of the first 4 letters of your name (as in Aadhaar) and your year of birth.
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How to Download Masked Aadhaar Using EID?
The first 3 steps will be the same as above. Now, instead of your 12-digit Aadhaar number, enter the enrolment ID (EID), which you will find on the acknowledgement slip.
Enter the EID and the captcha code shown on the screen. Now, enter the captcha code and click on send OTP. Once you receive the OTP, enter it, check the ‘Do you want a masked Aadhaar card?’ box, and click on the ‘ Verify & Download’ button. Once approved, you can download the card and open it by entering a password, which will be a combination of the first 4 letters of your name and your year of birth.
How to Download Masked Aadhaar Using VID?
The first three steps are the same as when you want to download your masked Aadhaar using your Aadhaar number. Once redirected to the new page, choose the Virtual ID (VID) option and enter the 16-digit VID linked with your Aadhaar. You will also have to enter the security code and then click on ‘Send OTP’.
You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP, check the ‘Do you want to download masked Aadhaar?’ box, and click on the ‘Verify & Download’ option. Once done, your card will be downloaded to your computer. Go to the download section, click on the document, and open it by entering a password, which will be the first 4 letters of your name (as in Aadhaar) and your birth year.
Offline Process
You could also walk into your nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre to download your masked Aadhaar card. However, you may have to carry and submit the following documents at the centre:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of date of birth
- Proof of address.
The process for download will be the same as above.
What is a Masked Aadhaar Password?
A masked Aadhaar Password is a unique password that is used to protect the downloaded digital copy of your masked Aadhaar card. The password is required to open and view the Masked Aadhaar PDF file. The password is generated based on the individual’s name and date of birth.
This is how the password is generated:
The password is a combination of the first 4 letters of your name and your year of birth. Say, your name is Rahul Gupta and your year of birth is 1999, the password for opening the digital copy of your masked Aadhaar will be RAHU1999.
Why Should You Use a Masked Aadhaar Card?
Aadhaar is one of several valid identity and address proofs that you can use to carry out certain financial transactions or complete your KYC. But, with a surge in online fraud, it is critical that you protect your data and identity, and only share what is absolutely necessary. A masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar card, and enhances the security of your identity.
You can share your masked Aadhaar for e-KYC where the full Aadhaar number isn’t required. This security feature protects your identity and data from fraudsters. A masked Aadhaar is just as valid as a regular Aadhaar.
However, to receive government subsidies or benefits, you are required by law to provide your full Aadhaar number and details. This is one of the situations where a masked Aadhaar card may not work.
Final word
Your Aadhaar is proof of your unique identity and contains important personal information, which if compromised, can expose you to fraud, digital identity theft, and other threats. The masked Aadhaar card option, as the name suggests, allows you to conceal your Aadhaar number and keeps your personal information safe.
While we are on the subject of masked Aadhaar, here is a piece of information that you may find interesting. You could use just your masked Aadhaar and PAN details to get a Navi Instant Cash Loan of up to ₹20 Lakh, at attractive interest rates, starting from 9.9% p.a. That’s it. No more documentation. No more delay. No more hassle. Simply download the Navi App today to check your eligibility for a Navi Instant Cash Loan and apply now!
FAQs
As per the UIDAI, a masked Aadhaar can be used for e-KYC where using the full Aadhaar number isn’t required.
You can certainly use a masked Aadhaar as identification to open a bank account but for receiving or applying for government subsidies you must use your Aadhaar card with a unique ID number visible on it.
In situations where providing the Aadhaar number isn’t required, masked Aadhaar can be used for e-KYC.
There is no separate process for obtaining a masked Aadhaar card. You just need to be an Aadhaar card holder.
You can use a masked Aadhaar card signed by UIDAI where you must provide Aadhaar as identity proof. As a result, it can also be used as address proof.
Masked aadhaar is a secured document however it’s not necessary or mandatory yet.
It can be ordered online at uidai.gov.in or myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in with an Aadhaar number, Virtual ID, or Enrolment ID for a fee of Rs. 50/-. The Aadhaar PVC Card is delivered to the resident at the address registered with the Aadhaar Database via India Post’s Speed Post service.
Masked Aadhaar can be used wherever Aadhaar is accepted as ID proof.
The main advantage of a masked Aadhaar card is that some digits of the Aadhaar number are masked or hidden, leaving only the last four digits visible. A masked Aadhaar card provides increased privacy and security by lowering the risk of identity theft and misuse of personal information.
Masked Aadhaar can be used for documentary proof at any location that accepts Aadhaar, including bank account opening, loan application, identity proof to purchase vehicles or property, and more. Only government benefits and schemes require the entire Aadhaar number.
No, You cannot download a Masked Aadhaar Card online without OTP
Disclaimer
This article is solely for educational purposes. Navi doesn't take any responsibility for the information or claims made in the blog.
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