Now a days, with everything being digitised, it is more important than ever to protect personal data. Safeguarding sensitive information, such as your Aadhaar number, is particularly important considering the rising worries about identity theft and data breaches. Essential personal data is stored on the 12-digit Aadhaar card, a distinctive identification number given by the Indian government. A masked Aadhaar card, which is a system offered by the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), can be used to protect this data. Continue reading and find out more about masked Aadhaar cards.
Table of Contents
What is a Masked Aadhar Card?
The first eight digits of your Aadhaar number can be hidden using the masked Aadhaar option, but the last four will remain visible. Your photo, QR code, demographic data, and other attributes will remain when you download this version of your Aadhaar. Since UIDAI will be signing this card, you don't need to be concerned about its legitimacy or legibility. When you only need to present your Aadhaar as identification, you can use the following version. To confirm your identity, you may submit your masked Aadhaar along with the remaining four digits of your unique ID.
When Should I Use a Masked Aadhaar Card?
When you need to prove your identity but do not want to reveal your complete Aadhaar number, you use a masked Aadhaar card. The following are typical situations in which a disguised Aadhaar may be utilized:
Authentication or Online Services: Sharing a masked Aadhaar card guarantees that your entire Aadhaar number stays hidden when using digital services or online platforms that demand identification verification.
Know Your Customer (KYC) Verifications: KYC documentation is required by several organizations, such as banks and telecom providers. You can still meet KYC standards and preserve your Aadhaar number by submitting a disguised Aadhaar for these verifications. Masked Aadhaar is accepted by certain organizations for offline verifications. Always inquire about any extra requirements with your bank.
Digital Platforms: To protect your privacy, you can provide a disguised Aadhaar while registering on mobile apps, e-commerce websites, or any other digital platform that seeks identity verification.
Features of Masked Aadhaar Card
Improved Privacy with Masked Aadhaar: The Masked Aadhaar Card skilfully hides the first eight digits of your 12-digit number, in comparison to the conventional Aadhaar, which shows the whole number. This minor modification significantly enhances your security and privacy.
Applications in Government Programs: To get government subsidies and services, a valid Aadhaar is required. However, the Masked Aadhaar, which prioritizes anonymity, is unsuitable for these uses.
Flexibility in Usage: The Masked Aadhaar offers a privacy-focused solution for situations where the complete Aadhaar number is not required, given that both cards are genuine for identification and verification.
Digital Accessibility: In an increasingly digitised world, the Masked Aadhaar's digital format makes it a practical choice for rapid and easy verification.
Security in Online Transactions: The Masked Aadhaar lowers the danger of identity theft and digital fraud, two issues that are becoming more prevalent in online transactions, by obscuring your Aadhaar number.
Steps to Download a Masked Aadhaar Card
Step 1: Go to https://uidai.gov.in/, the official UIDAI website.
Step 2: Under the "My Aadhaar" page, choose the "Download Aadhaar" option.
Step 3: To download your disguised Aadhaar, use one of the methods listed below. Only Indian citizens are eligible for the first two ways.
Aadhaar Number: In the portal, provide your complete name, pin code, and 12-digit Aadhaar number if you already have an Aadhaar card.
Enrollment Number: To download the card, provide your complete name, pin code, and 28-digit enrollment number.
Virtual ID: The masked Aadhaar can be downloaded by entering the 16-digit Virtual ID on the portal.
Step 4: To select masked Aadhaar, check the option labeled "I want a masked Aadhaar?"
Step 5: Click the "Send OTP" button in step five. Your registered mobile number will get an OTP.
Step 6: To access your masked Aadhaar, this OTP has to be entered on the portal.
Step 7: As an alternative, you can utilize the time-bound OTP (TOTP) produced by the mAadhaar app by clicking the "Enter TOTP" button.
Step 8: The download of your disguised Aadhaar will begin.
Documents Required for a Masked Aadhaar Card
While acquiring a masked Aadhaar card online does not require any specific documents, getting your masked Aadhaar offline or procuring an Aadhaar card if you currently lack one requires submitting the following documents.
Identity documents such as your driver's license, voter ID, passport, PAN, etc.
Evidence of address, such as your driver's license, passport, voter ID, utility bills, etc.
Proof of birth, such as your passport, PAN, birth certificate, etc.
Evidence of your relationship to the head of your family, such as your passport, ration card, pension card, or birth certificate.
Acceptance of Masked Aadhar
You can use a masked Aadhaar to prove your identity at airports, on trains, and while making hotel reservations. Whenever necessary, it additionally has the potential to validate your identification. Nevertheless, it cannot be utilized to get benefits through DBT that are offered under government assistance programs. To receive assistance under any government welfare scheme, you must submit a copy of your Aadhaar card or a regular eAadhaar.
Difference between Masked Aadhaar and Regular Aadhaar
The following table illustrates the differences between masked Aadhaar and regular Aadhaar:
Basis of Difference | Masked Aadhaar | Regular Aadhaar |
Aadhaar Number Visibility | Only the last 4 digits are visible, while the first 8 digits are masked | The entire 12-digit Aadhaar number is visible |
Government Schemes Acceptability | Not acceptable | Acceptable |
Available Format | Only in e-Aadhaar format | Both physical and e-Aadhaar formats |
Validity | Valid as a regular Aadhaar | Legally valid |
Conclusion
Making use of a masked Aadhaar card is an effective way to protect your online confidentiality. It minimizes the likelihood of fraud, identity theft, and data breakdowns by hiding a significant amount of your individual Aadhaar number. While preserving your ability to utilize your Aadhaar for identification, this little step can greatly improve your privacy. Protecting personal data has become essential in the modern world, as private information is often available online.
FAQ
Q1. Is it necessary to have a masked Aadhaar PVC card?
There is a difference between an Aadhaar PVC card and a masked Aadhaar card. More confidentiality and safety are provided by a disguised Aadhaar card, which only displays the final four digits of your Aadhaar number. On the contrary, an Aadhaar PVC card is only available in PVC, can be obtained online, and has a variety of security features like a secure QR code, hologram, and ghost image.
Q2. Can I order a masked Aadhaar PVC card?
No, a masked Aadhaar card is not an option for the Aadhaar PVC card.
Q3. How to get a masked Aadhaar card?
A disguised Aadhaar card can be obtained through the DigiLocker app, mAadhaar app, or UIDAI website.
Q4. Is a masked Aadhar card considered a valid proof?
Indeed, masked Aadhaar is just as legitimate as any other type of Aadhaar and is a recognized form of identity verification. Nevertheless, it cannot be utilized to get benefits through DBT that are provided under government assistance schemes. All social assistance programs may ask you to submit a copy of your Aadhaar card or normal eAadhaar.
Q5. How can I download a masked Aadhaar without OTP?
You currently have to get an OTP on your registered mobile number to download your masked Aadhaar.
Q6. Can I use a masked Aadhaar for KYC?
You can make use of a masked Aadhaar card for a variety of KYC checks without disclosing your entire Aadhaar number.
Q7. Where is a masked Aadhaar not accepted?
Advantages under government welfare programs cannot be accessed through DBT using a masked Aadhaar card. For many government aid programs, you are required to present a copy of your Aadhaar card or a normal eAadhaar.
Q8. What to do if the masked Aadhaar option is not showing?
You can wait a while and try again.
Q9. What is the masked Aadhaar password format?
The masked Aadhaar card you downloaded is not immediately available to you. You must enter the masked Aadhaar password, which is created using your name and birth year if you want to open and see the file. The eight-digit disguised UID card password is made of the first four letters of your name and the four numbers of your birth year.
Q10. Can I use a masked Aadhaar for rent agreement?
Yes, disguised Aadhaar is a legitimate kind of verification for a rental agreement.
Q11. Can I use masked Aadhaar for hotel bookings?
It is possible to use disguised Aadhaar as a legitimate form of identification when making hotel reservations and bookings.
Q12. What is virtual ID?
A temporary, revocable 16-digit arbitrary number that is mapped to your Aadhaar number is called a virtual ID, or VID. When e-KYC services or authentication are needed, it can be utilised in lieu of your Aadhaar number. Since your Virtual ID cannot be used to obtain an Aadhaar number, it provides higher security and privacy. Using the mAadhaar app or the UIDAI website, you can create a virtual ID as many times as you like. Additionally, as soon as you have completed using an authentication or e-KYC service, it is recommended that you create a new Virtual ID.
Comments