What is Masked Aadhaar Card?

Masked Aadhar is a secure and safe version of Aadhar card as it maintains the privacy of the Aadhar by hiding the first eight digits of Aadhar and only the last four digits are visible. 

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The Masked Aadhar displays only limited information and hiding sensitive personal information of the individual, thereby ensuring security of the vital information of the individual.

Features of Masked Aadhaar

The following are the significant features of masked Aadhar:

  1. The last four digits appear on the screen, as the first eight digits are displayed as ‘XXXX-XXXX’.
  2. Secure QR code is used to verify the identity of the individual without disclosing personal information.
  3. Does not disclose sensitive information, and displays only limited information, such as name, address, and photograph.
  4. It is authentic and legally accepted as it is issued by UIDAI.

How to Download Masked Aadhaar Card Online?

The following are the steps to obtain Masked Aadhar Card online:

Step 1: Visit the official website of UIDAI

Step 2: Select language

Step 3: Click on ‘My Aadhar’ option

Step 4: Select 'Download Aadhaar'

Step 5: Enter your Aadhaar Number

Step 6: Enter the Captcha for verification  

Step 7: Click on ‘Send OTP’  

Step 8: Select ‘Do you want a Masked Aadhaar?’ option

Step 9: Enter the OTP received on registered mobile number

Step 10: Click on ‘ Verify and Download Aadhaar

Note: You required to open downloaded e-aadhaar by using password

Example : Your name is Kiran Kumar and your Year of Birth is 1993

Then your e-Aadhaar password is KIRA1993

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Benefits of Masked Aadhaar

The benefits of masked Aadhar are mentioned below:

  1. Reduces fraud by preventing misuse of personal details.
  2. Can be easily downloaded· Masked Aadhar can be used both in digital and physical format
  3. Ensures privacy of the data.· It is recognised by most organisation for identity verification.

Why Masked Aadhaar is Different from Aadhaar?

Individual data privacy has been taken into account by the (UIDAI), which has created a new version of Aadhaar named Masked Aadhaar. Read on to learn more about it and how to obtain it for yourself.

When Should I use Masked Aadhaar Card?

Here are the following scenarios when you should use a Masked Aadhar card:

  1. Masked Aadhar can be used for Aadhar verification for online services to protect privacy
  1. It can used to fulfil the requirements during the KYC verification process without revealing full Aadhar number
  1. Can be used on digital platforms such as mobile applications or e-commerce websites
  1. Serves as valid proof where Aadhar verification is necessary

Documents Required to Apply for Masked Aadhaar

The following is the list of documents required to apply for Masked Aadhar card:

Identity proof:

  1. Driving License
  1. Voter Identity card
  1. PAN card
  1. Passport

Address proof:

  1. Voter Identity card
  1. Ration card
  1. Utility bills
  1. Driving license
  1. Passport

Proof of Birth:

  1. Birth certificate
  1. PAN card
  1. Voter Identity card
  1. Passport, etc.

Proof of Relationship

Proof of relationship with the family head must be displayed while applying for an Aadhaar card.

  1. Pension card
  1. Passport
  1. Birth Certificate
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How can a Masked Aadhaar Card be Used?

Here is everything you need to know about how to use Masked Aadhar Card:

  1. A masked Aadhaar card works like an Aadhaar card and allows authentication of a person in banks, hotels, airlines, and other places.
  1. It cannot be used as an authentic Aadhaar card to avail government schemes.
  1. Traced Aadhaar cards were initiated five years back to make them more secure and strong.
  1. The validity of both regular and masked is the same that is Aadhaar card.
  1. The other benefit is that the masked version provides an extra layer of security during authentication.

Why Should I use Masked Aadhaar?

Here is why you should use Masked Aadhar:

  1. Primarily focuses on enhancing security and privacy of user
  1. Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information
  1. Reduces the risk of identity theft
  1. Considered as a legally valid identity proof

Limitations of Masked Aadhaar

The following are the limitations of masked Aadhar:

  1. Not applicable for government services, as filing income tax returns or applying for subsidies you may stilled need full Aadhar
  2. To validate the document, you will need to scan the QR code as required by some institutions.

Difference Between Masked Aadhar and Regular Aadhaar

The difference between regular and masked Aadhar are mentioned in the table below:

Masked Aadhar

Regular Aadhar

Masks first eight digit and display four digits.

Displays all 12 digits

Used as identity proof and ensures better privacy and security.

Official document

Reduces the risk of misuse

If shared in public, then there is risk of misuse.

Ideal for those purposes where identity proof is required yet full Aadhar is not necessary.

Ideal for purposes related to government services where full Aadhar is required.

Valid ID proof but full Aadhar number is not required for authentication.

Accepted as valid ID proof

Issued as standard document by UIDAI.

The Aadhar holder can download it from the UIDAI website.

Contact Details

For any queries related to masked Aadhar or any other issued related to Aadhar, contact the helpdesk through the following ways:

Email: help@uidai.gov.in

Phone number: 1947 (toll-free)

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Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. For more information please refer the link(s) provided above or visit https://uidai.gov.in/

FAQs on Masked Aadhaar

  • When can masked Aadhaar be used?

    In some cases where full Aadhaar number is not required, masked Aadhaar will do the job.

  • How to get a masked Aadhaar card?

    There is no such separate procedure to get a masked Aadhaar. You should be an Aadhaar card holder to obtain it.

  • Can an Aadhaar that has been masked be used for KYC?

    According to the UIDAI, an Aadhaar that has been masked can be used for e-KYC where the complete Aadhaar number is not needed.

  • Is masked Aadhaar valid for bank accounts?

    Yes, you can use a masked Aadhaar as an identification to open a bank account.

  • Is masked Aadhaar necessary?

    No, it is not mandatory to have a masked Aadhaar.

  • Where can I use Masked Aadhaar?

    Masked Aadhaar can be used at every place that accepts Aadhaar for documentary proof; opening bank account opening, submitting loan application, identity proof to buy vehicles or property, and others. Aadhaar number can be provided to avail for government benefits and schemes.

  • What is the advantage of using Masked Aadhaar?

    The main advantage of Masked Aadhar is that it helps in preventing identity theft and cyber fraud, as masked Aadhaar does not reveal your complete Aadhaar number.

  • Can a masked Aadhaar card be deemed valid?

    Yes, a Masked Aadhaar card is valid and legally acceptable that has similar demographic information of photograph, the individual, and a QR code along with a digital signature by UIDAI that makes it authentic like an original Aadhaar card.

  • What are the reasons for using Masked Aadhaar card over ordinary Aadhaar card?

    A partial or masked Aadhaar card only discloses part of the full Aadhaar number to protect identity and prevent financial crimes like frauds. At the same time, it can be used under conditions when using the full number will lead to negligence of the individual’s right for personal data privacy.

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