Masked Aadhaar card: What it means and how to download it from UIDAI website

Masked Aadhaar is better when doing online verifications and document uploads when you want to establish identity without revealing your full Aadhaar number.

A masked Aadhaar card is where only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number are revealed, while the first eight digits are masked by 'X's. This form of Aadhaar is issued by the UIDAI and is designed to be used as an identity proof, where the use of the full 12-digit number is not required. It bears your name, image, date of birth, gender, and a scannable QR code, so it's absolutely acceptable for identification purposes, except in situations where disclosure of the full Aadhaar number is necessary.

Why use a masked Aadhaar?

Masked Aadhaar is better when doing online verifications and document uploads when you want to establish identity without revealing your full Aadhaar number. It can be used when providing documents to private companies, employers, hotels, or travel operators. Masking the number has less likelihood of being used for misuse or identity theft. UIDAI encourages usage of masked Aadhaar in such situations as a way to balance security and usability.

How to download a masked Aadhaar from UIDAI

To download your masked Aadhaar, visit the official website of UIDAI and click the "Download Aadhaar" link under the "My Aadhaar" menu. You will be asked to enter your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID, or Virtual ID, name, PIN code, captcha, and a registered mobile number with your Aadhaar. When you get an OTP on your registered mobile number, you will be prompted to choose either a normal or masked Aadhaar. Choose the masked Aadhaar one and download the PDF file. The downloaded file will be password-protected. To open the file, use the first four letters of your name in capital along with your date of birth (e.g., RAVI1990).

Where is it valid and where not?

The masked Aadhaar remains valid as an identity document for all common purposes such as hotel registrations, applying for jobs, or online verifications. However, for situations where full KYC is demanded—such as the opening of a bank account or availing oneself of government subsidies—the regular Aadhaar number may be demanded. Here you could utilize the regular Aadhaar or provide a full e-Aadhaar printed from the same UIDAI portal.

FAQs

Can I submit an Aadhaar with a mask for bank KYC or subsidies?

No, in the event of applications for KYC or subsidies, you may be asked to provide your complete Aadhaar number. A masked Aadhaar is not allowed in this case.

Is masked Aadhaar legally valid?

Yes, it is legally valid for identity verification where the full Aadhaar number is not necessary. It has the same demographic and biometric-linked information as your regular Aadhaar, but without the complete number.

How do I unlock the downloaded Aadhaar PDF?

The password is the first four letters of your name capitalized and the birth year in YYYY format. For example, if your name is Anjali Singh and you were born in 1992, then the password will be ANJA1992.