What is Masked Aadhaar: Meaning & How to Download It

The masked Aadhaar card is a version of your regular Aadhaar card that covers most of the 12-digit Aadhaar number. The Aadhaar card data is used for various official transactions, including banking, government schemes, and other services. In the interest of improved privacy, the UIDAI has created a masked version of the card suitable for specific use cases. Continue reading to know more about this version of the Aadhaar card and how you can download it.

What is Masked Aadhaar?

A masked Aadhaar is a safer version of the regular Aadhaar card that hides the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number. Rather than displaying the entire 12 digits, only the last four are shown, for example, “XXXX-XXXX-9421.” Your photograph, name, date of birth, and QR code remain the same as on the regular Aadhaar.

While using a masked Aadhaar version, your identity can be verified with ease, yet your privacy is maintained, allowing only necessary details to be shared.

What’s the Difference Between Regular and Masked Aadhaar?

Also Read: How to Get an Emergency Loan on Aadhaar Card

Why Use a Masked Aadhaar?

Your Aadhaar card is a crucial identity document used for banking and financial transactions, as well as KYC verification. However, it is also required for other uses, such as verifying identity or age, that aren’t as important. All these cases, where the requirement is simply to verify your identity and there’s no need for the number itself, are where you can use the masked Aadhaar.

A masked Aadhaar is suitable for use when:

• Presented as identity verification for hotels, libraries, private sector employers, or educational institutions.
• Submitting documents to non-governmental platforms.
• For KYC procedures with specific private service providers that accept masked Aadhaar.

Note: Some government agencies and regulated financial institutions may still require your full Aadhaar number for verification; always confirm the accepted format before submission.

Also Read: 6 Reasons Why You Must Apply for a PVC Aadhaar Card

How to Download a Masked Aadhaar Card

Getting a masked Aadhaar card is a simple and free process. Follow these steps on the UIDAI website:

Step-by-step Process by UIDAI

1. Open the UIDAI Official Website: Go to https://uidai.gov.in/.

2. Pick Your Language: Select the preferred language for the portal.

3. Tap on ‘Download Aadhaar’: On the ‘Get Aadhaar’ tab on the main menu, you will find the option called ‘Download Aadhaar’. Click on it and go ahead with the process.

4. Select the Method of Identification: Select either Aadhaar number, Virtual ID (VID), or Enrolment ID.

5. Enter Details: Enter your details, which include your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the Captcha code.

6. Get OTP: Press the tab ‘Send OTP’. You will now receive an OTP on your mobile registered with Aadhaar.

7. Click the ‘Masked Aadhaar’ option: Check the box confirming ‘Do you want a masked Aadhaar?’.

8. Complete Verification: Give the OTP received and move on with ‘Verify and Download’.

9. Receive Downloaded File: Your masked Aadhaar will have been downloaded as a password-protected PDF file.

Password for PDF:

In the downloaded PDF, the password will be the first four letters of your name, as it appears on your Aadhaar (all capital letters), and your birth year. For instance, if a person’s name is Shyam, and he was born in 1997, his password will be SHYA1997.

Also Read: What is the Password to Open the Aadhaar Card PDF?

Things to Keep in Mind When Using Masked Aadhaar

Acceptance: Most private agencies accept the masked Aadhar. However, in some instances, banks or government agencies may request the full one.

Do Not Share Publicly: Even though the Aadhaar is masked, it still carries some level of personal information; therefore, do not share it carelessly over the phone or on unsecured digital platforms.

Password Security: Ensure you keep the Aadhaar PDF password confidential. Avoid storing it in places where you and others can easily access it.

To Conclude

Having a masked Aadhaar card is one of the most effective ways to protect your crucial identity data while serving the same purpose as the main Aadhaar card. Now that it is easily accessible via the official UIDAI website and is accepted as a legitimate document, it’s crucial to use it to reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

On a masked Aadhaar card, what kind of information is visible?

The card displays your photograph, basic demographic details, and only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number. This helps verify your identity while keeping the full number hidden for added privacy.

How can I download my masked Aadhaar card?

You can download your masked Aadhaar card from the official UIDAI website by selecting the “Download Aadhaar” option and choosing the masked Aadhaar format. It is available free of cost after verifying your Aadhaar number and completing OTP authentication.

What is the purpose of masked Aadhaar?

The purpose of a masked Aadhaar is to protect your privacy by hiding the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number. It allows identity verification without exposing the full number, reducing the risk of misuse.

Will a masked Aadhaar be valid for all KYC processes?

Private organisations generally accept a masked Aadhaar; however, the courts have ruled that they are not valid for government or banking KYC activities. You should verify this with the relevant authority.

Can a masked Aadhaar be used for applications under government schemes?

Generally speaking, in such official processes, government agencies require your Aadhaar number in full. Therefore, masked Aadhaar might not be accepted. It is more suitable for situations where only identity proof is required, such as at hotels or private organisations.

How many times can I download a masked Aadhaar?

There is no restriction on the number of times you can download your masked Aadhaar free of charge from the UIDAI website. This makes it convenient to access whenever you need a secure version for identity verification.

Is a masked Aadhaar equally authentic as a regular Aadhaar card?

Being digitally signed by UIDAI, every masked Aadhaar is as valid as an Aadhaar identity wherever it is accepted. The only difference lies in the visibility of the Aadhaar number; the masked Aadhaar gives better privacy since it covers most of the number.