Is Masked Aadhaar Valid Everywhere? Here's What You Need to Know
In today’s digital world, Aadhaar cards are used widely for identity verification . However, if your Aadhaar details fall into the wrong hands, it can lead to serious security risks, including fraud. To counter this, the Unique Identification Authority of India ( UIDAI ) introduced the concept of Masked Aadhaar to provide a safer way of sharing your Aadhaar information. Despite its importance, a report by PWC reveals that 73% of Indians are unaware of Masked Aadhaar. Here's everything you need to know about it.
What is Masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar is a version of the regular Aadhaar card where the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number are hidden, leaving only the last four digits visible. For example, it will show "xxxx-xxxx-1234", ensuring that your full Aadhaar number is protected. Although some parts of the number are hidden, the Masked Aadhaar remains valid for identity verification, thus minimizing the risk of misuse.
Is Masked Aadhaar Valid Everywhere?
A common question is whether Masked Aadhaar can be used in the same situations where a regular Aadhaar card is required. The answer is yes. Masked Aadhaar is legally recognized as equivalent to the full version of Aadhaar. It can be used as a valid identity proof in all places where regular Aadhaar is accepted.
Legal Validity of Masked Aadhaar
The UIDAI has clarified, through a circular dated 29th September 2020, that Masked Aadhaar, along with other versions like the regular Aadhaar card, e-Aadhaar, and m-Aadhaar, are all equally valid forms of identification. This means you can choose any version of Aadhaar that suits your needs for identity verification.
How to Download Your Masked Aadhaar Card
If you want to download your Masked Aadhaar for added security, follow these steps:
- Visit the official UIDAI website at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and click "Login."
- Enter your Aadhaar number, captcha, and then click "Login with OTP."
- After OTP verification, click on the "Download Aadhaar" option.
- On the next page, select the option “Do you want a masked Aadhaar?” and then click "Download."
- Your Masked Aadhaar will be downloaded as a PDF. To open it, you will need a password.
The password is created by using the first four letters of your name in capital letters, followed by your birth year in the YYYY format. For example, if your name is "Komal" and your year of birth is 2001, the password will be "KOMA2001."
What to Do If Your Masked Aadhaar Is Not Accepted?
If someone refuses to accept your Masked Aadhaar, you have the right to file a complaint. For instance, if a hotel or pub does not recognize it as valid identification, you can lodge a complaint through UIDAI’s toll-free helpline (1947) or email at help@uidai.gov.in.
When to Use Masked Aadhaar
To ensure the security of your Aadhaar details, you should use Masked Aadhaar whenever possible, especially at unlicensed institutions like pubs, cinemas, and hotels. These places are not authorized to collect and store your Aadhaar details. On the other hand, only verified and licensed institutions are allowed to collect such information. Therefore, it’s safer to use Masked Aadhaar in these environments rather than sharing your complete Aadhaar number.
By using Masked Aadhaar, you are taking a significant step toward safeguarding your personal data and reducing the risk of identity theft.