Understanding Masked Aadhaar: Learn How to Use and Download It from the UIDAI Portal

With the rise in Aadhaar-based fraud , safeguarding your personal information has become crucial. Masked Aadhaar offers a smart solution to keep your sensitive data protected while ensuring that your identity can still be verified. Here’s everything you need to know about Masked Aadhaar, its validity, and how to download it.

What is Masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar is a privacy-focused version of your original Aadhaar card . It conceals the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number, leaving only the last four visible. Other personal details, such as your name, photo, and QR code, remain the same, ensuring your identity is still verifiable.

Why Use Masked Aadhaar?

• Enhanced Privacy: The primary benefit is that it hides your Aadhaar number, reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud.
• Prevents Misuse: By masking sensitive information, it adds an extra layer of protection against scams.
• Widely Accepted: Most institutions accept Masked Aadhaar for verification, making it a secure alternative to the full Aadhaar number.
• Convenience: You can easily share your Masked Aadhaar for identity verification without exposing the entire number.

Is Masked Aadhaar Valid Everywhere?

Masked Aadhaar is valid for most purposes requiring Aadhaar for identity proof, such as booking a hotel, travel, or job verification. However, some situations, like bank KYC or government subsidies, may require the full Aadhaar number. Always check the specific requirements of the institution you're dealing with.

How to Download Masked Aadhaar

Follow these simple steps to get your Masked Aadhaar:

1. Visit the official UIDAI website: uidai.gov.in.
2. Go to the “My Aadhaar” section and click on “Download Aadhaar.”
3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID (VID), along with your full name, postcode, and security code.
4. In the "Select your preference" section, choose the “Masked Aadhaar” option.
5. Request an OTP to be sent to your registered mobile number.
6.Verify the OTP and proceed to download your Masked Aadhaar in a password-protected PDF format.

Masked Aadhaar is a valuable tool for protecting your privacy while allowing you to use Aadhaar for identity verification. By downloading and using this version, you can ensure that your Aadhaar details remain secure, reducing the chances of misuse or fraud. Make sure to keep the PDF safe and avoid sharing it with unauthorized parties.