How to Download a Masked Aadhaar Card?

How to Download a Masked Aadhaar Card?

Have you noticed that an aadhar card is one of the most asked-for identification proofs? You find yourself reaching out for it the first thing when you are required to submit your identity proof. Do you also feel your aadhar has your sensitive personal information linked with it that you would not want to be shared with just everyone? Whether you have paid heed to it or not, protecting your personal information should be non-negotiable. UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has come up with a solution to solve this problem. With the help of a masked aadhar card, you can protect your information while fulfilling the requirement of verification proof. 

What is the meaning of a masked aadhar card

A masked aadhaar card is an aadhar card that gives you the option to conceal the first eight digits of your aadhar number in your downloaded aadhar card. This facility enables you to download a special aadhar card with only the last four digits displayed on it. The twelve digits are partially covered, out of which the first eight appear like ‘XXXX XXXX’ in a masked aadhaar card. This unique version of the aadhaar card still displays your photograph, smart QR code, demographic details, and other necessary information. 

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced this brilliant feature keeping the safety of the users’ data in mind. Many people are not aware of it, but it is advisable to share the masked version of your Aadhaar card to ensure the safety of your personal details. The card has been made accessible to everyone, and you can access your version of the masked card in a few simple steps. 

How to download a masked aadhar card

Masked aadhar card download is no rocket science and can be done in ten easy steps. Follow the below-mentioned steps to download your masked aadhaar card

Step 1: Visit the UIDAI portal, i.e., go to https://uidai.gov.in.

Step 2 – Choose the ‘My Aadhaar’ option from the top left corner of the portal.

Step 3 – Select the fourth option, i.e. ‘Download Aadhaar’

Step 4 – Fill in your 12-digit aadhar number in the given section to download an electronic copy of your aadhar card.

Step 5- Once you have put in the digits, tick the ‘I want a masked Aadhaar?’ option.

Step 6- Enter the captcha verification code to proceed.

Step 7- A one-time password gets sent to your registered number; enter the OTP in the given space.

Step 8- Once the OTP has been entered, you will be required to take a quick survey. Tick your desired options and proceed

Step 9- Click on ‘Verify and download’ 

A password-protected electronic copy of your aadhar card will be downloaded in the form of a PDF.

Step 10-  To access the document put the first four letters of your name as they appear on the 

aadhar card and your year of birth without a gap as the password.

Reasons to consider getting a masked aadhar 

1) Protect your information

An Aadhaar card records ten fingerprints, two iris scans, and other sensitive information linked to your aadhar number. This information needs an extra layer of protection and requires a delicate approach to distributing it. While it may not be possible in some circumstances to avoid sharing your aadhar card details, you can still protect them once you mask your number. You can prevent any potential aadhar card data leaks with this simple technique and continue to use your aadhaar carefree.

2) Stay safe from scammers:

You have to be more careful using your aadhar as it could lead to impersonation, i.e., someone misusing your identity. Your details in the wrong hands could harm you; rolling out the copies of your Aadhar to delivery agents, travel agents, and whoever asks for it is not advisable. However, sometimes it is unavoidable to hold back your Aadhar details as it is required in various places for verification purposes. In such scenarios, sharing a masked aadhaar will enable you to safeguard your information while fulfilling the requirements; you can practice this to stay safe from the scammers who might misuse your valuable information.

Ease of access 

The process of downloading a masked aadhaar card is no longer than a 10 minutes procedure. It can be done with the comfort of sitting at your home. All you need is a phone/tablet/laptop and an internet connection to get your masked aadhar. It can be downloaded online in the form of a PDF and can be accessed with a password created uniquely for you. The process is neither tedious nor time-consuming. Investing a few minutes to get your masked copy of the Aadhaar card can protect you from fraudulent activities. 

Validity of the masked adhaar

As a masked Aadhaar is signed by UIDIA, it will be accepted as identification proof without any obstacles. However, if you still find someone questioning the authenticity of your masked card, you can educate them about this recently popularised feature. 

Just like a regular Aadhaar card, a masked one is also a valid proof of identity. Moreover, it does not come with an expiration date and can be used for verification purposes by the user wherever they want. While the masked aadhaar can easily be used for identification purposes anywhere, you will still be required the regular one to avail of government benefits like welfare schemes and other subsidies. 

To sum up 

UIDAI decided to provide a safer alternative, i.e., a masked aadhaar card. It’s a form of e-aadhar card that can be downloaded online and used in most places. Though this feature was introduced five years ago, it was not popularised until recently when the government issued an advisory that asked people to only share their masked Aadhaar copies for verification.

The masked digits ensure privacy protection, and the visible four digits work as identity proof securely. Until now, you were forced to share the aadhar digits due to the lack of an option to mask them. The masked one enables you to not share your entire aadhar number where it is not necessary, making any verification process safer for you. 

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