UIDAI recently introduced masked Aadhaar, to strengthen security against leakage or non-disclosure of UIDAI number. This new feature with Aadhaar masking allows the option to download eAadhaar, where only the last four digits of Aadhaar will be visible and not the full 12 digit number.
So users who are concerned about privacy can share their e-Aadhaar with confidence, as their masked e-Aadhaar will contain only the last four digits of their Aadhaar number. This feature proves to be very useful in cases where sharing of Aadhaar number is not mandatory.
Masked e-Aadhaar comes with a digital signature and is just as valid as regular Aadhaar or e-Aadhaar.
Comparison between masked vs regular Aadhaar
| Regular Aadhaar | Masked receptacle |
|---|---|
| Reveals the full 12-digit Aadhaar number | Reveals only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number |
What is masked receptacle?
Masked Aadhaar is an Aadhaar in a secure form where the first 8 digits of the 12 digits of the Aadhaar number are hidden and only the last four digits are mentioned.
Characteristics of masked receptacles
- Masked e-Aadhaar is the same as normal e-Aadhaar, and is valid like e-Aadhaar or normal Aadhaar letter.
- You can now share your e-Aadhaar without the fear of revealing your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Masked Aadhaar will hide the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number and all other information like demographic details, QR code and photograph will be visible.
- Residents can use the masked format of Aadhaar as a proof of identity document without revealing the Aadhaar number.
How to Download Masked Aadhaar Card
Residents who are interested in downloading their masked Aadhaar card, can download it by following the same regular process of downloading their e-Aadhaar.
The only difference here is that you have to select the Masked Aadhaar option while downloading. So to make the process easier, we have explained the complete steps involved in this download process
To download masked Aadhaar card, first you need to go to UIDAI official portal by accessing the link https://uidai.gov.in/
Once you land on the UIDAI homepage, just click on the Download Aadhaar link
This will open a new page called myAadhaar
From the myAadhaar page, just click on the Download Aadhaar option
This will take you to the eAadhaar download page
Make sure you have your Aadhaar, or Enrollment ID, or Virtual ID and your details handy
Select from I have Aadhaar or Enrollment ID or VID (whichever details you will have with you).
Enter your Aadhaar or Enrollment ID or VID in the field below
Solve the captcha image and click on Send OTP
Before entering the OTP field you will get an option “Would you like a masked receptacle?”Click on that option to enable masked Aadhaar download only
Enter the OTP and click on the Verify and Download button
The PDF file will start downloading
Once the document is successfully downloaded, open the file with PDF Reader Software
When prompted for a password, capitalize the first four letters of your name, followed by year of birth
Entering this password will enable you to open the document
After viewing, you will be able to find a difference between regular e-Aadhaar and masked Aadhaar that the UIDAI masked Aadhaar card will mention the last four digits of your Aadhaar number and the rest of the digits will be hidden.
Download masked Aadhaar using mAadhaar
To download Aadhaar in masked format using the mAadhaar app, install the mAadhaar app from the App Store.
Login to mAadhaar app using mobile number
Once logged in, tap on the Aadhaar Download option listed under All Services
On the next screen select your choice whether you want regular or masked Aadhaar
Just tap on Masked Aadhaar option to enable masked Aadhaar card download
On the next screen, select I have Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID) number or Enrollment ID number as per the details you have
Enter Aadhaar Number or VID or Enrollment ID whichever option you choose
Solve the captcha code and tap on Request OTP button
OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number
Enter the OTP code and click on the submit button
Tap on Open button to download Aadhaar
After opening the file, it will ask to enter the password
Enter the password which will be the first 4 letters of your name in capital letters and year of birth in YYY format
You can use this document wherever you want to prove your identity without revealing your Aadhaar number.
Click on the below button to know the process of downloading regular Aadhaar with full 12 digit number.
Can I order masked Aadhaar PVC card?
Masked Aadhaar can only be downloaded, it cannot be ordered in PVC format.
Can I download masked aadhar card without password?
The masked version of Aadhaar needs to complete OTP verification to download the file. So without OTP password it cannot be downloaded.
How to apply for Masked Aadhaar?
No separate application process is required to apply for masked Aadhaar, instead it can be downloaded online like regular Aadhaar.
How to download masked aadhaar without mobile number?
You cannot download masked version of Aadhaar without registered mobile number.