The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) recently issued a statement advising citizens to use a masked copy of their Aadhaar cards to protect sensitive information from organisations that might misuse it, despite the fact that it is one of the most commonly used identification documents for KYC verification in India. Therefore, you have come to the right spot if you want to learn what a masked Aadhaar card is and how to download your own masked card. To learn more, see the details below.
Masked Aadhaar Card: Explained (2022)
What is a Masked Aadhaar Card?
The first 8 digits of your unique Aadhaar number are buried and indicated with an x on masked Aadhaar cards, which are fundamentally the same as standard downloaded e-Aadhaar cards but with your Aadhaar number partially hidden to safeguard your privacy. Only the final four digits of your Aadhaar number are visible on the mask Aadhaar card.
However, it is important to note that no additional data will be concealed on this unique Aadhaar card but the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number. Therefore, the digital version of your mask Aadhaar card will still show your photo, DOB, address, and other information.
Is Masked Aadhaar Card Valid and Should I Use It?
A disguised Aadhaar card can be used for KYC and eKYC verifications and is just as valid as a regular Aadhaar card, to speak of. It is significant to remember that the data shown on a masked Aadhaar card is identical to that shown on a standard Aadhaar card, with the exception of the initial 8 digits. And in the majority of circumstances, businesses simply need a customer’s name, address, and date of birth for KYC verification, not their Aadhaar number.
Therefore, if you’re unsure if you can utilise a disguised Aadhaar card for your upcoming KYC/e-KYC verifications, you can absolutely do so. In order to protect your privacy and stop unauthorised use of your Aadhaar number, we actually advise you to exclusively use the masked Aadhaar card moving forward.
How to Download Your Masked Aadhaar Card
There are a few simple ways to obtain your camouflaged Aadhaar card, which brings us to the topic of how to do it. Follow the instructions below to download your masked Aadhaar card via the MyAadhaar website and mobile app:
Download Masked Aadhaar Card Using myAadhaar Website
- Open the myAadhaar website on your laptop or desktop using your desired web browser.
- Click the Login button to log into your Aadhaar account using your Aadhaar number and an OTP that you will receive on your registered mobile number.
- On your myAadhaar Dashboard, click the Download Aadhaar option to initiate the download process.
- Now, on the preview page, you will see a faded-out Do you want a masked Aadhaar? option at the top. Select the checkmark to download a masked Aadhaar card.
- Now, click the Download button at the bottom to get your masked Aadhaar card.
The password-protected PDF file containing the disguised Aadhaar card can be downloaded by inputting the first four letters of your registered name (in all capital letters) and the year of your DOB. You can view a screenshot of my Aadhaar card with my mask affixed directly below. The Aadhaar number is significant in this situation, even though I have disguised some of the sensitive data. In this digital format, the Aadhaar number simply displays the final four digits.
Download Masked Aadhaar Card Using mAadhaar App
- Download the mAadhaar app (Free, Android and iOS) on your smartphone. Then, log into the app with your phone number.
- On the dashboard, tap the Download Aadhaar option under the All Services section.
- Next, tap and select the Masked Aadhaar option on the Select your Preference page.
- Now, on the next page, you can either provide your Aadhaar Number, Virtual ID (ID) Number, or an Enrolment ID Number to start the download process.
Note:If you have the VID and EID on hand, you can utilise these as backup choices. Currently, the app is the only way to access these choices. However, I have downloaded my masked Aadhaar card for this narrative using my 12-digit Aadhaar Number.
- After you provide the required details, you will receive an e-copy of your masked Aadhaar card. You can download it as a PDF file and save it on your device s local storage. The password for the downloaded file will be the first four digits of your name and your birth year, the same as explained above.
Get Masked Digital Aadhaar Card for Greater Privacy
These are the two simplest methods for downloading your disguised Aadhaar card into your computer, laptop, or mobile device. The e-Aadhaar card can be downloaded once, then used for subsequent KYC verifications or self-identification. Please let us know in the comments section below if you found this article to be useful. Don’t forget to share it with your relatives and friends as well to let them know about this incredibly helpful tool.
