How does Masked Aadhar Card Work?

Keeping the issue of data privacy in mind, the government has recently developed a Masked Version of the Aadhar card. The Aadhar card masked is a version of the Aadhar card that offers a more secure way to protect private information. The Aadhar card was issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is a 12-digit code for identification. To prevent any fraudulence, the government introduced the Aadhar card masked version.

What is a Masked Version of an Aadhar Card?

The masked Aadhar upgrade allows the person to mask the initial 8 digits of the Aadhar card number. The other 4 digits of the card stay visible. When one downloads this new version of Aadhar, one can still see the photo, QR code, and demographic details. The UIDAI will sign the card. The card, therefore, becomes eligible and valid.

Anyone can use this version of the card at places that need Aadhar as identity proof. One can provide a masked Aadhaar card to verify the photo with the last four digits of the unique ID.

Security of Masked Aadhar Card

According to the UIDAI official website, the Masked Aadhar card is an option that allows one to “mask” their Aadhar number in their downloaded e-Aadhaar. It replaces the first eight digits of the Aadhaar card with “XXXX-XXXX.” Only the last four digits are visible. 

Such an Aadhar card is legally viable, and one can use it as it displays the name and picture, and address of the cardholder. One can use the masked Aadhaar card for safety and security. A situation may arise when one uses the masked Aadhaar card as an identity marker.  It displays your picture and name and is more than enough for identification.

Masked Version of Aadhar Card To Prevent Fraud

UIDAI is aware of the issue of the fraud that many commit by printing and using fake or fraudulent Aadhaar cards. Therefore, the UIDAI introduced the masked Aadhaar card, which is identical to the original one, but the only difference is that the first 8-digits are not visible.

According to the Aadhaar Act (2016), the Masked Aadhaar card and the e-card are valid. The masked card gives access to a secure website to prevent fraudulent behaviour. People can safely download their Aadhaar card from the website. The unique characteristics of the Aadhar card masked version do not allow easy replication or fraud.

Other Advantages of Using Masked Version Aadhar Card

Other than the privacy issue and to prevent fraud, the masked card also allows hosts other benefits. The masked Aadhaar card allows the partial masking of the number. They can use the card in situations without revealing their details.

One of the reasons why the privacy security of the masked version of the Adhaar card is tighter than the regular one is that only the cardholder can use it. A person can download the masked card at any time, whereas to obtain a regular and the original one, they must make several trips to the office of the local government. This proof of identity is valid across a variety of institutions and tasks.

Validity of Masked Aadhar Card

Like the regular Aadhar card, the masked Aadhar is legitimate identification evidence. People can use it by train or plane for hotel reservations and other official purposes. The version of the Aadhar card is valid for the person’s lifetime.

But the only thing it cannot substitute the original card for is to receive government benefits like social programs and subsidies. People who need these subsidies need to apply with an original Adhaar card. 

Protect Your Masked Aadhar With Password

It is best to use passwords to safeguard the vital information of your government documents. UIDAI knows about this practice, and therefore one can access the security features of the masked Aadhaar card and the uploads with password protection.

The passcode or password to unlock the masked Aadhaar card is eight digits. The password is a combination of the first four letters of your name in CAPITAL, and then the last four numbers are your year of birth (YYYY). For instance, if someone has the name Priyanjana and was born in 1991, their password is PRIY1991.

How to Download the Masked Version?

Now that you know the use and the benefits of the masked Aadhaar card and how to password-protect it, download it. The only way to access the masked Aadhaar card is through e-Aadhaar. The e-Aadhaar is an electronic version of the Aadhaar, which has password protection.

Anyone can download the masked Aadhaar card from their device through the UIDAI website. There are three methods to download the masked Aadhaar card. They are;

• Aadhaar number
• Enrolment ID, a.k.a EID
• Virtual ID, otherwise known as  VID

Let’s take an in-depth look at each procedure.

1.  Using Your Aadhar Card Information

With your original Aadhaar card, you can receive the masked Aadhaar card or the e-Aadhaar in just a few easy steps:

• Search the official website link to open the website for UIDAI
• Select “My Aadhaar” and click on “download Aadhaar.”
• Enter and confirm your 12-digit UID
• Select the option of masked Aadhaar to get a disguised Aadhaar card
• The first 8 digits remain hidden; as mentioned, only the last four are visible. If you do not want to click the option, you can receive the e-Aadhaar with the 14 digits of the Aadhaar number.
• Enter the captcha code
• Press send OTP

2.  Using Your Enrolment ID

Use an Enrolment ID (EID) instead of your original Aadhaar card for downloading the masked Aadhaar card. You can use this in place of your physical card. You can download the masked Aadhaar card with the EID:

• Enter the EID number, which has 14 digits.
• Click on “I want a masked Aadhaar.”
• Validate the human verification and then click on “Request OTP” that your registered phone number will receive.
• Enter and validate the OTP before you download the Aadhaar card that the site generates.

3. How to Use a Virtual ID

The third and last method of applying for a masked Aadhaar card is through the Virtual ID. You must do the following to download the masked Aadhaar card.

• Go to the “Aadhaar Services” website and click on the “My Aadhaar” section
• Find the option for the “Virtual ID (VID) Generator
• Enter the 12-digit number and confirm it with the image or human verification code
• Press “Send OTP” to send the OTP to the registered mobile number
• Enter the OTP to create the Virtual ID
• Use the Virtual ID to download the Masked Aadhaar Card
• Go to the “Download Aadhaar” option under “My Aadhaar” to choose the “Virtual ID (VID).”
• You can select the option to make the e-Aadhaar card number private after providing your Virtual ID
• When you select the “Submit OTP” option, the website finishes the captcha code verification
• Once again, an OTP will come to your mobile number, which you enrolled
• Enter the OTP and receive the Aadhaar as a masked Aadhaar card or an E-Aadhaar card version.

Flexibility of Masked Aadhaar Card

The masked Aadhaar card is flexible and can be used in various official procedures. You can also use it in the bank. The masked Aadhaar card can create and open a new bank account. Since it is a valid identification document, it allows one to open a bank account.