Masked Aadhaar Card: Meaning, Use and How to Download 

An Aadhaar card serves as a unique identification document for Indian citizens. A masked Aadhaar card enhances security by concealing sensitive details while displaying only essential information. This feature is introduced to add an extra layer of security for the Aadhaar card holders in India. Read the blog to learn in detail its meaning, usage and download process.

What Is a Masked Card? 

Masked cards are a secured version of an Aadhaar card, displaying only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number. The first eight digits in the card are displayed as 'XXXX-XXXX'. Furthermore, a QR code is used for identity verification of an individual without disclosing any personal information. Fully legal, it is issued by UIDAI for enhanced security.

Benefits of a Masked Aadhaar Card

Masked cards have different benefits as follows:

• Aadhaar card holders can use this version for e-KYC in places where displaying an entire number is not required.
• Due to enhanced security, fraudsters cannot misuse it for fraudulent financial transactions. 
• You can easily download this card in a digital version or print it to get a physical version. 
• Most government and private organisations legally recognise this version of the Aadhaar card. 

When to Use a Masked Version of the Aadhaar Card?

In the below scenarios, you can use a masked version of an Aadhaar Card:

1. Authentication or Online Services

You can use a masked version of your Aadhaar Card to avail digital services or log in to online platforms. As proof of ID, sharing a masked Aadhaar Card ensures your full Aadhaar number remains concealed.

1. KYC Verification

You can use masked cards at institutions for e-KYC purposes that do not require a 12-digit Aadhaar card number. Submitting a masked card can fulfill the KYC documentation while keeping sensitive information concealed. 

1. Digital Platforms

While using e-commerce websites or registering on mobile applications that are asking for ID verification, this card is useful. Such platforms are prone to data theft and masked cards are helpful to protect from financial losses. 

How to Download a Masked Aadhaar Card? 

Follow the below masked Aadhaar download steps to hide your Aadhaar details:

Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI portal.

Step 2: Navigate to the 'My Aadhaar' tab and under 'Get Aadhaar' click on 'Download Aadhaar'.

Step 3: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 28-digit Enrolment ID in the specified section.

Step 4: Enter the CAPTCHA, select ‘Do you want a masked Aadhaar?’ and click ‘Send OTP’.

Step 4: Type the OTP received on your registered mobile number on the portal to access masked Aadhaar. 

Step 5:  Now, your masked Aadhaar card is ready to download and you can print it to keep a physical copy. 

How to Download the Card From Digilocker?

You can also download the card from the Digilocker application as mentioned below:

Step 1: Download the Digilocker application from your device’s app store. 

Step 2: Sign in using credentials such as Aadhaar number or username, mobile number and security PIN. 

Step 3: Navigate to the section known as ‘Issued Documents’.

Step 4: Find and download your masked Aadhaar using the 'Save' option.

How to Download a Masked Card Using the mAadhaar App? 

Follow the below steps to download your masked Aadhaar Card using the mAadhaar app:

Step 1: Open the app on your device and sign in with your credentials

Step 2: Navigate to ‘Download Aadhaar’ under ‘Get Aadhaar’ and choose ‘Masked Aadhaar’.

Step 3: Provide your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID or Virtual ID and fill in the captcha code. 

Step 4: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and enter it to validate your identity.

Step 5: Now, you can download and view your masked version of the Aadhaar Card. 

Key Points to Remember About Masked Aadhaar

The downloaded masked Aadhaar card is always password-protected, no matter the platform. Such a password consists of the first four letters of your name in the capital, followed by your birth year in YYYY format. If your name is Ayush Jain and your birth year is 1995, your masked Aadhaar password will be AYUS1995. Remember to keep your password secure to prevent any misuse.  

Limitations of a Masked Aadhaar Card

A masked version of an Aadhaar Card has a few limitations:

• Tax Returns: You need to provide your full Aadhaar Card to file an income tax return.
• Institution Acceptance: Some institutions might not accept or recognise a masked Aadhaar as ID proof.
• Biometric Authentication: Many services still require biometric or OTP-based validation, making it less convenient where internet services are not good.  
• Requirement of Full Aadhaar Number: Some online services might ask for a 12-digit Aadhaar number where you cannot utilise a masked Aadhaar. 

Differences Between a Masked Aadhaar and a Regular Aadhaar Card

Below are the key distinctions between two versions of the same card:

Final Word

A masked Aadhaar Card is a disguised version of your regular Aadhaar Card, displaying limited details for security. If you are an Aadhaar card holder, you can simply download the masked version from the UIDAI website. Downloading a masked Aadhaar does not levy any additional charges, making it completely free of cost.