Paperless Aadhaar: How to Use UIDAI Paperless Aadhaar for Offline Verification

Paperless Aadhaar: In today’s digital age, the Aadhaar card has become a quintessential document for identity verification across various sectors, from banking to obtaining a SIM card. However, the frequent sharing of the 12-digit Aadhaar number and biometrics has raised valid concerns regarding data privacy and potential misuse. To address these security challenges, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a secure solution known as ‘Paperless Aadhaar’ or ‘Offline e-KYC’.

Understanding Paperless Aadhaar

Paperless Aadhaar is essentially a secure, shareable electronic document digitally signed by UIDAI. The primary advantage of this facility is that it allows Aadhaar holders to verify their identity without revealing their core Aadhaar number or biometric details. The data is generated in a secure XML format, making it suitable for offline verification.

This XML file contains essential demographic details such as Name, Address, Photo, Gender, and Date of Birth. Additionally, it includes a hash of the registered mobile number and email address, along with a reference ID containing the last four digits of the Aadhaar number and a timestamp. This structure ensures that your identity is established without compromising sensitive data.

Why Should You Use It?

With the increasing risk of cyber fraud, protecting personal data is paramount. Traditional methods of sharing Aadhaar cards often lead to service providers storing your unique identification number, which can be risky. The Paperless Aadhaar offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Privacy: There is no need to share your full Aadhaar number.
• Data Security: Service providers cannot access or store your biometrics or the complete Aadhaar number.
• Convenience: It streamlines the KYC process for services like banking and telecom, making it safer for both the user and the verification entity.

Step-by-Step Download Guide

Generating your Paperless Aadhaar or Offline e-KYC file is a straightforward process. Users can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official UIDAI portal (uidai.gov.in) or open the mAadhaar mobile application.
2. Navigate to the ‘Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC’ section.
3. Enter your Aadhaar Number or Virtual ID (VID) along with the security code displayed on the screen, then click on ‘Send OTP’.
4. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
5. Create a ‘Share Code’ of your choice. This code will act as a password to access the downloaded ZIP file.
6. Click on ‘Download’ to save the digitally signed XML file to your device.

How to Utilize the Document

Once downloaded, you can share the ZIP file with any service provider or Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) requiring identity proof. You must also provide them with the ‘Share Code’ you created during the download process. This allows the provider to verify your identity offline instantly, without the need to collect or store your physical Aadhaar card or number, ensuring a secure and hassle-free experience.