Aadhaar eSign - How to Validate & How does Aadhaar eSign Works?

eSign Aadhaar allows individuals to digitally sign electronic documents using Aadhaar authentication without physical paperwork. Aadhaar eSign online provides a secure, paperless and legally valid alternative to authenticate documents from anywhere.

eSign Aadhaar Online Free - Overview

What is the Aadhaar eSign?

eSign Aadhaar is an online, paperless service that allows individuals to digitally sign electronic documents using Aadhaar authentication. If you have a valid Aadhaar card linked to your mobile number or email ID, you can utilise this feature.

Developed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the eSignature service relies on Aadhaar authentication and is governed under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act). The Aadhaar eSign provides a secure way to validate documents digitally, thereby reducing paperwork and saving time.

What Documents can be Signed using eSign Aadhaar?

You can use the Aadhaar-based eSign on a wide array of documents from different sectors. Here are a few examples of the same:

• Banking Forms: Account opening forms, KYC forms, loan applications, etc.
• Legal Agreements: Contracts, affidavits, legal authorisations, etc.
• Government Forms: Application forms for services, certificates, licences, etc.
• Insurance Documents: Policy applications, claims, and other insurance-related forms.
• Tax Documents: Income tax forms, GST returns, and other tax submissions.
• Healthcare Records: Patient consent forms, prescriptions, medical reports, etc.

You can use the Aadhaar eSign on any document where a digital signature is permissible and the service provider or organisation accepts Aadhaar-based digital signatures.

How to eSign in an Aadhaar Card?

Here are the steps to follow to use Aadhaar eSign:

• Upload the documents that you want to sign on the platform that supports Aadhaar eSign.
• Enter your Aadhaar details, which the system will use to fetch the demographic data from the UIDAI database. It helps in verifying your identity.
• You will receive OTP on your registered mobile number. It ensures your identity before proceeding with the eSignature process.
• Enter the OTP. The Electronic Signature Service Provider (ESP) will create a digital signature on your behalf. 
• Use the digital signature created by the ESP to sign your documents. The ESP will attach the digital signature to the document, making it a legally valid signed document.
• After the document is signed, you can download or share it directly from the platform.

How does Aadhaar-based eSign Work?

An Aadhaar holder can sign a document after completing a One Time Password (OTP) or Biometric authentication in the following manner:

I. Aadhaar eSign Based on OTP

In the OTP-based authentication, an OTP is generated and used to authenticate the identity of the signer through Aadhaar eKYC. The physical presence of the signer is not required at the time of verification. Here, the signer must enter his/her Aadhaar number online, followed by an OTP verification, after which the individual can use his/her digital signature.

II. Aadhaar eSign Based on Biometrics

In biometric-based authentication,  the signer’s identity is authenticated through Aadhaar eKYC based on his/her biometrics scan, such as via fingerprint or iris scan. The signer must be physically present during verification to scan his/her fingerprints or iris through a biometric device.

How Aadhaar eSign Ensures Secure Digital Signing

Aadhaar eSign can be integrated into applications through an Application Programming Interface (API). 

The signer's identity is verified using Aadhaar eKYC, while the digital signature is created on the eSign provider's backend server. The private keys are generated within a Hardware Security Module (HSM) for one-time use and destroyed immediately after signing to ensure security and prevent misuse.

Who are Aadhaar eSign Service Providers?

Aadhaar eSign services are facilitated in India by licensed Certifying Authorities (CAs) under the IT Act. These service providers are authorised by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) and UIDAI to provide eSign services based on Aadhaar authentication. Some of the primary Aadhaar eSign providers include:

• eMudhra: A licensed CA offering digital signatures and Aadhaar eSign services.
• Protean eGov Technologies Ltd: Provides Aadhaar eSign for various government and private entities.
• CDAC: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) offers Aadhaar eSign services.
• Capricorn Identity Services: Known for its digital signature and Aadhaar eSign solutions.

These providers ensure that Aadhaar eSign is widely available and integrated across multiple platforms, allowing you and business houses to authenticate and digitally sign documents easily.

How to Verify Aadhaar Signature Online?

You can verify the Aadhaar eSignature online using the UIDAI portal or the mAadhaar application. The following are detailed guides on how to verify your Aadhaar eSignature online.

I. Aadhaar Signature Verification Through UIDAI Portal

• Download the Aadhaar card from the UIDAI portal in PDF.
• Open the PDF with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Right-click on the yellow question mark and select the ‘Show signature Properties’ option.
• Next, click the ‘Show Signature’s Certificate’ option from the Signature Properties box.
• Click the ‘Trust’ tab and select the ‘Add to Trusted Certificates’ option.
• Select all the boxes and click ‘OK’ twice to return to Signature Properties.
• Click the ‘Validate Signature’ to complete the Aadhaar eSign validation process.

II. Aadhaar Signature Verification Through mAadhaar Application

• Download the mAadhaar mobile application from the Play Store or App Store.
• Enter your registered phone number in the application and confirm it by entering the OTP received on your mobile.
• Select the ‘Register My Aadhaar’ option from the application’s home screen and input all the required information to complete setting your profile.
• Your demographics and other relevant information will appear on the application.
• After that, you can download the e-Aadhaar card and authenticate the eSignature.

Is Aadhar-based eSign legally enforceable?

Yes, the Aadhaar eSign is legally enforceable for 3 functions mentioned below:

1. Authentication

Aadhaar eSign verifies the identity of the signer by referencing the details stored in the electronic signature certificates. 

2. Integrity

Aadhaar eSign ensures that whenever a document is opened with a PDF reader, the user will be notified if any changes are made to the document.

3. Non-repudiation

The Aadhaar eSign is designed in a way that makes it difficult for someone to deny their involvement, as it is linked to their Aadhaar card and secured through an OTP sent to their registered phone number.

Final Word

Aadhaar eSign enables individuals to sign documents digitally using Aadhaar authentication. It offers a secure, paperless and legally valid way to complete document signing for banking, government, insurance and other online services.