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

Signing a document digitally is a lengthy process involving multi-layered KYC verification and security and data risks. However, Aadhaar-based eSignature has proven to reduce carbon imprints and offer the convenience of remote access. Moreover, it is secure and fast to sign a document in India. 

In this article, we will discuss how Aadhaar eSign works, its features, how to eSign and more. 

What is the Aadhaar eSign?

Aadhaar eSign is an online and paperless process for digitally signing a document. 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 are the Features of Aadhaar eSign?

The following are some of the key features of Aadhaar eSign:

• Unlimited Signing Capability

Aadhaar eSign offers an unrestricted signing capacity, catering to all business sizes. It provides flexibility and scalability to small teams or large enterprises.

• Tailored Document Templates

You can create and deploy personalised templates for various business document types. It streamlines the signing process and ensures uniformity and efficiency in documentation workflows.

• Multiple Document Support

Aadhaar eSign enables signing of several documents very quickly, whether it be in the PDF or docx format. This will further optimise scaling and efficiency, especially when there are multiple agreements that need to be signed in one go.

• Multi-Party and Multi-Location Signing 

This Aadhaar e-sign comes with a feature where multiple signatories from different locations can sign the same document. It is mainly used in situations where you have to take signatures from different shareholders.

• Adaptable Signing Sequence

Aadhaar eSign comes in handy when signing different documents in sequence or parallel. It caters to different workflows and requirements without affecting the quality of the signed document. It ensures seamless alignment with many business process requirements and enhances efficiency.

• Advanced Encryption Protocols

Aadhaar eSign prefers top-tier security and employs industry-grade cryptosystems and encryption protocols. It ensures the confidentiality and integrity of signed documents and aligns with the strict industry security standards.

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:

•  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.

• 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.

Aadhaar eSign can be integrated into several service delivery options through an Application Programme Interface (API) or Open API. Application Service Providers (ASPs) can integrate eSign into their existing platforms and applications to enable Aadhaar holders to sign electronic forms and documents digitally. 

The authentication of the signer (individual) will be done using the eKYC service, and the signature will be carried out on the eSign provider’s backend server. The eSign user’s private keys are made on the Hardware Security Module (HSM) and destroyed immediately after one use to maintain security and prevent its 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 eSign in an Aadhaar Card?

Here are the steps to follow to use Aadhaar eSign:

Step 1: Upload the documents that you want to sign on the platform that supports Aadhaar eSign.

Step 2: Enter your Aadhaar details, which the system will use to fetch the demographic data from the UIDAI database. It helps in verifying your identity.

Step 3: You will receive OTP on your registered mobile number. It ensures your identity before proceeding with the eSignature process.

Step 4: Enter the OTP. The Electronic Signature Service Provider (ESP) will create a digital signature on your behalf. 

Step 5: 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.

Step 6: After the document is signed, you can download or share it directly from the platform.

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 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.

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.

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.

Aadhaar eSign is a secure, convenient, and legally recognised method for digitally signing documents. It streamlines the signing process while ensuring document authenticity. This is aimed at providing a reliable alternative for using physical signatures and encourages paperless transactions across all sectors. Aadhaar e-sign has become necessary as it adds signing value to security for online transactions in India.