A masked Aadhaar card is a privacy-enhanced version of your Aadhaar where the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number are hidden while the last 4 digits remain visible. Issued by UIDAI, it is digitally signed and can be used as valid identity proof in many situations. This guide explains how to download a masked Aadhaar card online using your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID (EID), or Virtual ID (VID).
Key Highlights
- Masked Aadhaar Card Download Options: Download your masked Aadhaar using your Aadhaar Number, Enrolment ID (EID), or Virtual ID (VID).
- Digital & Offline Access: Download it through the myAadhaar portal, the Aadhaar app, or visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
- Legally Valid: A masked Aadhaar is digitally signed by UIDAI and is accepted as a valid proof of identity.
- Password-Protected PDF: The downloaded file is encrypted and can be opened using the first four letters of your name (in CAPITALS) followed by your birth year (YYYY).
A masked Aadhaar card is a privacy-enhanced version of your Aadhaar in which the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number are hidden and only the last 4 digits are visible. It contains your photograph, demographic details, QR code and other Aadhaar information, and is digitally signed by UIDAI.
Since it is issued directly by UIDAI, it is legally valid and can be used as identity proof wherever a full Aadhaar number is not specifically required.
You can complete a masked Aadhaar card download through the myAadhaar portal or the official Aadhaar app. If you are unable to use either of these options, you can also visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
Step 1: Visit the official myAadhaar portal.
Step 2: Click Download Aadhaar.
Step 3: Select one of the following options:
Step 4: Enter the selected ID number and the captcha code.
Step 5: Select the 'Do you want a Masked Aadhaar?' checkbox.
Step 6: Click Send OTP.
Step 7: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click Verify & Download.
You can also download a masked Aadhaar card using the official Aadhaar app on your smartphone.
Step 1: Download and open the official Aadhaar app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Step 2: Log in using your registered Aadhaar profile. If you are using the app for the first time, complete the Face Authentication setup and create a 6-digit app PIN.
Step 3: Tap Download Aadhaar from the home screen.
Step 4: Choose your preferred identification method:
Step 5: Enter the required details and select the 'Masked Aadhaar' option.
Step 6: Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number or a Time-based OTP (TOTP), if available.
Step 7: Tap Download. Your masked Aadhaar will be saved securely on your device.
If you do not have internet access or your registered mobile number is unavailable, you can obtain a printed copy of your masked Aadhaar from an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
Step 1: Visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Step 2: Provide your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID (EID), or Virtual ID (VID) to the operator.
Step 3: If you do not have these details, complete biometric authentication to verify your identity.
Step 4: The operator will retrieve your Aadhaar details and generate the masked Aadhaar.
Step 5: Pay the applicable service charge, if any, and collect the printed copy.
The downloaded masked Aadhaar card is protected with a password to secure your personal information.
The password is the first four letters of your name in CAPITAL letters followed by your birth year (YYYY).
A masked Aadhaar card helps protect your privacy by hiding your full Aadhaar number while remaining a valid identity document issued by UIDAI. You can complete a masked Aadhaar card download online or offline using your Aadhaar number, Enrolment ID, or Virtual ID whenever you need a safer version of your Aadhaar for identity verification.