Masked Aadhaar Card: Download Usage and Safe Sharing

A masked Aadhaar is your regular eAadhaar with the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number replaced by “xxxx-xxxx” only the last four digits remain on show. Your photo name address and QR code are all still present so identity verification can happen without your full 12-digit number ever being visible. UIDAI issues it as a password-protected PDF through the standard myAadhaar portal.

Why Use a Masked Aadhaar?

Each time a full Aadhaar copy is submitted at a hotel a mobile store a courier company the complete number enters records outside your control. A masked copy addresses this directly. The verifier still sees your name photo and address which is enough to confirm your identity. The actual number stays off the page. For routine verification where a copy is being collected the masked format is the more appropriate choice.

How to Download a Masked Aadhaar

No fee applies. Keep your registered mobile number accessible for OTP verification.

Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and select Download Aadhaar
Enter your Aadhaar number VID or EID and complete the captcha
Click Send OTP and enter the code sent to your registered mobile
Tick the Masked Aadhaar checkbox before downloading this determines the format of the file
Download and open the PDF using your password

The password is the first four letters of your name in capitals followed by your four-digit birth year. For someone named Suresh, born in 1990, the password would be SURE1990. The masked format is also accessible via the Aadhaar app and DigiLocker. The Masked Aadhaar checkbox appears only on the official UIDAI portal if it is missing on any other site that site should not be used.

Is a Masked Aadhaar Legally Valid?

Yes though with one clear limitation. As an eAadhaar it is legally valid proof of identity and address under the Aadhaar Act for general verification. Where it cannot be used is any process requiring the full 12-digit number to be recorded or authenticated this includes Aadhaar-PAN linking DBT bank account seeding EPF claims and PMJAY hospital admissions. The standard eAadhaar is required for those purposes.

Masked Aadhaar vs. Virtual ID: Which One Applies

Both serve as privacy tools but work differently.

A masked Aadhaar is a PDF document where eight digits are concealed on the page. It is suited to situations where a physical or digital copy is being collected for records.

A Virtual ID (VID) is a 16-digit number used for live electronic authentication. The verifying agency confirms identity without accessing or storing the actual Aadhaar number.

Neither is suitable for number-based KYC which requires the complete Aadhaar number.

	Masked Aadhaar	Virtual ID (VID)
What it is	PDF document	16-digit number
What it hides	First 8 digits on the page	Your Aadhaar number entirely
Best used for	Handing over a copy	Live authentication / eKYC
Number-based KYC	Not accepted	Works as Aadhaar

Source: UIDAI uidai.gov.in

Sharing a Masked Aadhaar Safely

Even in masked format the document carries personal information and should be handled with care.

Download only from the official myAadhaar portal or Aadhaar app and verify the URL before entering any details
Write the purpose and date on the copy before sharing so it cannot be reused elsewhere
Share the password-protected PDF rather than a photo or screenshot
Avoid sending it over open WhatsApp groups or unsecured channels
Delete copies from messaging apps once verification is complete
Share only when there is a clear and specific need to do so

Written By

Vimal Vijayan

Senior Content Editor

Vimal Vijayan is a senior editor with a background in philosophy, research, music, and teaching, bringing a multidisciplinary lens to financial content and analysis. He specialises in refining complex financial ideas into clear, engaging narratives that support informed decision-making. With a strong interest in markets, problem-solving, and editorial precision, he combines analytical thinking with storytelling to produce content that is both insightful and accessible. Outside work, he enjoys chess, where strategy and patience continue to sharpen his perspective.

Reviewed By

Amit Prakash Singh

Co-Founder, Square Yards & Chief Business Officer, Urban Money

Amit Prakash Singh is the Chief Business Officer at Urban Money. With over nine years of experience at Square Capital, he has played a crucial role in establishing it as one of India's premier loan advisory services. Amit's deep financial insights and extensive knowledge have driven significant business growth and strategic advancements. He has successfully built and managed large sales teams, optimised costs, and created leaders within the industry. Amit's financial expertise and strategic vision are key to the ongoing success and expansion of Square Yards and Urban Money.

Last Updated: 3rd July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a masked Aadhaar card?

It is your eAadhaar with the first eight digits replaced by xxxx-xxxx showing only the last four. Your name photo address and QR code remain fully visible. UIDAI issues it as a password-protected PDF through the myAadhaar portal at no charge.

When should I use a masked Aadhaar?

For routine identity verification, hotel check-in, SIM purchase, institutional enrollment, and courier pickup, the verifier needs to confirm who you are but does not need your full number on record. Where the complete 12-digit number must be captured, such as for PAN linking or DBT seeding, the standard eAadhaar is required.

How do I download a masked Aadhaar?

Go to the myAadhaar portal select Download Aadhaar, enter your Aadhaar number, complete OTP verification, and tick the Masked Aadhaar checkbox before saving the file. The password is the first four letters of your name in capitals followed by your birth year. No charge applies.

Is a masked Aadhaar valid as identity proof?

Yes, for general identity and address verification under the Aadhaar Act. Where the full 12-digit number must be recorded or authenticated the standard eAadhaar must be used instead.

What information is hidden on a masked Aadhaar?

Only the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number displayed as xxxx-xxxx. The last four digits along with the name photograph address gender and QR code remain fully visible. No biometric data appears on any eAadhaar format.

Do banks accept a masked Aadhaar?

For general identity and address KYC verification yes. For seeding the Aadhaar number to a bank account for DBT purposes no all twelve digits are required. The masked format is suitable for identity confirmation not number-based seeding.

What is the difference between masked and standard Aadhaar?

Both are the same eAadhaar document, carrying equal legal standing. The only difference is that the masked version conceals the first eight digits. Use the masked format where identity confirmation is sufficient; use the standard format where the complete number must be on record.

How should a masked Aadhaar be shared safely?

Download from the official myAadhaar portal or Aadhaar app only. Mark the purpose and date on the copy before sharing. Send the password-protected PDF rather than an image avoid unsecured channels and delete copies from messaging apps once the verification is done.