Masked Aadhaar Download – Complete Guide 2025

The Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is one of the most important identity documents in India. While it is widely accepted, people often worry about the risk of identity theft when sharing their full Aadhaar number.

To address these concerns, UIDAI introduced the option of Masked Aadhaar. This is a secure, digitally signed version of your Aadhaar in which only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number are visible, while the rest are masked (hidden).

In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about Masked Aadhaar Download — what it is, how to download it, its benefits, step-by-step process, differences from regular Aadhaar, and FAQs.

🔑 What is Masked Aadhaar?

Masked Aadhaar is a secure version of your e-Aadhaar in which the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number are hidden. Only the last four digits are visible.

For example:

  • Normal Aadhaar: 1234 5678 9012
  • Masked Aadhaar: XXXX XXXX 9012

Other details such as your name, photo, date of birth, address, and QR code remain the same.

👉 Note: Masked Aadhaar is equally valid as a regular Aadhaar for identity verification.

📌 Why Download Masked Aadhaar?

  1. Privacy Protection – Prevents misuse of Aadhaar number.
  2. Safe Sharing – Use for job applications, school admissions, etc. where full Aadhaar is not needed.
  3. Legally Valid – UIDAI has declared masked Aadhaar a valid form of identity proof.
  4. Digitally Signed – e-Aadhaar (including masked Aadhaar) comes with UIDAI’s digital signature.
  5. Free of Cost – Can be downloaded anytime from UIDAI portal.

🛠️ Features of Masked Aadhaar

  • Last four digits visible, first eight hidden.
  • Contains secure QR code for offline verification.
  • Digitally signed by UIDAI.
  • Available in PDF format.
  • Password protected for additional safety.
  • Accepted by government and private organizations.

📱 How to Download Masked Aadhaar Online (Step by Step)

UIDAI allows Aadhaar holders to download their masked Aadhaar directly from the portal.

Step 1: Visit UIDAI Website

Step 2: Login with Aadhaar

  • Enter your Aadhaar number (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID).
  • Enter the captcha code.
  • Click Send OTP.

Step 3: Verify OTP

  • Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
  • Click Login.

Step 4: Download Aadhaar

  • Select Download Aadhaar option.
  • Choose “Masked Aadhaar” option.
  • Click Download.

Step 5: Open PDF File

  • The downloaded Aadhaar will be a password-protected PDF.
  • Password is a combination of the first four letters of your name (in CAPS) + year of birth.

👉 Example: Name: Rahul Kumar, DOB: 1990 → Password = RAHU1990

📧 How to Download Masked Aadhaar via mAadhaar App

  1. Download mAadhaar app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  2. Register using your Aadhaar and OTP.
  3. Select Download Aadhaar.
  4. Choose Masked Aadhaar.
  5. Save the PDF on your phone.

📩 How to Get Masked Aadhaar via Digilocker

  1. Login to DigiLocker.
  2. Link Aadhaar with DigiLocker.
  3. Select UIDAI → Aadhaar.
  4. Choose Masked Aadhaar option.
  5. Download instantly.

📋 Documents Needed for Masked Aadhaar Download

  • Aadhaar Number (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID)
  • Registered Mobile Number (for OTP)
  • Internet connection

💰 Charges for Masked Aadhaar

  • Online Download: Free of cost.
  • PVC Aadhaar (Physical Card): ₹50 (speed post included).

📊 Difference Between Masked Aadhaar & Regular Aadhaar

FeatureRegular AadhaarMasked Aadhaar
Aadhaar Number VisibilityFull (12 digits)Last 4 digits only
Privacy ProtectionLowHigh
Security LevelStandardEnhanced
Legally ValidYesYes
Best Use CaseBanking, Income Tax, PAN LinkingJob applications, KYC sharing, schools

🛡️ Security Benefits of Masked Aadhaar

  1. Prevents Aadhaar number leakage.
  2. Reduces risk of fraud/identity theft.
  3. Safer to share with private organizations.
  4. Digitally signed, ensuring authenticity.
  5. Includes secure QR code for verification.

❌ Limitations of Masked Aadhaar

  • Not always accepted in cases where full Aadhaar number is mandatory (e.g., Income Tax e-filing, PAN linking).
  • OTP can only be sent to registered mobile number.
  • Some offline organizations may not accept masked Aadhaar if they require Aadhaar number entry.

🔍 How to Verify Masked Aadhaar

  1. Go to UIDAI portal → Verify Aadhaar.
  2. Upload masked Aadhaar PDF or scan QR code.
  3. Verify digital signature using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

📝 Common Problems While Downloading

  1. OTP not received – Check if mobile is registered with Aadhaar.
  2. Wrong password entered – Remember it is FIRST 4 letters of name + Year of Birth.
  3. Technical error – Try again after some time.
  4. Mobile number not linked – Update at Aadhaar Seva Kendra first.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is masked Aadhaar valid?
Yes, UIDAI confirms masked Aadhaar is equally valid as a normal Aadhaar.

Q2. Can I use masked Aadhaar for PAN linking?
No, PAN linking requires full Aadhaar number.

Q3. How many times can I download masked Aadhaar?
Unlimited, free of cost.

Q4. Is masked Aadhaar safe to share?
Yes, because the first 8 digits are hidden.

Q5. Can I order a masked Aadhaar PVC card?
No, UIDAI issues PVC with full Aadhaar, not masked.

Q6. Is mobile number mandatory for masked Aadhaar download?
Yes, for OTP authentication.

Q7. Can NRIs download masked Aadhaar?
Yes, if they have Aadhaar and registered mobile.

✅ Final Thoughts

Masked Aadhaar is a smart privacy feature introduced by UIDAI that lets you use Aadhaar safely without revealing your full Aadhaar number. It is free, secure, and valid across India.

  • Use masked Aadhaar when sharing with private organizations, employers, or schools.
  • Use regular Aadhaar when mandatory (e.g., PAN linking, IT returns).

👉 In 2025, as digital identity becomes more crucial, downloading and using Masked Aadhaar is the safest way to protect your Aadhaar details while still enjoying the benefits of a universal ID.

Scroll to Top