As the name suggests, a masked Aadhaar is an Aadhaar Card where the Aadhaar Number is masked or hidden. There are 12 digits printed on an Aadhaar Card. In a masked Aadhaar Card, the first 8 digits are masked or hidden by x’s and only the remaining 4 are visible.
Let’s see how to download a masked Aadhaar Card and its benefits.
How to Download Masked Aadhaar Card?
To download masked Aadhaar Card, follow the simple steps given below:
Step 1: Go to the UIDAI website.
Step 2: On the menu-bar at the top of the homepage, click “My Aadhaar” and select “Download Aadhaar” option.
Step 3: Once again, select “Download Aadhaar” widget.
Step 4: Choose any option – Aadhaar Number, Enrollment ID or Virtual ID.
Step 5: Enter the relevant detail as per the option you choose in Step 4.
Step 6: Click on “Send OTP”.
Step 7: Now here, select the option asking “Do you want a masked Aadhaar?”. (Refer the image given above)
Step 8: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar registered mobile number.
Step 9: Click on “Verify & Download” to get your Masked Aadhaar Card.
Benefits of a Masked Aadhaar Card
A masked Aadhaar Card is used in the same way as a regular Aadhaar Card. When presenting your Aadhaar Card for identification purposes, you can use this masked Aadhaar as well and no-one will deny the authenticity of it.
Also, masking the Aadhaar numbers adds one more layer to the safety of your ID proof. Many times when submitting an online form for banking or EPF linking with Aadhaar for instance, you have to manually enter your Aadhaar number.
If your Aadhaar Card is masked, nobody can use this information for any fraudulent activities.
Masked Aadhaar: FAQs
To mask anything is simply to cover it. In the same way, a masked Aadhaar Card is where the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar Number are masked by x’s and the remaining 4 are visible.
A masked Aadhaar Card can be downloaded at the UIDAI website easily by Aadhaar Number, Enrollment Number or Virtual ID.
No. You do not need to pay extra for a masked Aadhaar.
Yes. A masked Aadhaar Card is just like a regular Aadhaar Card and thus carries the same validity as that of an Aadhaar Letter, Aadhaar PVC or E-Aadhaar.
Read more about E-Aadhaar Card.
