In today’s digital-first world, securing your identity is very important. In India, Aadhaar plays a central role as an identity card. Because of its importance, UIDAI has witnessed a growth in the misuse of Aadhaar as well. To prevent Aadhaar holders from this misuse, UIDAI has comeup with a feature called masked Aadhaar Card, which is a conscious and more protected version of the paper Aadhaar Card. 

What is a Masked Aadhaar Card?

A Masked Aadhaar Card is a digitally secure version of the traditional Aadhaar card, where only the last 4 digits of your 12-digit Aadhaar number are visible. The first eight digits are replaced with X mask (e.g., XXXX XXXX 1234). This ensures that while your Aadhaar remains valid for identification purposes, your full Aadhaar number is not exposed. This feature helps in reducing the risk of misuse.

The Masked Aadhaar card still displays all other details such as:

• Your photograph
• Name
• Date of Birth
• Address
• Gender
• QR code (for quick, secure verification)

• 16-digit Virtual ID (VID)

This version is legally valid and accepted for most identity verification purposes, especially where disclosure of the full Aadhaar number is not mandatory.

How to Download Masked Aadhaar Card?

UIDAI provides several ways to download masked Aadhaar Card. Check the entire methods below. Proceed with the one you are comfortable with to download your masked Aadhaar Card. 

• Method 1: Download Masked Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number
• Method 2: Download Masked Aadhaar Using EID
• Method 3: Download Masked Aadhaar Using VID
• Method 4: Download Masked Aadhaar Using mAadhaar App

Method 1: Download Masked Aadhaar Using Aadhaar Number

Follow these steps to download the Masked Aadhaar using your Aadhaar number:

Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in or go directly to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

Step 2: Click on “Download Aadhaar” under the “Get Aadhaar” section.

Step 3: Select the option “Aadhaar Number”

Step 4: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and complete the CAPTCHA verification.

Step 5: Tick the checkbox “Do You want a masked Aadhaar?”

Step 6: Click on “Send OTP.”

Step 7: Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Step 8: Click on “Verify and Download.”

Step 9: Your masked Aadhaar will be downloaded in PDF format.

Step 10: Use the password to open the file. The password is a combination of the first 4 letters of your name (as mentioned in Aadhaar, in UPPERCASE) and your birth year. Example: If your name is Priya Singh and your DOB is 1992, your password is PRIY1992.

Method 2: Download Maksed Aadhaar Card Using Enrolment ID (EID)

If you haven’t received your Aadhaar number yet but have an enrolment ID, you can still download a masked Aadhaar.

Steps:

1. Visit: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricDownloadAadhaar

2. Select the “Enrollment ID (EID)” option.

3. Enter your 28-digit EID (found on the Aadhaar enrolment slip).

4. Enter CAPTCHA.

5. Select “Masked Aadhaar.”

6. Click on “Send OTP.”

7. Enter OTP and verify.

8. Download the masked Aadhaar PDF.

9. Use the same name+year password format to open it.

Method 3: Download Masked Aadhaar Card Using Virtual ID (VID)

Virtual ID (VID) is a 16-digit temporary, revocable number issued by UIDAI, which can be used in place of your actual Aadhaar number for authentication purposes. It ensures better privacy and helps you avoid exposing your full Aadhaar number. If you already have your VID, you can use it to download your Masked Aadhaar Card online.

Step 1: Visit the Official UIDAI Download Portal

Go to the official UIDAI Aadhaar download page: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricDownloadAadhaar

Step 2: Choose “VID” as Your Identifier

On the form page:

• You will see three options to proceed: Aadhaar Number, Enrollment ID, and VID.
• Select the third option: VID (Virtual ID).

Step 3: Enter Your 16-digit VID

• Carefully enter your 16-digit Virtual ID.
• Make sure you don’t confuse it with your Aadhaar number.
• Enter the CAPTCHA code shown on the screen to verify you’re human.

Step 4: Choose the Type of Aadhaar

• Tick the checkbox that says “Do You want a Masked Aadhaar” if you prefer a version with only the last 4 digits visible.
• If you skip this checkbox, you will download the regular (full) Aadhaar.

Step 5: Click on “Send OTP”

• Once everything is filled in, click the “Send OTP” button.
• An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number (linked with your Aadhaar).

Step 6: Enter the OTP

• Check your phone for the OTP.
• Enter the OTP in the given field.

Step 7: Download Your Masked Aadhaar

• After entering the correct OTP, click on the “Download Aadhaar” button.
• Your Masked Aadhaar PDF will be downloaded to your device.

• Open using the name+year password format to download your password-protected Masked Aadhaar PDF?

How to Generate or Retrieve Virtual ID (VID)

You can generate a new VID at any time or replace an existing one, and only one valid VID is active for a user at a time. To generate or retrieve your VID, follow the steps provided below:

Step 1: Visit the Official Aadhaar Services Portal

Go to the UIDAI’s self-service Aadhaar portal: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

Step 2: Open the VID Generation Page

On the homepage, look for and click on the “VID Generator” option from the available services.

Step 3: Enter Your Aadhaar Details

• Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number in the required field.
• Enter the CAPTCHA verification code exactly as shown on the screen to proceed.

Step 4: Request OTP for Verification

• Click the “Send OTP” button.
• An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your mobile number linked with Aadhaar.

Step 5: Complete the Authentication

• Enter the OTP received on your mobile in the designated field.
• Click the “Generate” button to proceed.

Step 6: Receive Your Virtual ID

• Your newly generated or updated Virtual ID (VID) will be sent via SMS to your registered mobile number.

• It will be a 16-digit number that can now be used for secure Aadhaar-related transactions.

Important Tips:

• Regenerating VID automatically deactivates the previous one, so only one VID stays active at a time.
• You must have access to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar to complete the OTP-based verification.
• Always save your VID securely and avoid sharing it unnecessarily.
• This VID can now be used in place of your Aadhaar number to download Aadhaar (regular or masked) or for eKYC processes.

Comparison: Regular Aadhaar vs. Masked Aadhaar

Method 4: Download Masked Aadhaar Using mAadhaar Mobile App

The mAadhaar app, developed by UIDAI, provides an easy and secure way to manage your Aadhaar. Here’s how to use it for downloading the Masked Aadhaar card:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Download and Install the App

   • Go to Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) and install the “mAadhaar” app.

2. Launch the App and Register

   • Open the app and set a 4-digit password.

   • Register your Aadhaar profile using your 12-digit Aadhaar number and OTP sent to your registered mobile.

3. Access Aadhaar Services

   • Navigate to the “Services” section from the home screen.

   • Tap on the “Download Aadhaar” option.

4. Choose Identifier and Provide Details

   • Select your identifier: Aadhaar Number, VID, or EID.

   • Enter the selected identifier and solve CAPTCHA.

5. Select Masked Aadhaar Option

   • Before OTP, enable the checkbox for “Masked Aadhaar.”

6. Enter OTP and Download

   • You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile.

   • Enter OTP and tap “Download.”

   • The file will be saved to your device, viewable with the same password format as mentioned earlier.

Where Can You Use Masked Aadhaar?

You can use Masked Aadhaar as a valid identity proof in the following situations:

• Booking hotel rooms
• Mobile SIM verifications
• Air or train ticket booking verifications
• Office ID verification
• Private institutions requiring basic ID proof
• Banking services (depending on the nature of the requirement)

However, some services (especially government-related or financial ones requiring KYC compliance) may require the full Aadhaar number or physical copy.

Additional Security Tips

To ensure your Aadhaar and Masked Aadhaar remain protected:

• Do not share your full Aadhaar or VID casually
• Avoid uploading Aadhaar on insecure or unknown websites
• Regularly check your Aadhaar Authentication History via https://resident.uidai.gov.in/notification-aadhaar
• Use the Aadhaar Lock/Unlock feature to secure your biometric and demographic data

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is Masked Aadhaar as valid as the regular Aadhaar card?

A: Yes, it is valid for most identification purposes where the full Aadhaar number is not explicitly required.

Q2. Can I use Masked Aadhaar for bank account opening?

A: Some banks may still request the full Aadhaar. Confirm with the institution.

Q3. How often can I download my Masked Aadhaar?

A: Your masked Aadhaar Card can be downloaded online unlimited times. You can download it anytime for free.

Q4. Is it safe to store Masked Aadhaar on my phone?

A: Yes, but it is recommended to use a secure folder, encrypted storage, or in Digilocker.