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Masked Aadhaar Card: Meaning, Uses & How to Download?

masked aadhar card

Since 2009, Aadhaar cards have become a primary means of identification for Indian citizens. UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) assigns each registered citizen a 12-digit unique identification number based on their demographic information and biometric data. Every Indian citizen must have it and use it for various purposes. However, since it links cardholders' personal and financial information, there have been rising concerns about its security. Anybody can extract a cardholder's personal information using their Aadhaar number. That is why UIDAI introduced a masked Aadhaar card to minimize the risk of fraudulent activities. 

Continue reading to learn what a masked Aadhaar is, why people need it, how to use it, and the steps to obtain one.

What is a Masked Aadhaar Card?

A masked Aadhaar card looks similar to a regular Aadhaar card but keeps its number partially hidden. Instead of the complete number, it replaces the first eight characters with XXXX-XXXX and displays only the last four characters. Besides the UID (Unique Identification Number), all other data remains intact in a masked Aadhaar, including the cardholder's name, address, gender, QR code, and date of birth.

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How to Download the Masked Aadhaar Card Online?

An individual can visit the UIDAI website to download a masked Aadhaar. However, ensure their mobile number is linked with the Aadhaar, as they will receive an OTP to initiate the download. Here is a stepwise procedure:

  • Visit the UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/
  • Hover the mouse over My Aadhaar at the top of the page.
  • Click on ‘Download Aadhaar’ from the list of options.
  • Initiate the download by entering Aadhaar number, Virtual ID, or Enrolment ID.
  • Input the Captcha code and click ‘Send OTP’.
  • Click the check box for 'Download Masked Aadhaar'.
  • Enter the OTP received on the registered mobile number.
  • Click 'Download File' to download the masked Aadhaar card pdf to the computer.

How to Use a Masked Aadhaar Card?

A cardholder may use a masked Aadhaar for any purpose where sharing the complete Aadhaar number is not mandatory. It only reveals the last four digits of the UID, keeping the individual’s personal and financial details protected. Since con artists can easily use the Aadhaar number to steal an individual’s identity, a masked Aadhaar card is a safer identity proof to share. 

When can you use a Masked Aadhaar Card, and why?

According to the UIDAI regulations, only licensed and verified entities can collect a person’s Aadhaar details for specific purposes. That means unlicensed pubs, hotels, cinema halls, etc., cannot request and store anyone’s Aadhaar details. In such situations, use a masked Aadhaar. These include the following:

  • Pubs and hotels may ask for a masked Aadhaar card to verify an individual's age before serving certain items, such as alcohol. Since the cardholder's age is visible on a masked Aadhaar, it serves as age proof in such cases.
  • Investors looking for twin engines of quality and growth may use a masked Aadhaar.
  • A masked Aadhaar card is valid identity proof when travelling, booking tickets, etc.
  • Masked identity proof is acceptable when buying a vehicle or property.
  • One can complete the verification process with a masked Aadhaar card when applying for Personal Loan finance.
  • One may also use a masked Aadhaar to file their income tax returns.

Certain tasks like opening a bank account, applying for a passport, or obtaining government schemes and benefits require a regular Aadhaar card for complete verification. 

Regular Aadhaar Card vs Masked Aadhaar Card

The following are the primary differences between a masked Aadhaar card and a regular one:

Parameter Masked Aadhaar Card  Regular Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar Number

It hides the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number.

All 12 digits of the UID are visible.

Security

It provides a higher level of security by making a portion of the UID, minimising the risk of misuse, fraud, and identity theft.

Even with in-built features like guilloche pattern, hologram, and ghost image, regular Aadhaar is less secure.

Usage

Masked Aadhaar is similar to a regular Aadhaar card used for verification purposes.

Some government schemes and benefits require a regular Aadhaar for complete verification.

Privacy

Since it reveals only the last four digits of the UID, many people prefer it to keep their identity private.

Since it reveals the complete 12-digit Aadhaar number, anyone can misuse it with its digital or physical copy.

Availability

Indian residents can obtain both masked and regular Aadhaar cards using the same procedure. However, Masked Aadhaar is available in digital format only.

Regular Aadhaar cards are available in both digital and physical formats.

How to Take Various Amounts of Personal Loans Using an Aadhaar Card?

Many lending institutions offer Personal Loans on Aadhaar cards only. Instead of providing a regular Aadhaar card, applicants can share their masked Aadhaar cards to apply for Personal Loan finance. Here is how to take various amounts of Personal Loans using an Aadhaar card:

Loan Amount Description

Rs 50,000 Loan on Aadhaar Card

Select Rs 50,000 loan amount when applying for a loan, provide the necessary details, and upload the required documents.

Rs 1 Lakh Loan on Aadhaar Card

To obtain a Rs 1 Lakh Personal Loan, upload a masked Aadhaar with other details and documents to apply. 

Rs 2 Lakh Loan on Aadhaar Card

Rs 2 lakh Personal Loan is easily accessible with an Aadhaar card and a few necessary financial documents.

Rs 3 Lakh Loan on Aadhaar Card

Since an Aadhaar card is a valid age, address, and identity proof, one only needs income proof to apply for a Rs 3 Lakh Personal Loan.

Steps to Apply for Personal Loan Online Using Aadhaar Card

Follow these steps to apply for Personal Loan finance from Hero FinCorp using an Aadhaar card:

Step 1: Visit the Hero FinCorp website or download the personal loan app. 
Step 2: Fill out an online loan application form.
Step 3: Scan and upload the necessary documents, including a masked Aadhaar card. 
Step 4: Wait for approval and review the loan offer carefully.
Step 5: Accept the loan offer to get disbursal directly into your bank account.

Conclusion

Aadhaar is a valid identity proof that contains an individual’s crucial personal information. However, it is prone to fraud, identity theft, and other risks. A masked Aadhaar card conceals the UID to keep an individual’s personal information safe. At Hero FinCorp, one can apply for a Personal Loan on Aadhaar card only. Simply provide a few details and documents, and that’s it. Download the Hero FinCorp Personal Loan app today and apply now!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I get a masked Aadhaar card?

Visit the UIDAI official website to apply for a masked Aadhaar card, enter a few details and OTP, and download your masked Aadhaar card immediately.

2. What is the masking of Aadhaar rules?

Masking of the Aadhaar conceals the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number and keeps only the last four digits visible. 

3. Is masked Aadhaar card valid proof?

Yes, masked Aadhaar is a valid proof. However, some government schemes and benefits require a regular Aadhaar card.

4. Is masked Aadhaar safe to share?

Since a masked Aadhaar card does not reveal the complete Aadhaar number, it is safe to share.

5. Is masked Aadhaar valid to take a Personal Loan?

Yes, one can apply for Personal Loan finance using their masked Aadhaar card.


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Did You Know

Disbursement

The act of paying out money for any kind of transaction is known as disbursement. From a lending perspective this usual implies the transfer of the loan amount to the borrower. It may cover paying to operate a business, dividend payments, cash outflow etc. So if disbursements are more than revenues, then cash flow of an entity is negative, and may indicate possible insolvency.

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