What is a Masked Aadhaar Card?

In today’s world, where keeping our personal details safe online is crucial, the idea of a Masked Aadhaar Card comes as a refreshing solution. Crafted by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), this new type of Aadhaar Card adds an extra layer of security to your sensitive data. Let’s dive into what the Masked Aadhaar Card is all about, its benefits, and how you can easily get one.

Masked Aadhaar Card Meaning

Imagine a standard Aadhaar Card, but with a twist for privacy. The Masked Aadhaar Card cleverly hides the first eight digits of your 12-digit Aadhaar number with asterisks(*), only showing the last four. This smart move lessens the risk of oversharing your Aadhaar number in situations where it’s not wholly necessary. Despite these hidden digits, it works just like the regular Aadhaar Card, fitting perfectly for various verification needs.

The Utility of a Masked Aadhaar Card

What does a masked Aadhaar card do? It essentially serves the same functions as a standard Aadhar card. You can use it across various places – from banks to hotels, and even airlines – wherever Aadhaar authentication is needed. It’s important to note, though, that it’s not applicable for enrolling in government schemes; here, a regular Aadhaar is necessary.

Introduced about five years ago, masked Aadhaar cards offer enhanced privacy by concealing certain personal details. They hold equal validity as the regular ones. The added benefit? They bring an extra layer of security, especially useful during authentication processes.

Distinctive Features of Masked Aadhaar Card Compared to Regular Aadhaar

• Enhanced Privacy with Masked Aadhaar: Unlike the regular Aadhaar, which displays your entire 12-digit number, the Masked Aadhaar Card cleverly hides the first eight digits. This subtle change significantly boosts your privacy and security.
• Usage in Government Schemes: Regular Aadhaar is essential for availing of government subsidies and services. In contrast, the Masked Aadhaar, focusing more on privacy, is not suitable for these applications.
• Flexibility in Usage: While both cards are valid for identification and verification, the Masked Aadhaar offers a privacy-focused option for situations where the full Aadhaar number isn’t required.
• Digital Accessibility: The Masked Aadhaar’s digital format makes it a convenient option for quick and hassle-free verification, especially in an increasingly digitised world.
• Security in Digital Transactions: By limiting the visibility of your Aadhaar number, the Masked Aadhaar reduces the risk of digital fraud and identity theft, a growing concern in online transactions​

How to ​Download Masked Aadhaar Using EID?

For Aadhaar card masked download using an Enrollment ID (EID), follow these steps:

1. Visit UIDAI’s official website.  
2. Click on ‘My Aadhaar’.
3. Select ‘Download Aadhaar’.
4. Choose ‘Enrolment ID or EID’.
5. Enter your 14-digit EID.
6. Tick ‘I want a masked Aadhaar’.
7. Enter the captcha and request an OTP.
8. Upon receiving the OTP, enter it to download your card​. 

Downloading Masked Aadhaar with Virtual ID (VID)

For aadhaar masked download using a Virtual ID (VID), these steps should be followed:

1. Choose ‘Virtual ID Generator’ in the ‘Aadhaar Services’ tab under ‘My Aadhaar’.
2. Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
3. Authenticate the captcha code.
4. Send OTP to your registered mobile number.
5. Enter the received OTP and generate the VID.
6. Navigate to download masked Aadhaar using the VID.
7. Select ‘Download Aadhaar’ and enter the VID.
8. Choose to mask your e-Aadhaar card number.
9. Authenticate the captcha code and submit OTP.
10. Enter the OTP and download your Aadhaar or e-Aadhaar card​

​Offline Process for Obtaining a Masked Aadhaar Card

Visiting the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre:

• Necessary Documents: You’ll need to bring proof of identity, proof of date of birth, and proof of address.
• Procedure: The process for downloading your Masked Aadhaar Card at the centre mirrors the online method. The staff at the centre will guide you through the steps, ensuring you receive your Masked Aadhaar without any issues.

Steps for Individuals Lacking an Aadhaar Card

1. For those who haven’t yet obtained an Aadhaar card, the process is straightforward:
2. Start by visiting the UIDAI’s official website.
3. Navigate and click on ‘My Aadhaar‘.
4. In the dropdown, you’ll find and need to select ‘Download Aadhaar‘.
5. Here, input your 28-digit Enrolment Number as requested.
6. Decide whether you want a ‘Masked Aadhaar‘ and select accordingly.
7. For security, fill in the Captcha.
8. Press ‘Send OTP‘ to get a One-Time Password for verification purposes.
9. Lastly, enter this OTP and click ‘Download Aadhaar‘ to complete the process. 

Conclusion 

The Masked Aadhaar Card stands as a testament to UIDAI’s commitment to enhancing data privacy and security. It offers a balanced approach to identification, ensuring the protection of sensitive personal information. As we navigate through an increasingly digital world, adopting such privacy-conscious measures becomes crucial for every individual. The Masked Aadhaar Card is not just a document; it’s a shield for your personal data in the digital realm.

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