Aadhaar card download: What is Masked Aadhaar, its benefits and how to get

Aadhaar card download: Ever since the government has introduced Aadhaar card - a unique identification number for all citizens - it has found ways to stay in the news, due to several reasons. There have also been talk around how secure Aadhaar card is. While most people seem convinced, there are some who still have doubts. For these people, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has a feature called 'Masked Aadhaar'. It offers a very viable solution.

What is Masked Aadhaar and what are its benefits?

The feature basically is for Aadhaar card users who are concerned about the safety of their Aadhaar data. This feature allows you to have the 12-digit Aadhaar number partially covered, to make it safer. It is useful in cases where you do not want to share your Aadhaar number.

The masked Aadhaar card lets you mask the first 8-digits of your Aadhaar number. Only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number are visible on the card. It will have all the other details your photo, QR code and demographic information. The masked Aadhaar card is digitally signed and can be presented instead of the usual card as an identity proof.

WATCH everything from CES 2020 -

How to get Masked Aadhaar card?

1. Go to the official UIDAI website - uidai.gov.in.

2. Select My Aadhaar option.

3. Under this tab, click on My Aadhaar option.

4. You will get the option to download e-Aadhaar. From here, select 'I want a masked Aadhaar'.

5. Click on the send OTP button.

6. Enter the OTP to get your masked Aadhaar.

7. Download Masked Aadhaar card and keep for further use.

Where you can't use it?

While the Masked Aadhaar card can be used as an identity proof, you cannot use it for government welfare schemes like LPG subsidy, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana scheme as these require full Aadhaar details of the beneficiaries.