Paperless Aadhaar: How to Download and Use Your Offline e-KYC

Paperless Aadhaar, also known as Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC, is a secure, digitally signed document issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It allows Aadhaar holders to verify their identity without sharing their Aadhaar number or biometric details, making identity verification both safer and more convenient for users and service providers.

The offline Aadhaar file simplifies KYC procedures while ensuring data privacy. It is a shareable, secure document that can be used for identity verification without disclosing your Aadhaar number.

What Does Paperless Aadhaar Contain?

When generated, the Offline Aadhaar XML file includes:

• Name
• Address
• Photo
• Gender
• Date of Birth
• Hashed version of registered mobile number
• Hashed version of registered email address
• Reference ID (contains last four digits of Aadhaar number + timestamp)

This information enables Offline Aadhaar Verification for service providers (known as Offline Verification Seeking Entities, OVSE) without storing or accessing your full Aadhaar number.

How to Download Paperless Aadhaar

Follow these steps to download your Paperless Aadhaar from the official UIDAI portal:

• 1. Visit the official UIDAI website: uidai.gov.in
• 2. Navigate to the Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC section.
• 3. Enter your Aadhaar Number or VID (Virtual ID).
• 4. Input the security code shown on the screen.
• 5. Click Send OTP. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number or available through the mAadhaar app.
• 6. Enter the OTP received.
• 7. Set a Share Code – this will act as the password for your ZIP file.
• 8. Click Download.

The ZIP file containing your digitally signed XML file will be saved to your device.

Note: You can also download the Offline Aadhaar XML directly from the mAadhaar mobile application.

How to Use Paperless Aadhaar

• Using your Paperless Aadhaar for offline verification is simple:
• Share the downloaded XML file with the service provider.
• Provide the Share Code that you created during download.
• The service provider can verify your identity offline without accessing your Aadhaar number or biometric data.

This method is particularly useful for:

• Banking KYC processes
• SIM card registration
• Other identity verification services

Benefits of Paperless Aadhaar

• Enhances privacy by avoiding direct sharing of Aadhaar number or biometrics.
• Safe and secure for both users and service providers.
• Simplifies offline identity verification without needing Aadhaar storage.
• Digitally signed, ensuring authenticity and integrity of the document.