Aadhaar Card E Signature

E-Signature or Electronic Signature is a digital version of one’s signature. This can be scanned image of the signature or signature using stylus/initials. It holds the same legal value as the real handwritten signature. E-Signature has been introduced in India for Aadhaar Card Holders to sign any document online.

This service is provided by attested companies through the Controller of Certifying Authorities. They certify companies qualified companies to provide the e-sign service. Currently, the following companies are empanelled to offer this service:

• eMudhra Limited
• C-DAC
• (n)Code Solutions

Aadhaar E-Signature allows Aadhaar Card Holders with registered mobile numbers to be able to digitally sign the documents online. Controller of Certifying Authorities offers a digital certificate as a one-time signing usage to the applicant. They utilize the UIDAI service for e-authentication and providing Aadhaar e-KYC service. Applicants/Users are validated in the backend through the Aadhaar service. A private key and a public key get generated for the e-signature to be completed. Once the digital signature process is completed, anyone can sign remotely and the same is accepted legally. This method is highly secure. Such a service helps in promoting online usage and digitisation of processes.

There are many benefits of Aadhaar E-Signature service. It helps in quickly closing transactions and document verifications. It is important to know that only Aadhaar Card Holders with registered mobile numbers can avail this facility.

• The signature holder’s privacy is fully maintained in this process. The Aadhaar details of the signatory are not fully revealed to the service provided. Only required details are shared from the Aadhaar information pool.
• There are multiple ways of authenticating information in this service. Biometric Authentication wherein iris scan or fingerprint scanning is done, One Time Password authentication wherein the applicant receives an OTP to complete the transaction on the registered mobile number.
• Aadhaar E-Signature Service is offered online. There is no physical token involved. Individuals are not required to be present physically for verification. It is done remotely which helps in saving time and resources.
• The service providers are qualified and approved by the Controller of Certifying Authorities. The private keys of the user are created only for a one-time use and then destroyed. There is no misuse of sensitive information and offers protection of data.

To apply for an Aadhaar Card, one needs to physically visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. Some formalities have to be completed there and the processing of Aadhaar Card takes anywhere between 60 to 90 days. You can follow the simple steps below to get your Aadhaar Card:

• Log onto the official website of UIDAI
• Find the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment to you
• Fill up the Aadhaar Application form. This can be downloaded online and submitted at the Enrolment Centre.
• The application form needs to be submitted at the Enrolment Centre along with the required supporting documents such as identity proof and address proof.
• Give your biometric details – iris scanning and fingerprints scan of all 10 fingers.
• Your photograph is also taken at the Enrolment Centre.
• Once all details are successfully submitted, an acknowledgement receipt is handed over to you.
• The acknowledgement letter contains a 14-digit enrolment number for your Aadhaar application. It can be used to track the status of your Aadhaar card online on the UIDAI website.
• It is important to keep the Acknowledgement Slip safely till you receive the physical Aadhaar Card.

UIDAI has also introduced the online version of Aadhaar Card – E-Aadhaar. The online version of the Aadhaar Card can be downloaded from the UIDAI website using the Enrolment Number given in the Acknowledgement Slip (for new applicants) and Aadhaar Number itself (for existing Aadhaar Card Holders). The advantage of E-Aadhaar Card is that it is accessible anytime and anywhere. It can be downloaded on your phone, tablet, desktop or laptop. The E-Aadhaar Card is downloaded in a PDF file format as it is the most secure format. The PDF file is password protected which is a combination of your name and year of birth. Thus, making it easy to remember.