Authentication Of Aadhaar Card

When an Aadhaar Card application is submitted, there are many supporting documents like driving license, PAN card, Passport or Voter’s ID that needs to be given. The authentication of these documents is required; however, it takes time to validate each and every document. UIDAI is able to complete the demographic authentication online and therefore, helps in reducing the offline verifications.

Aadhaar Card is utilized by many government offices and private bodies to offer benefits and services to the citizens. They depend on the authenticity of the Aadhaar Card to process these benefits and therefore need a process that is simple and instant to carry out their activities. The validation of each and every submitted document is a huge task and may not end up being reliable. UIDAI has therefore, introduced the Aadhaar Authentication process which makes it very reliable. The information which is collected after the demographic and biometric verification of an individual is stored at a centralised platform authorised by UIDAI.

UIDAI uses the following information and methods to authenticate Aadhaar details.

Demographic Authentication

Demographic details include name, date of birth, address, gender and so on. These details are to be verified and the process is called Demographic Authentication. The process involves cross checking the personal details of the individual that is already present in the repository against the personal details provided by the individual in the application.

Biometric Authentication

The authentication of biometric details of the individuals is called biometric authentication. Once biometrics are submitted by the applicant, it is compared against the biometric details given during the verification process. Biometric verification is done in two ways:

• Multi-factor Authentication: UIDAI offers various options of authentication processes. The agency can choose to use the multiple authentication methods on the basis of the requirement. This is called multi-factor authentication.
• OTP based Authentication: This is a simple and quick way of authenticating the information. This verification process is done on the basis of OTP sent to the registered mobile number during the Aadhaar registration. The authentication is completed when the individual provides an Aadhaar number along with the OTP to confirm the identity.

UIDAI allows you to check the history of your Aadhaar Card Authentication online on their website. In order to access this facility, one must have their mobile registered with the organisation.

• Log onto UIDAI website
• Click on the option of “Aadhaar Update History” from the Aadhaar Update section
• Enter the Aadhaar Number followed by the security code displayed
• One has the option of selecting to send an OTP to the registered mobile number or generate time-based OTP from the mAadhaar app
• If OTP option is selected, then the OTP is sent to the registered mobile number
• If Time-Based OTP is selected, then a password will be generated in the mAadhaar app for authentication.
• Once the password is entered, click on submit.
• The screen will show a list of all authentication updates in both offline and online, biometric or demographic data.
• Any changes in the Aadhaar details can be seen here.

Aadhaar Card Authentication holds a couple of benefits which supports the usage of Aadhaar Card for many purposes.

Once an Aadhaar Card is authenticated, it works as a single identity proof accepted by the Government. It automatically reduces the number of documents required for submission in many cases such as the driving license, passport, Voter’s ID, PAN card etc. When more documents are submitted for identification purposes, the entire process takes a longer time and there are chances of errors. With the authentication of Aadhaar, only this card needs to be submitted ensuring quick turnaround time.

Authentication process is made simpler and quicker. The service provider has to only contact the single governing body for Aadhaar to complete the verification process. This method of verification is quicker than the offline method.

There are less fraudulent identities that will misuse the system. Since the Aadhaar Card is a unique 12-digit number, there cannot be two of the same numbers existing in the system. This ensures that the benefits are passed on to correct individuals without any delay.

Accessibility to high security areas is made easier with Aadhaar Card. Since there are multiple layers of verification, it makes for a very sound identity document.

Since the Aadhaar Card is accepted as a legal document, it is used to open bank accounts, passport application, LPG connection and so on.

Aadhaar Card is used to authenticate financial transactions through various Unified Payment Interface based mobile applications. This helps in authenticating the individual initiating the financial transaction or online payments.