Ever since its introduction in 2009, Aadhaar cards have become a primary proof of identification. However, lately, there have been concerns regarding people's personal information linked to it. Anybody accessing a person's Aadhaar number can extract their personal information. Therefore, to minimise the risk of increasing fraudulent activities, the government has introduced masked Aadhaar cards. 

Keep reading to know what a Masked Aadhaar card is, why people need it, and what its benefits are.

A masked Aadhaar card means that the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number are masked or hidden. As a result, only the last four digits are displayed on it.

For example, the Aadhaar Number on a masked Aadhaar card will look like this:

XXXX XXXX 6789

In this way, whenever an individual uses their Aadhaar card for verification, the entire number will not be disclosed.

Apart from the hidden digits, everything else remains the same. Hence, it can be conveniently used in place of a regular Aadhaar card.

The documents required to generate a masked Aadhaar card are the same as that of a normal Aadhaar card.

The following documents are required to make an Aadhaar card:

1. Identity proof:

• Voter Identity card
• PAN card
• Driving License
• Passport, etc.

2. Address proof:

• Voter Identity card
• Driving license
• Passport
• Ration card
• Utility bills, etc.

3. Proof of Birth:

• Birth certificate
• PAN card
• Voter Identity card
• Passport, etc.

4. Proof of Relationship:

Proof of relationship with the head of the family has to be displayed while applying for an Aadhaar card.

• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Pension card, etc.

A masked Aadhaar card can be obtained by following the steps mentioned below:

Steps for People Who Own an Aadhaar Card

Step 1 - Go to the official website of UIDAI 

Step 2 - Click on ‘My Aadhaar’ 

Step 3 - Then, from the dropdown menu, select 'Download Aadhaar'

Step 4 - Enter your Aadhaar Number in the required field 

Step 5 - Select ‘Do you want a Masked Aadhaar?’ 

Step 6 - Enter the Captcha for verification

Step 7 - Click on ‘Send OTP’ to receive an OTP for verification

Step 8 - Enter the OTP and click on ‘Download Aadhaar’

Steps for those who do not have an Aadhaar card:

Step 1 - Go to the official website of UIDAI.

Step 2 - Click on ‘My Aadhaar’ 

Step 3 - Then, from the dropdown menu, select 'Download Aadhaar'

Step 4 - Enter your 28-digit Enrolment Number in the required field

Step 5 - Select ‘Do you want a Masked Aadhaar?’ 

Step 6 - Enter the Captcha for verification

Step 7 - Click on ‘Send OTP’ to receive an OTP for verification

Step 8 - Enter the OTP and click on ‘Download Aadhaar’

The primary benefit of using a masked Aadhaar card is to keep one's information safe. However, there are a number of things linked with an Aadhaar number. Therefore, if it is in the wrong hands, it can be used to collect personal information about people. 

Hence, it is recommended that people use masked Aadhaar cards for safety reasons. It reduces the risks and ensures nobody apart from trusted sources can have access to the information linked to an individual's Aadhaar.

A masked Aadhaar card serves the same purpose as a regular Aadhar card and can be used anywhere. It can be used in banks, hotels, airways and every other place where an Aadhaar card is required for authentication. However, it cannot be used to apply for government schemes. In that case, a regular Aadhaar card has to be provided.

Masked Aadhaar cards were introduced 5 years ago with the purpose of keeping people’s information safe. There is no difference in the validity of a regular or masked Aadhar card. Moreover, the masked version adds a layer of security when using it for authentication.