Is masked Aadhaar valid?

Yes. It's a version of e-Aadhaar issued by UIDAI, and it works as proof of identity and address. It just can't be used where the full number is required, such as linking or e-KYC.

Can a hotel or landlord refuse masked Aadhaar?

They can, but there's rarely a reason to — the photo, name and address are all there. If they insist on the full number, ask why, or offer another ID.

Can I convert a regular Aadhaar into a masked one?

Yes. Either download the masked version from UIDAI again, or mask your existing PDF or photo so the first 8 digits are hidden.

Is a masked Aadhaar the same as a Virtual ID (VID)?

No. A VID is a temporary 16-digit number you can use instead of your Aadhaar number when authenticating. A masked Aadhaar is a copy of your card with most of the number hidden.

What is the password for a masked Aadhaar PDF?

The same as the regular one: the first 4 letters of your name in capital letters, followed by your year of birth.

Guide · Aadhaar

Masked Aadhaar vs Regular Aadhaar: Which One Should You Share?

📅 October 2026⏱ 5 min read✍️ Fast Private PDF Team

UIDAI offers two versions of the same e-Aadhaar: the regular one with your full 12-digit number, and a masked one that shows only the last 4 digits. They identify you equally well. The difference is how much of your number travels with every copy you hand out.

The difference at a glance

	Regular Aadhaar	Masked Aadhaar
Number shown	All 12 digits	XXXX XXXX + last 4 digits
Photo, name, date of birth, address	Yes	Yes
QR code	Yes	Yes
Works as proof of identity and address	Yes	Yes
Works where the number itself is needed (linking, e-KYC)	Yes	No
Damage if a copy leaks	Full number exposed	Last 4 digits only

When masked is enough

Whenever someone just needs to see who you are: hotel and guest-house check-in, rental agreements and police verification forms filled by a landlord, office or society visitor records, gym and club memberships, travel bookings that ask for an ID copy. If they're going to look at the copy and file it, masked is the right one.

When you need the full number

Whenever the number will actually be used rather than just looked at: linking Aadhaar to PAN, your bank account, mobile number or EPF; Aadhaar-based e-KYC for a new account; government scheme and subsidy applications; income tax filing. In these cases the process usually asks you to type the number or verify by OTP, not to hand over a photocopy — which is safer anyway.

Rule of thumb: if someone wants a copy of your Aadhaar, give masked. If a form or portal wants the number, type it in yourself.

How to get a masked Aadhaar

From UIDAI (the official version)

Go to the myAadhaar portal on the UIDAI website and choose Download Aadhaar.
Enter your Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to your registered mobile.
Tick the option asking whether you want a masked Aadhaar, then download.
The PDF is password-protected: the first 4 letters of your name in capitals, then your year of birth (e.g. RAHU1990).

From a copy you already have

If your registered mobile number has changed, or you only have an old PDF, a scan or a photo of the card, you can mask it yourself. Make sure every place the number is printed is covered — the e-Aadhaar letter prints it more than once.

Mask an Aadhaar you already have

Finds the number on the e-Aadhaar PDF and hides the first 8 digits — or draw the masks on a photo. Nothing uploaded.

Mask Aadhaar →

One thing masking doesn't hide: the QR code

Both versions carry a QR code that holds your details in a digitally signed form, so the copy can be verified with a scanner. That's useful for the person checking your ID, but it means a masked copy still carries your demographic details in machine-readable form. If you want the copy to reveal as little as possible and nobody needs to scan it, cover the QR code as well.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. It's a version of e-Aadhaar issued by UIDAI, and it works as proof of identity and address. It just can't be used where the full number is required, such as linking or e-KYC.
They can, but there's rarely a reason to — the photo, name and address are all there. If they insist on the full number, ask why, or offer another ID.
Yes. Either download the masked version from UIDAI again, or mask your existing PDF or photo so the first 8 digits are hidden.
No. A VID is a temporary 16-digit number you can use instead of your Aadhaar number when authenticating. A masked Aadhaar is a copy of your card with most of the number hidden.
The same as the regular one: the first 4 letters of your name in capital letters, followed by your year of birth.