Aadhaar-based Electronic-Know Your Customer E-KYC is a service provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India to individuals when applying for various products, services, or government schemes that require identity verification. Just like traditional KYC, e-KYC is a digital process used to verify identity. Aadhaar based e-KYC is a paperless method that authenticates an individual’s identity with their consent, using biometric and demographic details stored in the UIDAI database. As the data is already verified by UIDAI, it eliminates the need for extensive paperwork and attestations. 

Currently, UIDAI offers provisions for Aadhaar Authentication and paperless-offline Aadhaar eKYC/offline verification to ensure a streamlined and secure identity verification process. Aadhaar E-KYC benefits both service providers and customers by reducing paperwork, eliminating the need to carry physical documents, and minimizing storage and maintenance costs. It enhances security, lowers the risk of fraud, and ensures immediate and efficient results with limited human intervention.

AADHAAR E-KYC ONLINE VERIFICATION PROCEDURE:

Aadhaar e-KYC verification via biometrics:

1. Provide your Aadhaar card or UID to the service provider.

2. The service provider uses a biometric scanner to capture your fingerprint or retinal image.

3. The captured biometric data is sent to UIDAI for verification against the data stored in its database.

4. If the biometric data matches, your identity is successfully established.

5. UIDAI grants the service provider access to your details like date of birth, address, photograph, etc.

6. The service provider may keep a soft copy of your details for future reference.

OTP-based Aadhaar e-KYC verification procedure:

1. Present your Aadhaar card to the service provider.

2. UIDAI sends an OTP to your registered mobile number.

3. Enter the OTP into the device provided by the service provider.

4. UIDAI shares your details with the agent, similar to the biometric authentication process.

AADHAAR E-KYC OFFLINE VERIFICATION PROCEDURE:

1. Scanning the QR code: 

Service providers can use a mobile scanner to extract all demographic information from the QR code on the Aadhaar card for offline UIDAI KYC verification. This method eliminates the need for agents to access the UIDAI database.

2. Paperless method: 

1. Visit the official UIDAI portal.

2. Enter your UID or VID, along with the security code, and click on “Send OTP.”

3. Use the OTP received on your registered mobile number to download the Aadhaar XML, which contains your personal details like name, gender, date of birth, address, and hashed email and mobile number. The XML is digitally signed by UIDAI and protected with a 4-character Share Code.

4. Provide the downloaded XML file to your service provider, who will verify your identity using the machine-readable details in the file.

When obtaining Aadhaar offline eKYC data, the XML includes the Download Reference Number, Address, Photo, Gender details, Date of Birth, Year of Birth, Mobile Number (hashed), and Email (hashed). The data is encrypted, and agencies need the “Share Phrase” from the Aadhaar holder to access and read it, ensuring confidentiality and privacy.

HOW TO ACCESS AADHAAR E-KYC PORTAL:

1. Begin by visiting the official Aadhaar e-KYC portal of UIDAI at uidai.gov.in.

2. Enter either your Unique Identity Number or Aadhaar Virtual Identity Number, and then click on the ‘SEND OTP’ button.

3. Once you receive the One Time Password (OTP), input it into the designated text box on your screen to proceed.

4. Download the Aadhaar XML file, which contains your personal details. This file is digitally signed by UIDAI and protected with a 4-digit security code.

5. Share the XML file with the desired service provider, who will verify your identity using the machine-readable details in the file.

HOW TO CHECK AADHAAR E-KYC STATUS:

1. Begin by visiting the official website of any KYC registration history (KRA).

2. Enter your PAN number on the portal.

3. Instantly check if you are KYC compliant. If not, you can proceed to complete the process using the Aadhaar-based biometric method.

HOW TO SHARE AADHAAR E-KYC DATA:

1. After downloading the offline Aadhaar eKYC data, it can be shared with relevant requesting agencies either physically or digitally.

2. The ‘Share Phrase’ provided earlier must be given to the agency/authority, as the data is encrypted.

3. For high-resolution copies, sharing information through XML or PDF files is recommended.

BENEFITS / ADVANTAGES OF AADHAAR E-KYC:

• Accessibility: The Aadhaar holder can directly share their data with any desired party without multiple requests to UIDAI for access.
• No Biometric Scanning: The process doesn’t require any biometric scanning.
• Dependability: The information is sourced from UIDAI’s master database, ensuring accuracy based on government records.
• Security: UIDAI encrypts the shared data, preventing misuse by E-KYC user agencies.
• Sense of Security: Only relevant information is shared, ensuring privacy and restricting access to sensitive data.
• Privacy: The Aadhaar number is not shared; instead, reference IDs are issued to KUAs, safeguarding the card holder’s data.

ORGANIZATIONS THAT USE AADHAAR E-KYC:

• Trading accounts
• LPG service providers
• Banks and mutual fund houses
• Railways
• Stock brokers
• Stock exchanges
• KYC registration agencies