How to Mask Aadhaar: Download Masked e-Aadhaar or Mask a Copy
What a masked Aadhaar is, how to download one from UIDAI, how to mask a scan or phone photo you already have, and when the full number is still needed.
By the PDFToast team · Updated 15 October 2026
A masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number (XXXX-XXXX-1234) and shows only the last 4. You can download one free from UIDAI’s myAadhaar portal by ticking “Do you want a masked Aadhaar?” before you download. For a scan or photo you already have, Mask Aadhaar does it in your browser.
Checked on 15 October 2026. UIDAI changes its portal from time to time. If a button has moved, look for “Download Aadhaar” after logging in.
What masked Aadhaar is (and isn’t)
According to UIDAI, masking means replacing the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number with “xxxx-xxxx”, while the last 4 digits stay visible (The Quint, quoting UIDAI’s FAQ). Everything else stays the same: your name, photo, date of birth, address and QR code.
| Full e-Aadhaar | Masked e-Aadhaar | |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar number | All 12 digits | Only last 4 digits (XXXX-XXXX-1234) |
| Name, photo, address, DOB | Shown | Shown |
| QR code | Present | Present |
| PDF password | First 4 letters of name in CAPS + birth year | Same |
| Where to get it | myAadhaar portal or mAadhaar app | Same, with the masked option ticked |
The point is simple: a photocopy of your full Aadhaar can be reused by anyone who keeps it. A masked copy still proves who you are, but the full number isn’t sitting in someone’s file drawer.
Download a masked e-Aadhaar from UIDAI
You need access to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar, because the login uses an OTP. Steps, as listed by Upstox and Zerodha:
- Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and tap Login.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and the captcha, then tap Send OTP.
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile and log in.
- Tap Download Aadhaar.
- Tick Do you want a masked Aadhaar?
- Tap Download.
- Open the PDF with the password: first 4 letters of your name in capitals + year of birth (for example
SURE1989).
Stuck on the password? See our Aadhaar PDF password guide or use Unlock Aadhaar PDF, which builds the password from your name and birth year.
Mask a copy you already have
UIDAI only masks new downloads. If you already have a scan, an old PDF or a phone photo of your card, or your registered mobile number no longer works, you can mask that copy yourself.
- Open Mask Aadhaar in Chrome or Safari.
- Add your Aadhaar PDF, scan or photo (JPG, PNG or WebP).
- The tool finds the 12-digit number and covers the first 8 digits, keeping the last 4.
- Optional: add a stamp like “Copy for hotel check-in only · 15 Oct 2026”.
- Download and share the masked copy.
Everything runs on your phone or computer. Your Aadhaar is never uploaded. Here is how to check that on any PDF site.
Why add a purpose stamp? A stamped copy that says what it was for and when is harder for someone to reuse for something else, like a SIM card or a loan.
Check the result before sharing. Zoom in and make sure every place the number appears is covered. Some cards print it more than once, for example on the front and back. If anything is missed, use Redact PDF to black out the remaining spot permanently.
When masked Aadhaar is enough
Masked Aadhaar works where someone only needs to see that you are who you say you are, and does not need to run an Aadhaar check on the number. Common examples:
- Hotel and guest house check-in
- Renting a flat or a PG room
- Visitor entry at offices, societies and events
- Travel bookings that ask for any photo ID
- Sharing ID with a private employer or service for their records
Acceptance is still up to the organisation. If you are unsure, carry the masked copy and ask whether it is enough.
When the full number is usually needed
Some processes need the full 12-digit number, usually because they verify it with UIDAI or link it to another record. For example:
- Linking Aadhaar to PAN, a bank account or a mobile number, where you type the full number.
- Aadhaar-based e-KYC with OTP or biometrics at a bank, telecom operator or broker. Here you usually give the number, not a photocopy.
- Government schemes and scholarships that seed benefits to your Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Rules vary by organisation, so check what the form or office asks for. Even when they need the number, they rarely need to keep a photocopy of your full card.
A note on UIDAI’s advice
In May 2022, a UIDAI advisory told people not to share photocopies of Aadhaar and to use masked Aadhaar instead. It was withdrawn two days later because it could be misread (The Week). UIDAI’s message since then is to “exercise normal prudence” when sharing your Aadhaar. A masked copy is an easy way to do that.
Quick checklist before you share Aadhaar
- Share a masked copy unless the full number is truly needed.
- Add a purpose and date stamp with Mask Aadhaar.
- Don’t upload your Aadhaar to PDF sites that process files on their servers.
- Keep your original e-Aadhaar PDF password-protected, and delete unlocked copies when you’re done.
Questions
What is a masked Aadhaar?
A copy of your Aadhaar where the first 8 digits of the number are replaced with XXXX-XXXX and only the last 4 digits are visible. Your name, photo, QR code and other details stay as they are.
Is a masked Aadhaar valid?
UIDAI issues masked e-Aadhaar through its own portal, and says e-Aadhaar is as valid as the physical card. Whether a particular office accepts the masked version is up to them, so ask before you visit.
What is the password for the masked Aadhaar PDF?
The same as the normal e-Aadhaar: the first 4 letters of your name in capitals followed by your year of birth, for example SURE1989.
Does masking hide the QR code?
No. UIDAI's masked e-Aadhaar and our tool both leave the QR code in place. On older cards the QR code may contain more details, so cover it too if you are unsure.