What Is Aadhaar e-KYC?
e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is a paperless, digital identity verification service provided by UIDAI. It allows authorised entities — such as banks, telecom companies, and financial institutions — to instantly verify a person's identity using their Aadhaar number, with the resident's consent. It replaces the traditional process of submitting physical copies of ID documents.
How Does Aadhaar e-KYC Work?
When you give consent for an e-KYC check, UIDAI electronically shares your demographic information (name, address, date of birth, gender, photograph) with the requesting organisation. The process involves authentication to confirm you are the rightful Aadhaar holder.
Two Modes of Aadhaar e-KYC
1. OTP-Based e-KYC
This is the most commonly used mode:
- You provide your Aadhaar number to the service provider (e.g., a bank or telecom operator).
- UIDAI sends a One-Time Password (OTP) to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- You enter the OTP to authenticate your identity.
- Upon successful authentication, UIDAI shares your verified KYC data with the provider.
Prerequisite: Your mobile number must be registered with your Aadhaar.
2. Biometric-Based e-KYC
This mode uses fingerprint or iris scan authentication:
- The service provider uses a UIDAI-certified biometric device.
- Your fingerprint or iris is scanned and matched against the UIDAI database.
- On successful match, KYC data is shared electronically.
This method is used at bank branches, Common Service Centres (CSCs), and telecom stores.
What Data Is Shared During e-KYC?
UIDAI shares only the following verified data — no more:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Address
- Photograph
- Mobile number and email (if registered)
Important: The Aadhaar number itself is not shared in some e-KYC responses — a tokenised ID may be used instead to protect your privacy.
Where Is Aadhaar e-KYC Used?
| Sector | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Banking & Finance | Opening savings accounts, mutual fund investments, insurance KYC |
| Telecommunications | SIM card activation and verification |
| Government Services | Applying for subsidies, scholarships, PAN card, passport services |
| Healthcare | Ayushman Bharat registration, hospital admission |
| Digital Onboarding | Fintech apps, lending platforms, digital wallets |
Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) for Enhanced Privacy
Concerned about sharing your Aadhaar number? UIDAI introduced the Virtual ID (VID) — a 16-digit temporary number generated from your Aadhaar. You can share your VID instead of your actual Aadhaar number for e-KYC purposes. The VID can be regenerated at any time via the UIDAI portal or mAadhaar app.
Is Aadhaar e-KYC Safe?
Yes, when used through authorised entities. Key security features include:
- All e-KYC transactions are consent-based — data is only shared after your explicit authentication.
- Data is transmitted over encrypted channels.
- UIDAI maintains an Authentication History — you can view all past authentications on the UIDAI portal.
- Only UIDAI-licensed Authentication User Agencies (AUAs) are permitted to conduct e-KYC.