How to mask your Aadhaar before you share a copy

Hotels, landlords, gyms and SIM shops ask for an Aadhaar copy, and most people send a full copy with all 12 digits. A masked copy with the purpose written on it is much safer.

Mask my Aadhaar copy

What a masked Aadhaar is

A masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits of your 12-digit number and shows only the last 4, like XXXX XXXX 1234. Your name, photo, address and QR code stay on the card, so it still works as identity and address proof in most everyday situations.

Option 1: Download a masked Aadhaar from UIDAI

If your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar:

Go to the official myAadhaar portal from uidai.gov.in and choose Download Aadhaar.
Enter your Aadhaar number (or Enrolment ID or VID) and the captcha.
Tick "Do you want a masked Aadhaar?"
Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile and download.
The PDF is protected with a password: the first four letters of your name in capitals followed by your year of birth, for example RAHU1990.

Option 2: Mask a copy you already have

If you only have a scan or a phone photo of your card, or your mobile is not linked:

Open Mask Aadhaar & ID copy.
Drop the PDF or photo. PatraPDF finds the Aadhaar number and covers the first 8 digits.
Add a purpose stamp, for example "For KYC with ABC Hotel only", and the date.
Download and share that copy.

Masking works in your browser, so your Aadhaar is not uploaded to PatraPDF.

Why the purpose stamp matters

If a copy is misused later, for example to take a SIM card or a loan in your name, a stamp across the page saying who it was given to, and when, makes it much harder to reuse and shows it was meant for one purpose only. Make it a habit for every ID copy: Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence.

More safe habits

Share a copy only when the purpose really needs it, and ask whether a masked copy is enough
Do not post photos of your card on social media or in group chats
Lock your biometrics on the myAadhaar portal or the mAadhaar app when you are not using them
Delete ID photos from chats after the work is done

Questions

Is a masked Aadhaar valid?

UIDAI provides the masked Aadhaar itself, and it is accepted in many everyday situations. Some services that are allowed to collect the full number, for example certain bank or government processes, may still ask for the full card; they will tell you.

Can I mask a photo of the card, not a PDF?

Yes. The tool accepts photos and PDFs, finds the number and covers the first 8 digits.

What is the password of the e-Aadhaar PDF?

The first four letters of your name in capital letters, followed by your year of birth in four digits.