Aadhaar verification through DigiLocker: how it works
For years, "send me a copy of your Aadhaar" has meant a photocopy or a WhatsApp photo, which is then stored on someone's phone, forwarded to colleagues and kept forever. DigiLocker offers a better way: the person shares their own document, with their own consent, from the source.
What DigiLocker is
DigiLocker is a government platform where people can keep and share digital versions of official documents. According to the platform's own figures, it had 72.43 crore users as of August 2026. Documents issued by government departments can be fetched into a person's account and shared with others on request.
How the consent-based flow works
- A business asks the person to share a document, such as their Aadhaar details.
- The person is taken to DigiLocker and logs in with their own mobile number and OTP.
- The person sees what is being requested and chooses to allow it.
- The requested details come directly from the source and are passed to the business.
The key difference from a photocopy is consent and provenance: the person decides, and the data comes from the issuing system, not from a scanned image.
Why it is safer than photocopies
- A photocopy can be edited. A document fetched from the source is much harder to forge.
- The person controls what is shared and can see the request.
- Businesses can avoid holding full Aadhaar copies in phones and inboxes.
- There is a clearer record of consent.
Using it responsibly
- Ask only for what you need. Do not collect an Aadhaar number if a different ID will do.
- Prefer masked numbers. Do not store the full number unless the law allows it and you have a real need.
- Explain why you are asking and how long you will keep the data.
- Keep it secure: limit who can see it, and delete it when the purpose is over.
- Check the current Aadhaar and data protection rules with your compliance team.
How Praman fits in
Praman by SatyaSakshi is built around consent. The person joins a WhatsApp video call, agrees to the check, shows their ID and completes a face match. Where it is enabled for your account, instant checks such as Aadhaar through DigiLocker, PAN and others are added with the person's consent, and only masked details are shown. Everything lands in one case report with a record of what was agreed.
Frequently asked questions
Is DigiLocker safer than sending a photocopy?
Generally yes. The person shares data directly with their consent and the document comes from the issuing source, instead of a photocopy that can be altered, forwarded and misused.
Should businesses store the full Aadhaar number?
Avoid it unless you are legally permitted and need it. Prefer using the masked number, and follow Aadhaar and data protection rules.
Does the person need to be present?
The person gives consent themselves, usually with an OTP on their own phone, so they need to take part.
Related: how Praman handles this for businesses · all instant checks
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