Learn how to complete KYC without disclosing your Aadhaar number by obtaining an Aadhaar paperless offline e-KYC file.
Updated: Dec 21, 2023
Summary:
Discover a secure mechanism allowing individuals to adhere to KYC norms without divulging their Aadhaar number. This process is widely accepted, including on platforms like RBI Retail Direct. Gain insights into the step-by-step guide on how to utilize this method and understand the reasons behind its recommended use.
Table of Contents:
Aadhaar paperless offline e-KYC removes the necessity of furnishing a photocopy of the Aadhaar letter. Instead, you can simply
download the KYC XML file in zip format and furnish it to agencies requiring KYC verification. As per the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) website, the KYC details are in a machine-readable XML format, digitally signed by UIDAI. This digital signature enables agencies to authenticate its legitimacy and identify any potential tampering.
Creating Aadhaar Paperless e-KYC Document for Offline Verification: A Step-by-Step Guide
Download the Aadhaar paperless e-KYC file, stored in XML format within a .zip file, through the myAadhaar portal with this step-by-step guide:
1. Visit the official UIDAI website:
Go to the official website of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
2. Select the "Download Aadhaar" option:
Look for the "Download Aadhaar" option on the UIDAI website.
3. Enter Aadhaar details:
Enter your Aadhaar number and the security code provided.
4. Request OTP:
You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP to proceed.
5. Choose e-KYC option:
Select the e-KYC option when prompted to choose the type of Aadhaar download.
6. Generate e-KYC XML file:
After selecting e-KYC, you'll be prompted to enter a share code or password. Generate the code/password, and the system will provide you with a link to download the Aadhaar paperless e-KYC XML file in zip format.
7. Download the file:
Click on the provided link to download the ZIP file containing your Aadhaar paperless e-KYC document.
8. Provide the document for offline verification:
Unzip the downloaded file and share the KYC XML document with the relevant agencies for offline verification as needed.
What benefits does the Aadhaar paperless offline e-KYC process offer?
The Aadhaar paperless offline e-KYC process offers several advantages, as highlighted on the UIDAI website:
1. Confidential Aadhaar Number:
Your Aadhaar number remains confidential during the offline e-KYC process. Instead, only a reference ID is shared, ensuring a higher level of privacy.
According to Sameer Dhanrajani, CEO of AIQRATE & 3AI, the offline Aadhaar KYC process represents a significant step forward in digitizing KYC procedures. The digitally signed and encrypted file by UIDAI boasts strong resistance against manipulation by unauthorized AI tools, ensuring robust security. This process not only enhances fraud prevention but also establishes personalized identities for Aadhaar users, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and upholding data privacy.
Sharing of Demographic and Photo Data is Voluntary :Aadhaar Number Holders Can Choose Which Data to Share: Demographics or Photo
Safety and Security: Ensuring the Protection of Information :
According to UIDAI, when Aadhaar number holders download their KYC data, it comes with a digital signature from UIDAI. This signature serves to confirm the authenticity of the data and helps identify any potential tampering. Additionally, the KYC data is encrypted using a passphrase chosen by the Aadhaar number holder, giving residents full control over the security of their information.
"As ID cards go, most Indian ID cards don’t have a lot of security features that we commonly see in western ID cards. As such, they are quite easy to tamper with. Luckily, the text details of Indian ID cards can be easily checked against government details, something you can’t do in most countries. Offline paperless Aadhaar is unique in two ways - it is a digital document, so it’s easy to process; also, it has a digital signature certificate so it’s easy to check for tampering. One must remember that even if Aadhaar offline paperless KYC is technically tamper-proof, it is important to associate the person with the card by doing a face match and a face liveness to check that the applicant is the same and is live," says Wriju Ray, Chief Business Officer, IDfy, an identity verification company.
"There are multiple ways to use Aadhaar to comply with KYC and identity verification norms - like Aadhaar OTP-based e-KYC, submission of masked Aadhaar, submission of physical copies of Aadhaar, and submission of offline paperless Aadhaar e-KYC file. Do note that Aadhaar paperless offline e-KYC is voluntary and Aadhaar number holder-driven. 'Any agency working with people can use it with the consent of the Aadhaar number holder allowing wide usage,' UIDAI adds."
"The Offline XML will contain Name, Address, Photo, Gender, DOB, hash of registered Mobile Number, hash of registered Email Address, and reference id which contains last 4 digits of Aadhaar Number followed by time stamp. It will provide Offline Aadhaar Verification facility to service providers/Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) without the need to collect or store Aadhaar number," said the UIDAI on their website.
Benefits of Opting for the Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC Process :
Aadhaar isn't the sole document for identity verification in KYC compliance. Other documents such as PAN, Passport, school certificates, and more can also be utilized for the same purpose.
"Identity verification can simply be accomplished by providing an identity document like PAN card, Passport, etc. to the service provider. However, all these documents, which may be used for identification can still be forged and faked which may or may not be possible to verify offline instantaneously. The document verifier has no technological means to verify the authenticity of the document or the information it contains and has to trust the document producer. Whereas the XML file generated by the Aadhaar number holder using Aadhaar paperless offline e-KYC is a digitally signed document using UIDAI digital signature. Thus, the service provider can verify the demographic contents of the file and certify it to be authentic when doing the offline verification," said UIDAI on their website.
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