UIDAI has announced a major update that directly affects how Aadhaar will be used for identity verification.
From now on, hotels, banks, event organisers, and other institutions cannot ask for a photocopy of your Aadhaar card.
Instead, verification will be done digitally using a QR code or the new Aadhaar app.
Any organisation that wants to verify Aadhaar offline must first register with UIDAI.
This ensures that your data is shared only with authorised institutions.
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Why the Photocopy Rule Had to Change
For years, Aadhaar photocopies were collected everywhere—hotels, offices, banks, service centres, and more.
These copies contained all your personal details, including your full name, address, birthdate, and Aadhaar number.
Once submitted, these photocopies were stored in files without any control or monitoring.
Many of them stayed in storage rooms for years.
This made it easy for personal information to leak, get copied, or be misused.
There have also been many reports of fraud using Aadhaar photocopies, such as opening fake SIM cards or bank accounts.
To stop identity theft and protect citizens’ privacy, UIDAI has decided to end this outdated system.
Aadhaar Goes Digital: QR Code + Secure App
UIDAI is now introducing a more secure and modern way of verifying identity.
A new Aadhaar card will soon be issued that shows only the holder’s photo and a secure QR code.
Details like your name, address, date of birth, and Aadhaar number will not be printed.
All important information will be stored inside the encrypted QR code.
When an organisation scans the QR code, only the required information will be displayed, and only for that moment.
No photocopies, no physical records, and no unnecessary data exposure.
UIDAI is also launching a new official Aadhaar app.
You can store your Aadhaar digitally and simply show your QR code whenever verification is needed.
Stronger Privacy, Better Security
The previous photocopy system revealed far more personal information than necessary.
If a photocopy landed in the wrong hands, it could be used for fraud or identity theft.
With QR-based digital verification, only essential details are shown. Sensitive information like your address or Aadhaar number stays hidden unless required.
Organisations also will not store your documents anymore, reducing the risk of misuse or data leaks.
This change is aligned with India’s upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which focuses on safeguarding citizens’ personal information.
Before vs Now: How the System Changes
| Aspect | Earlier (Photocopy System) | Now (Digital QR System) |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Photocopy required | Only QR scan or app |
| Details on Aadhaar card | Full details printed | Only photo + QR code |
| Privacy Level | Low, high risk of leaks | High, controlled data sharing |
| Who Can Verify | Anyone collecting photocopies | Only UIDAI-registered institutions |
| Chance of Misuse | High | Minimal |
What This Means for You
Whether you are checking into a hotel, opening a bank account, or attending an event, the process will now be simpler and safer.
You only need to show your QR code, and the verification will be done instantly.
No photocopies.
No paperwork.
No risk of your personal details being stored or misused.