How to mask your Aadhaar card (and when you should)

What is a masked Aadhaar?

A masked Aadhaar shows only the last 4 digits of your 12-digit Aadhaar number; the first 8 are replaced with crosses or covered. Your name, photo and other printed details stay visible, so it still works as proof of identity in many situations.

When to share a masked copy

Share the masked version whenever the other side only needs to see that you hold an Aadhaar, for example as identity or address proof for a hotel, an event or a rental. Some regulated processes, such as certain bank and telecom KYC, may genuinely need the full number. If you're asked for it, ask why.

Option 1: download a masked e-Aadhaar

The official myAadhaar portal lets you download your e-Aadhaar and choose the masked version. The PDF is password-protected: the password is the first four letters of your name in capitals followed by your year of birth.

Option 2: mask a copy you already have

If you already have a photo, scan or PDF of your card, mask it directly:

1. Open Mask Aadhaar and drop in the photo or scan (front, back or both).
2. The first 8 digits of the number, the VID and the QR code are covered automatically. The last 4 stay visible.
3. Tick anything else you want hidden: date of birth, address, phone number or photo.
4. Download. The file never leaves your device.

Hide the QR code too. It can be scanned to read your details, even if the printed text is covered.