Aadhaar eSign - Meaning, Verification and Significance

Aadhaar eSign is a digital signature service that was introduced by the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). It allows individuals to add their digital signatures to their aadhar cards. With the help of an aadhaar digital signature or eSign, an individual can digitally sign any document easily from anywhere using their aadhaar card. 

Here, we will discuss the different methods to validate Aadhaar Signature and the significance of eSign Aadhar.

Aadhaar eSign Meaning

eSign Aadhaar is an online and paperless approach that allows individuals to sign any official document digitally. Any individual who has a valid aadhaar card and an Aadhar-linked phone number or mail ID can use this feature.

One also needs to validate their aadhaar signature to affix the digital signature to the document. This can be done through the UIDAI website, where they need to enter their Aadhaar number and authenticate themselves using a One-Time Password (OTP) or biometrics.

Methods to Validate Aadhaar Signature Online

Aadhaar card holders can do the aadhaar signature validation online through the UIDAI portal and the mAadhaar app. Given below is the detailed process on how to validate an aadhaar e-signature.

1) Aadhaar Signature Verification through UIDAI Portal

If your eSign aadhaar is not verified, please follow the steps outlined below to do Aadhaar Signature Validation online using Adobe Reader:

Step 1: Download the Aadhar card PDF from the UIDAI portal.

Step 2: Open the PDF with Adobe Acrobat Reader.  Select the box with the yellow question mark that says "Validity Unknown" and then select "Signature Properties".

Step 3: Click the "Show Signer's Certificate" button in the Signature Properties box.

Step 4: Next, go to the "Trust" page and scroll down to the "Add to Trusted Certificates" button.

Step 5: Check all of the boxes and press "OK" twice. You will be returned to Signature Properties.

Step 6: Finally, click "Validate Signature" at the bottom to validate the e-sign.

 You will be able to see a green tick once the aadhaar signature verification is completed. It confirms that the Aadhaar eSign is validated successfully and the document is correctly signed.

2) Aadhar Signature Validation through mAadhaar App

One can also verify their e-Aadhar signature through the mAadhaar app using their smartphone. Here are the steps for aadhaar signature verification:

Step 1: Get the mAadhaar app from Google Play or the App Store.

Step 2: Enter your registered phone number. Confirm your mobile number by entering the OTP sent on the same number.

Step 3: On the app's home screen, choose "Register My Aadhaar". Enter all the necessary information to complete your profile.

Step 4: Next, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Card number and scan the QR code.

Step 5: Once the scanning is complete, the demographics and other details, such as your image and signature, will appear on the screen.

Step 6: Now, you can download your e-Aadhaar card and authenticate your e-signature.

Significance of e-Sign Aadhaar

The Aadhaar E-Signature service has several advantages, which are listed below.

• Unlike traditional digital signatures, it is easily accessible from anywhere on an internet-enabled smartphone or tablet.

• Aadhaar E-Signature is an online service; hence, anyone is not required to be physically present at the moment of verification. It may be completed remotely, saving time and removing the chance of delays and errors.
• Apart from receiving validity under the IT Act, Aadhaar eSign is also considered to be a legally secure process.

Aadhaar eSign Service Providers

The Controller of Certifying Authority (CCA) has qualified a few authorities to assist with the e-sign service. C-DAC, eMudhra Ltd., (n) Code Solutions, Digio and Nexus Group are a few commonly known Aadhaar eSign service providers