UIDAI Bans Aadhaar Photocopies: New Rule Makes QR Scanning Mandatory for Secure Verification

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is preparing to introduce a major rule that will completely ban the use of Aadhaar photocopies for identity verification. Instead, all verifications at hotels, events, offices, and retail outlets will soon be carried out through secure QR scanning or digital authentication. The move aims to strengthen privacy protections, prevent data leaks, and promote a fully paperless verification ecosystem.

According to UIDAI CEO Bhuvanesh Kumar, the new framework will be notified shortly. Once implemented, organisations will no longer be allowed to collect, store or request Aadhaar photocopies. The shift to digital verification is expected to minimize identity theft, streamline verification processes, and ensure that sensitive demographic details remain protected.

Why Photocopy-Based Verification Was a Growing Risk

For years, Aadhaar photocopies were routinely taken at hotels during check-in, at banks, during mobile SIM registration, and even at event venues. These copies often ended up in physical files, WhatsApp chats, email attachments, photocopy shop computers, or mobile galleries.

This widespread practice violated provisions of the Aadhaar Act and exposed citizens to serious risks:

• Identity theft due to stolen Aadhaar copies

• Fraudulent loans taken using leaked documents

• Unauthorised storage of personal data by private entities

• Data breaches due to poorly secured devices and servers

UIDAI officials highlighted that offline verification often triggered server delays and complicated authentication processes. The new digital-first approach aims to eliminate these issues entirely.

How the New Verification System Will Work

Under the upcoming rules, all hotels, event organisers, retail stores, and other institutions that need identity verification must register themselves with UIDAI.

The verification will be carried out through:

1. Secure QR Code Scanning

Aadhaar cards carry an encrypted QR code containing limited, protected information. Staff will verify identity by scanning the QR code, without accessing sensitive personal data such as full address or date of birth.

2. API-Based Verification

Registered entities will be able to integrate UIDAI's APIs with their software systems. This will enable fast and reliable authentication directly through UIDAI servers.

3. New Aadhaar App (In Beta Testing)

UIDAI is testing a new mobile application that will support app-to-app authentication. It will be especially useful at:

• Airports

• Stores selling age-restricted products

• Hotels and travel counters

• Retail outlets requiring quick identity checks

The new method reduces dependency on central servers, making the verification process faster, smoother, and more secure.

Benefits for Users and Institutions

The upcoming rule brings major advantages for both citizens and organisations:

For Users

• No need to carry or submit photocopies

• Stronger privacy protection

• Reduced risk of fraud or identity theft

• Control over what information is shared

For Institutions

• Instant, real-time verification

• Zero paperwork and reduced compliance burden

• Better alignment with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act

• Reliable authentication with encrypted data

UIDAI may also redesign the Aadhaar card in the future, keeping only the photograph and QR code while removing other printed details. This would further limit exposure of personal data.

Additionally, the new Aadhaar app will allow users to update their address, manage family member details, and monitor their authentication history—all with improved security features.

A Major Step Toward a More Secure Digital India

The move to eliminate Aadhaar photocopies marks a major milestone in India’s digital transformation. It addresses long-standing privacy concerns while promoting safe, efficient, and paperless identity verification.

Once the new rules are notified, compliance will become mandatory for all organisations. Non-adherence may attract penalties under the updated regulatory framework.

For now, users are advised to avoid submitting photocopies and wait for the new QR-based or app-based verification system to roll out. UIDAI's new rule promises stronger personal security, reduced fraud risks, and a smoother digital experience for everyone.