Aadhaar Verification 2026: Check if an Aadhaar Card Is Genuine Using UIDAI App or myAadhaar Portal

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has advised individuals and organisations to verify the authenticity of Aadhaar documents before accepting them for identity-related purposes.

According to UIDAI's public awareness message, Aadhaar verification can be carried out using the official Aadhaar app or the myAadhaar portal.

The advisory highlights the importance of checking Aadhaar details through authorised digital services rather than relying solely on the appearance of a printed card or photocopy.

A quick Aadhaar verification can help identify suspicious documents and reduce the risk of accepting altered or fabricated identity information.

The facility can be useful for organisations and individuals who are authorised to verify Aadhaar documents for legitimate purposes.

UIDAI Aadhaar Verification: What Is the Latest Advisory?

UIDAI is encouraging people to check the authenticity of Aadhaar before accepting it as an identity document.

Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number issued by UIDAI to eligible residents after the prescribed enrolment process.

It is widely used for identity-related services across India.

However, simply looking at a printed Aadhaar card or photocopy does not establish that the document is genuine.

A document could potentially be altered, reproduced or presented with incorrect information.

Digital verification through official UIDAI services provides an additional way to check the authenticity of Aadhaar-related information.

The advisory recommends using the Aadhaar app or myAadhaar portal for this purpose.

How to Verify Aadhaar Using the myAadhaar Portal

UIDAI provides online services through its official myAadhaar platform.

Users can access the available verification facilities by following these steps:

1. Visit the official website at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/.

2. Locate the Aadhaar verification service.

3. Enter the Aadhaar number and other information requested by the portal.

4. Complete the displayed security verification.

5. Submit the request.

6. Review the verification result displayed by UIDAI.

The exact information returned depends on the verification service and current UIDAI procedures.

A successful number verification can help establish that the number is recognised by UIDAI, but it does not by itself prove that the person presenting the document is its rightful holder.

For that reason, organisations should follow the identity verification procedure applicable to their particular service.

How to Check Aadhaar Authenticity Using the Aadhaar App

UIDAI's official mobile applications provide Aadhaar-related digital services.

Where supported, users can verify the secure QR code printed on an Aadhaar document.

The QR code contains digitally signed information that can be checked through an authorised UIDAI verification facility.

To verify a document using a supported app:

1. Install or open the official UIDAI Aadhaar application.

2. Find the QR code scanning or Aadhaar verification feature.

3. Scan the secure QR code printed on the Aadhaar document.

4. Allow the application to process the verification.

5. Review the displayed information and verification status.

6. Compare the verified details with the document and the person presenting it, as appropriate.

Users should ensure that the application is published by UIDAI and obtained from a trusted app store.

The exact menu names may vary depending on the app version.

What Is the Secure QR Code on Aadhaar?

Aadhaar documents include a secure QR code designed to support offline verification.

This QR code contains digitally signed Aadhaar-related information.

A compatible UIDAI verification application can check the digital signature and display the information available through the code.

This helps the verifier determine whether the QR code data has been authenticated by UIDAI.

It can also assist in detecting discrepancies between the digitally verified information and the visible document.

However, a valid QR code does not automatically prove that the individual presenting the document is the genuine Aadhaar holder.

The verifier must still follow the applicable identity-matching and consent requirements.

Why Is Aadhaar Verification Important?

Aadhaar documents may be presented during various administrative and identity-related processes.

For organisations that legitimately require identity verification, accepting an unverified document can create risks.

Digital verification can help reduce reliance on visual inspection alone.

It may also assist in identifying documents whose visible details do not match their digitally signed information.

The process supports more reliable document checking when performed through authorised channels.

However, verification should be proportionate to the purpose for which Aadhaar is being requested.

Organisations must follow applicable UIDAI rules and legal requirements concerning Aadhaar use, consent and personal information.

Aadhaar Number Verification vs QR Code Verification

There are important differences between checking an Aadhaar number and verifying the secure QR code on an Aadhaar document.

Both methods can be useful, but they serve different verification purposes.

Users should select the appropriate method according to the applicable rules and the type of identity check required.

Can a Fake Aadhaar Card Be Detected?

Digital verification can help identify certain suspicious or altered Aadhaar documents.

For example, a document with an invalid secure QR code or information inconsistent with the verified QR data may require further examination.

Similarly, an Aadhaar number that fails an official verification check should not simply be accepted without clarification.

However, verification tools have limitations.

A valid Aadhaar number or QR code does not eliminate every possibility of identity misuse.

Organisations should follow authorised verification procedures rather than treating one successful check as conclusive proof in every situation.

Important Aadhaar Safety Tips

UIDAI's advisory also serves as a reminder that Aadhaar information should be handled responsibly.

Residents should avoid sharing their complete Aadhaar number unnecessarily.

Where acceptable, Masked Aadhaar can help limit exposure by hiding the first eight digits of the number.

Users should also avoid sharing Aadhaar OTPs with unknown individuals or entering their details on suspicious websites.

Documents should be submitted only to legitimate organisations for appropriate purposes.

Individuals performing Aadhaar verification should not retain or distribute personal information without a lawful and necessary reason.

For official assistance, UIDAI operates the helpline 1947.

Is Aadhaar Verification Free?

UIDAI provides certain public Aadhaar verification facilities through its official platforms.

Residents can access the available services according to the instructions displayed on the relevant portal or application.

Some specialised authentication or verification arrangements used by organisations may be governed by separate rules and requirements.

Users should check the official platform for the applicable conditions.

They should avoid paying unknown agents who claim that Aadhaar verification requires an unofficial processing fee.

Final Update

UIDAI is encouraging people to verify Aadhaar authenticity through the official Aadhaar app or myAadhaar portal before accepting an Aadhaar document.

The advisory promotes safer document verification and greater awareness of identity-related risks.

Aadhaar number verification and secure QR code verification can provide useful checks, although neither should be mistaken for unrestricted proof of the presenter's identity.

For official verification services, visit https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/" title="myAadhaar Portal"/>.

Checking Aadhaar through an authorised UIDAI service is a simple precaution that can help prevent avoidable identity verification mistakes.