How to Mask Aadhaar Number for KYC — UIDAI Guidelines
UIDAI recommends masking the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar before sharing it for KYC. Here's how to do it correctly and why it matters.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) recommends using a 'Masked Aadhaar' when sharing your Aadhaar for KYC purposes at hotels, digital services, or any non-essential verification.
A masked Aadhaar shows only the last 4 digits (XXXX XXXX 1234) while hiding the first 8 digits. This is sufficient for identity verification while protecting your full Aadhaar number.
Why it matters: Your full 12-digit Aadhaar number, combined with biometrics, can be used for authentication. Sharing it unnecessarily increases the risk of identity fraud.
When to use masked Aadhaar: Hotel check-ins, SIM card verification, opening bank accounts (where Aadhaar is optional), job applications, and any service that asks for 'address proof'.
When you MUST use full Aadhaar: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), PAN linking, income tax filing, and government scheme enrollment require the full Aadhaar number.
How to mask using Tools360: Upload your Aadhaar PDF, and our tool automatically detects the 12-digit Aadhaar pattern and blacks out the first 8 digits. Download the masked version.
You can also download a masked Aadhaar directly from the UIDAI website (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) by logging in with your registered mobile number.
Try it yourself
Mask Aadhaar
Free, no login required.