In the digital age, signing documents digitally has become increasingly popular among industries. Businesses are actively adapting the Aadhaar Based eSign to their workflow to provide better services to their customers. Aadhaar-based eSignature is a secure and efficient method for doing this in India. This guide will walk you through what Aadhaar-based eSignature is, and how to use it step by step.

What is an Aadhaar-Based eSignature?

Aadhaar eSign is an electronic way of signing documents by using your Aadhaar number. Aadhaar is a unique identification number issued by the Indian government to every resident. The eSignature process links your Aadhaar details with a digital signature and ensures a secure and authentic signature on the documents.

How Does Aadhaar Based eSign Work?

• Document Preparation: To sign the documents using Aadhaar-based eSign services, firstly the document to be signed is prepared and converted into a digital format (usually PDF).

• Initiation: Once the documents are being prepared, the document owner or sender initiates the signing process using an eSign Service Provider.

• Authentication: The signer then receives a link to the document and is prompted to authenticate their identity using their Aadhaar number. This step is important to maintain the integrity of the documents

• Biometric Verification: To verify the authenticity, the signer needs to provide biometric data (fingerprint or iris scan) or a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to their registered mobile number.

• Signature Application: Once authenticated, the Aadhaar eSign is applied to the document, which is then saved with a secure digital signature. The signer can now share or download the signed document for further use(as per the requirement).

Steps to Use Aadhaar Based eSignature:

Below are the steps that you need to follow to sign the document using Aadhaar-based services:

• Before signing your document using Aadhaar Based eSign, you need to ensure that you have a valid Aadhaar number. If you don’t have one, you need to visit an Aadhaar enrollment centre and register.

• Select a certified eSign Service Provider authorized by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) in India. Popular providers include eMudhra, Meon Technologies, and DigiLocker.

• Log in to the eSignature service platform and upload the document you need to sign.

• Now you will need to provide your Aadhaar number when prompted. The system will send an OTP to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for verification.

• Complete the authentication by entering the OTP or through biometrics if required. After successful authentication, the eSignature will be applied to your document. The document is then finalised with a digital certificate.

Legal Considerations

Aadhaar eSign is legally valid under the Indian Information Technology Act, of 2000. However, it is essential to ensure that the signing process complies with the specific requirements of the document or transaction in question. You should always verify the legal standing of the eSignature in the context of the document’s use.

Always choose a reputable eSign Service Provider and ensure your Aadhaar details are current to enjoy a seamless signing experience.