Aadhaar Card QR Code: What It Contains and How to Verify It
Every Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar PDF and Aadhaar PVC card carries a QR code. It isn't a barcode you can make yourself: it's a Secure QR code, digitally signed by UIDAI, that lets anyone check an Aadhaar's details offline. Here's what it holds and how to verify it.
Is it a barcode or a QR code?
It's a QR code — the square, two-dimensional code — not a striped barcode. People often search for the “Aadhaar barcode”, but there is no 1D barcode on Aadhaar; the QR code is the only machine-readable code on it.
What the Aadhaar Secure QR code contains
Inside the QR code:
- Name, date of birth and gender
- Address
- The resident's photograph
- Only the last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number — never the full number
- A digital signature from UIDAI that proves the data is genuine
Because the photo and details are inside the code itself, verification works without an internet connection and without contacting UIDAI's servers.
How to scan and verify an Aadhaar QR code
Steps:
- Install UIDAI's official “Aadhaar QR Scanner” app (Android or iOS), or use the mAadhaar app.
- Scan the QR code on the Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar printout or PVC card.
- The app checks UIDAI's digital signature and shows the details and photo stored in the code.
- Compare the photo and details with the person and the printed card. If the app can't verify the signature, the card may have been tampered with.
An ordinary phone camera or QR scanner app will show unreadable data, because the content is compressed and signed. Use UIDAI's app to verify it.
Can I generate an Aadhaar QR code online?
No. The QR code's value comes from UIDAI's digital signature, which only UIDAI can create. Any “Aadhaar QR code generator” can only produce an unsigned code that fails verification in the official app. Making or using a fake Aadhaar is an offence under Indian law. To get a valid Aadhaar with a Secure QR code, download e-Aadhaar from the official UIDAI website or order an Aadhaar PVC card from UIDAI.
Privacy tips
- Use a masked Aadhaar (only the last 4 digits shown) when a full number isn't needed.
- Remember the QR code still contains your photo, address and date of birth — share copies only with people who need them.
- Don't post photos of your Aadhaar card on social media.
Frequently asked questions
Which app scans the Aadhaar QR code?
UIDAI's official Aadhaar QR Scanner app, available for Android and iOS. The mAadhaar app can also scan it.
Does the Aadhaar QR code contain the full Aadhaar number?
No. The Secure QR code contains only the last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number, along with the name, date of birth, gender, address and photo.
Can I verify an Aadhaar QR code offline?
Yes. The details and UIDAI's digital signature are stored in the code, so the official app can verify it without an internet connection.
Can I create an Aadhaar QR code myself?
No. Only UIDAI can create a valid Aadhaar QR code, because it is digitally signed. Download e-Aadhaar from UIDAI's website instead.