New Aadhaar App to Eliminate Need for Photocopies at Hotels and Shops, Enables Face Authentication

April 9, 2025 New Delhi, India In a major leap toward secure and hassle-free identity verification, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is set to roll out a new Aadhaar-based mobile app that will eliminate the need to share photocopies of Aadhaar cards at hotels, shops, or other service locations. The app will enable facial recognition-based digital verification in seconds.

The announcement was made by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the ‘Aadhaar Samvad’ program on Tuesday. He emphasized that the app aims to protect user privacy, offer seamless verification, and simplify authentication much like the UPI payments system.

Aadhaar Verification Gets a Digital Upgrade

The new app, currently under trial by UIDAI, is designed to allow individuals to verify their identity via facial recognition, eliminating the need to physically present or photocopy their Aadhaar card.

“This app will ensure that Aadhaar verification can be done in an instant using a simple QR code, just like a UPI payment,” said Minister Vaishnaw. “Once launched, people will no longer need to hand over photocopies of their Aadhaar cards at hotels, shops, or other locations.”

Key Features of the New Aadhaar App

• Face Authentication: Verification through facial biometrics using smartphone cameras.

• Data Privacy First: Only the minimal required Aadhaar information will be shared, ensuring full control remains with the user.

• No More Unnecessary Data Sharing: Unlike current methods where full personal details like name, address, and mobile number are often exposed, the new app keeps sensitive information protected.

• Security-Focused Design: UIDAI confirms the app is fully secure and leak-proof, with encrypted data protocols.

Aadhaar’s Role in Driving Inclusive Growth

Addressing stakeholders, Secretary of Electronics and IT S. Krishnan highlighted Aadhaar’s vital role in enabling financial inclusion and economic development. He described Aadhaar as a refined system that balances identity authentication with data privacy.

Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, also praised UIDAI’s efforts to scale Aadhaar’s capabilities, calling it future-ready and foundational for a secure digital India.

UIDAI CEO Bhavesh Kumar noted that Aadhaar’s face authentication system is fast becoming a central pillar of India’s digital verification ecosystem.

What’s Next for Users

Once released, the Aadhaar app is expected to:

• Drastically reduce identity fraud.

• Remove the dependency on physical documents.

• Improve user experience during hotel check-ins, mobile SIM registration, and service deliveries.

The app’s rollout marks another significant step in India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) journey, integrating AI and biometrics with nationwide services.