The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) created the Aadhaar offline KYC (Know Your Customer) verification procedure, allowing people to share important information, but only to a certain extent, enough to verify their identities. This offline KYC process is different from the traditional offline and online processes as it comprises some elements of both. It relies on a digitally signed XML file that contains important personal information of an individual, but not sensitive information, like their Aadhaar card number.
Read the article to learn more about the specifics of the UIDAI offline KYC process, ranging from its meaning and benefits to the stepwise offline process and information on the Aadhaar KYC update latest news.
Read More On CKYC vs eKYC- Key Differences Explained (2026 Guide)
Aadhaar Offline KYC Overview
The table below summarises key details of the UIDAI offline KYC process that one should know.
| Meaning of offline Aadhaar KYC | A secure method of identity verification wherein users can share a digitally signed file instead of their Aadhaar cards. |
|---|
| Authority | Unique Identification Authority of India. |
| Shared data | Name, date of birth, gender, address, and photograph. |
| What is not shared? | Aadhaar number. |
| File format | ZIP file containing XML with a QR code. |
| Used while | Applying for services from service providers, like banks, telecom operators, govt services, and other financial institutions. |
What Is Offline Aadhaar KYC?
Offline Aadhaar KYC, officially known as the Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC (Know Your Customer) procedure, is a secure method of identity verification introduced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The offline verification process allows people to share their identity-related details without disclosing their Aadhaar number, biometric data, etc. This offline process is not exactly offline and not exactly like the traditional online process as well. Here, people rely on a digitally signed document, usually an XML file that comprises an individual’s limited demographic information, like name, date of birth, gender, and address. The file can be generated by the Aadhaar card holder through the UIDAI portal using either their Aadhaar-related details or an OTP-based process.
This process is particularly different from other procedures as it puts a key emphasis on privacy, consent, and control in the hands of a person. Individuals are also given the feature of protecting their XML files by creating a share code that acts as a password, so that no unauthorised person can access their details without their permission.
UIDAI New KYC Rules 2026
The Unique Identification Authority of India released some new Know Your Customer verification-related rules. Some of the UIDAI new KYC rules 2026 are as follows:
-
One of the major changes is the introduction of an unconventional offline procedure for Aadhaar verification. Following the new offline Aadhaar KYC process, people can easily generate XML files with share codes comprising their personal information, but only to an extent. This presentation of limited personal information secures people’s private information and protects them against potential criminals with ill intent.
-
The authorities are also focusing on periodically updating Aadhaar details and KYC records of people to maintain an updated database. People are encouraged to update their details, especially in significant documents like Aadhaar.
-
The Know Your Customer verification process-related norms will be made stricter, and all the service providers, like banks, that conduct KYC will have to follow all of them without fail. The ultimate goal of the authorities is just to create a strongly authenticated system wherein instances of fraud are minimum to none.
Also Read On CKYC Explained- One-Time KYC That Saves You Huge Time & Hassle
Aadhaar Offline Verification Process
Individuals can complete the Aadhaar offline verification process by following a few simple steps. Many people keep on asking, ‘How to do eKYC without biometric Aadhaar?’ and this offline process is the answer. The exact steps of doing the same are mentioned below for one’s better understanding:
Step 1: Please visit the official website of the UIDAI, and on the homepage, navigate to the ‘Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC’ option. This is the main option, which will enable you to conduct the verification process offline.
Step 2: The system will ask you to log in to the portal either using your Aadhaar number or through OTP. Choose one based on your preference.
Step 3: Enter the details for your selected option, then validate with the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your mobile number.
Step 4: After verification, you will be required to create a share code. It is like a password that will be used to unlock the Aadhaar XML file download KYC. The feature of sharing code has been added by the authorities for the protection of people’s sensitive information in important documents, like Aadhaar.
Step 5: After successfully setting up the share code, you will be able to download the offline KYC file in a ZIP format, which contains an XML file. The file comprises all your important information, like name, date of birth, gender, address, and photograph. Note that this file won’t have your Aadhaar number for security reasons and will be signed by the UIDAI digitally.
After doing the aadhaar paperless eKYC download process, whenever one needs the Know Your Customer verification process done, all they have to do is just provide the ZIP file to the service provider, like a bank, telecom operator, or other financial institutions, along with the share code. The service provider will check the details after obtaining one’s explicit consent and complete the verification of one’s identity.
How To Do Offline Aadhaar KYC Without OTP?
Aadhaar KYC without OTP can be easily done when one has completed the offline verification procedure created by the UIDAI and has obtained the XML file along with the share code. Note that OTP is crucial only during the creation process of the share code, after which it is not required.
Just visit the service provider based on the service you would like (either physically or their official website), provide or upload your XML file along with your share code, and the rest will be done by the service provider. The service provider will cross-check your details and the digital signature done by the UIDAI, and your KYC will be done.
Benefits Of Offline Aadhaar KYC 2026
There are several benefits associated with the Aadhaar offline KYC process. Some of the benefits of offline Aadhaar KYC 2026 are laid down below for one’s reference:
-
One of the most popular benefits of the offline verification procedure is limited sharing of an individual’s data with service providers. Here, instead of sharing one’s Aadhaar number, people are now allowed to share a digitally signed XML file comprising only their essential personal information (information sufficient for conducting identity verification).
-
This process of verification provides users with as much control as possible over their personal information. A person can decide whom to share the KYC file with, displaying only their limited information. The file is protected using a share code that the person can set for enhanced protection.
Read More On Doing KYC? Here Is The Essential Guide To The KYC Documents List You Need!
Conclusion
The offline Aadhaar KYC verification process is a combination of some elements of the traditional online process and the offline process. This type of offline verification process enables people to share enough personal information with service providers to conduct a verification check, eliminating the need to share their sensitive information, such as their Aadhaar number.
India is stepping on the path of making things digital, and this offline Aadhaar KYC verification process will be an integral part of that same mission, as it amalgamates both online and offline processes with components of enhanced security and privacy.
Stay updated with Jaagruk Bharat to get the latest information on government schemes and more, and reach out to us via our community page if you have any questions.
