Quick Guide

How to Check Where Your Aadhaar Was Used and Keep It Safe

UIDAI keeps a record of every time your Aadhaar was used to verify you. This guide shows how to read it, what to do if something looks wrong, and how a Virtual ID and an offline e-KYC file let you avoid sharing your Aadhaar number.

Rovin SinghWritten & Verified ByRovin SinghFounder & Editor

Records shown

Up to 50

History window

Last 6 months

You need

Registered mobile

How to Check Your Authentication History

A registered mobile number is mandatory for this service, because the OTP goes to it. If your Aadhaar has no mobile linked, see our guide to updating a mobile number first.

  1. Open the history page

    Go to UIDAI’s authentication history page.

  2. Enter your Aadhaar number or VID

    Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number or your 16-digit Virtual ID, then the security code shown on the screen.

  3. Verify with the OTP

    An OTP is sent to your registered mobile number. Enter it to continue.

  4. Choose the dates

    Select the date range you want to look at. Only 50 records are shown at a time, so to see more, narrow the date range and check each period one by one.

UIDAI shows records from the last 6 months only. If you want to keep an eye on your Aadhaar, check it every few months.

What Each Entry Shows

Every time your Aadhaar is used to verify you, UIDAI logs it. For each entry you can see:

What happened

  • The method used to verify you, such as OTP or biometrics
  • The date and time
  • Whether it succeeded or failed
  • UIDAI’s response code, and an error code if it failed

Who asked

  • The name of the requesting agency, which is the bank, telecom company or other service that verified you
  • The agency’s transaction ID and its code

Many entries will be yours, such as a bank KYC, a SIM purchase or a subsidy check. Match the date and the agency name to something you did. A failed entry only means a verification did not succeed, but it still shows that someone tried.

If You See Something You Did Not Do

  1. Note the details

    Write down the date, time, method, agency name and transaction ID of the entry.

  2. Lock your biometrics

    This stops anyone from using your fingerprints or iris to verify you. Our guide to locking and unlocking Aadhaar shows how. You can also lock your Aadhaar number itself. While it is locked, you can still verify with a Virtual ID.

  3. Report it to UIDAI

    Call 1947 or use the UIDAI grievance page. Our UIDAI guide has the helpline steps.

  4. Contact the agency

    Ask the bank or company named in the entry about that transaction, and quote the transaction ID.

Use a Virtual ID Instead of Your Aadhaar Number

A Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped to your Aadhaar number. You can use it in place of your Aadhaar number for authentication and e-KYC, so the real number stays with you.

How to get one

Generate it with the Virtual ID Generator on the myAadhaar portal.

Where it helps

  • Authentication and e-KYC, instead of the Aadhaar number
  • Verifying yourself even while your Aadhaar number is locked
  • Signing in to the authentication history page

A VID can be revoked, so if you think one has been shared too widely, generate a new one. Remember that sharing a masked copy is another safe option. See our masked Aadhaar guide.

Offline e-KYC: Prove Your Identity Without the Number

Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC is a secure file you can download and share when a bank or company only needs to confirm who you are. UIDAI lists it as a beta service on the myAadhaar portal.

How it works

  • You download the file from myAadhaar and set a Share Phrase while downloading.
  • The file is encrypted with that phrase. You give the phrase to the agency, so only it can open the data.
  • Your Aadhaar number is not revealed. Only a reference ID is shared, made of the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar and a timestamp.

What it contains

  • Name, address, gender and date of birth or year of birth
  • Photo
  • Mobile number and email, shared only in hashed form
  • A download reference number

A printed QR copy carries a low-resolution photo for visual checking only. Use the digital file if the agency needs a clear photo.

Common Questions

Can I check my authentication history without a registered mobile number?

No. UIDAI says a registered mobile number is mandatory for this service. If none is linked, update your mobile number first.

How far back does the history go?

Records from the last 6 months. Only 50 are shown at a time, so pick a narrower date range to see the rest.

Can I see which bank or company verified my Aadhaar?

Yes. Each entry shows the name of the requesting agency, along with its transaction ID.

Is a Virtual ID the same as my Aadhaar number?

No. It is a temporary, revocable 16-digit number mapped to your Aadhaar number. It can be used for authentication and e-KYC, and it still works when your Aadhaar number is locked.

Does an offline e-KYC file show my Aadhaar number?

No. It shows a reference ID made of the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar and a timestamp, not the full number.

What should I do if my biometrics were used without my knowledge?

Lock your biometrics, note the entry details from your history, and report it on the UIDAI helpline 1947 or the grievance page.

Related guides: lock or unlock Aadhaar, masked Aadhaar, verify an Aadhaar number and the UIDAI guide.