DigiLocker Explained: Your Digital Wallet for Documents

In today’s digital world, we are constantly asked to show our documents—whether it’s our driving license to the traffic police or our marksheets for a job application. Carrying physical copies of everything can be a hassle, and there’s always the risk of losing them.

What if you could carry all your official documents securely in your phone? That’s exactly what DigiLocker does. It’s a key initiative by the Indian government under its Digital India program, and it’s simpler and more useful than you might think.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about DigiLocker and how you can start using it today.

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What Exactly is DigiLocker?

Think of DigiLocker as a secure digital locker for your documents. But here’s the important part: it’s not just a place to store scanned copies. It allows you to directly fetch your official documents like your Aadhaar Card, Driving License, and Vehicle RC from various government databases.

These digitally issued documents are legally recognized as equivalent to the original physical documents, as per the IT Act, 2000.

Why Should You Use DigiLocker? The Benefits

• Convenience: Access your important documents anytime, anywhere, right from your smartphone.

• Authenticity: Documents issued directly into your DigiLocker are considered authentic and valid across the country.

• Security: It’s a government-backed platform with multiple layers of security, including OTP verification.

• Eco-Friendly: It reduces the need for paper, which is great for the environment.

Also Read: How to Secure Your Cryptocurrency: The Ultimate Checklist for Beginners

How to Sign Up for DigiLocker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started is easy, but you will need your Aadhaar card.

1. Download the App or Visit the Website: You can download the ‘DigiLocker’ app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Alternatively, you can visit the official DigiLocker website.

2. Click on ‘Sign Up’: Enter your full name (as per Aadhaar), date of birth, gender, and your mobile number.

3. Set Your Security PIN: You will be asked to create a 6-digit security PIN. This will be your password for logging in, so choose something you can remember.

4. Enter Your Aadhaar Number: Provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number. DigiLocker will then send an OTP (One-Time Password) to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar.

5. Verify the OTP: Enter the OTP to complete the verification process. Your DigiLocker account is now created!

How to Use DigiLocker: Fetching Your Documents

Once you’re logged in, you’ll see a dashboard. The most important section is ‘Issued Documents’. This is where your official documents will appear once you fetch them.

1. Search for the Issuing Authority: Click on the ‘Search Documents’ tab. You’ll see a list of government departments and states. For example, to get your driving license, search for the ‘Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’.

2. Select the Document: Choose the document you want to fetch (e.g., ‘Driving License’).

3. Provide Consent: The app will ask for your consent to share your Aadhaar details with the issuing department to fetch the document.

4. Enter Required Details: Fill in the required details, such as your driving license number.

5. Document Fetched: After successful verification, your document will be fetched and added to your ‘Issued Documents’ section. You can do this for your PAN card, Class X and XII marksheets, vehicle registration, and more.

Where Can You Use DigiLocker Documents?

DigiLocker-issued documents are widely accepted. For instance:

• Traffic Police: You can show your digital Driving License and Vehicle RC, and it is considered legally valid.

• Airport Entry: Your Aadhaar or other ID from DigiLocker can be used for verification.

• Document Verification: For job applications or admissions, you can share a secure link to your documents directly from DigiLocker.

Is It Safe?

Yes, DigiLocker is a secure platform. It uses your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP verification, and you have a personal 6-digit PIN. Being a government-managed platform, it adheres to high standards of data security and privacy.

Conclusion

DigiLocker is a powerful tool that simplifies how we manage our important documents. It’s a small step that can make your life significantly easier and more organized. So take a few minutes, set up your account, and embrace the convenience of having all your essential documents right in your pocket.