The days of handling this huge load of papers, keeping them carefully in files, finding them when needed – all these hassles are about to end. Courtesy of DigiLocker, a groundbreaking initiative of the Government of India’s Digital India Mission.
DigiLocker is not just an app or a website, it is a digital vault for all your important government documents. It is a secure platform where you can keep everything from your Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license to vehicle registration certificate, educational qualification certificate in one place. The most important thing is that the documents kept here are legally as valid as real paper.
In this report, we will discuss in detail about DigiLocker. What is it, why use it, what are its benefits, how to open an account and how to keep all your documents safe here – we will present each step in simple language to you. Let's get out of the world of papers and join this amazing journey of Digital India.
Table of Contents
- What Exactly is DigiLocker?
- Why Use DigiLocker? Benefits Explained
- How to Open a DigiLocker Account
- Complete Guide to Using DigiLocker
- How to Issue Government Documents
- How to Upload Your Documents
- What Important Documents Can Be Stored
- Is DigiLocker Really Secure?
- Conclusion
- FAQ – Common Questions About DigiLocker
What Exactly is DigiLocker?
In simple words, DigiLocker is a cloud-based digital locker service created by the Government of India. Under the 'Digital India' program, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, has launched this service. Its main objective is to create an environment-friendly system by reducing the use of papers (Paperless Governance) and providing all the important documents of the citizens of the country on a secure digital platform.
Many may think of DigiLocker as a simple online storage like Google Drive or Dropbox, but here is the real difference. DigiLocker is not just a place to scan and upload your documents, it is also directly connected to the government database. This means that you can 'fetch' or pull documents like your driving license or Aadhaar card directly from the issuing agency (e.g. UIDAI, Ministry of Transport, CBSE Board) to your locker.
There are mainly two types of documents that can be stored in DigiLocker:
1. Issued Documents: These documents come directly from the government agency's database to your DigiLocker account. Since they are verified directly from the source, these digital copies have been given the same legal validity as the original document as per the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000).
2. Uploaded Documents: Here you can scan and upload your own personal documents (e.g. university certificates that are not yet available digitally, or any personal papers). Although these are protected, they do not have the same legal validity as issued documents.
This service, linked to your Aadhaar card number, gives you 1 GB of cloud storage, where you can organize all your documents.
Why use DigiLocker? What are its benefits?
The benefits of using DigiLocker are so extensive that once you start using it, you will never want to go back to the old world of papers. Let's take a look at its main benefits:
1. Get rid of the hassle of paperwork forever
The biggest advantage is that you no longer have to carry documents in thick files or plastic folders. All your necessary documents will be on your smartphone. Even if you forget your wallet or files while leaving the house, no worries, because your phone is now your document file.
2. Secure and completely safe
The question may come to your mind, "Is it safe to keep my important documents online?" The answer is, yes. DigiLocker uses the highest quality security measures:
- ISO 27001 Certified: This is the highest security standard at the international level.
- Aadhaar-based Authentication: No one can access your account without your Aadhaar OTP.
- 256-bit SSL Encryption: All data exchange between you and the server is fully encrypted.
- Mobile OTP & Security PIN: Every time you log in or perform important tasks, an OTP comes to your registered mobile number and the 6-digit PIN you set is required.
3. Complete legal validity
This is the most powerful feature of DigiLocker. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the traffic police are obliged to accept the driving license or vehicle RC listed in the 'Issued Documents' section of DigiLocker if they show it. Similarly, it can also be used as ID proof for rail travel or domestic flights. This digital document is also valid for various government services or job applications.
4. Save time and money
Just think, how many times we have to photocopy documents for filling up various forms or applying for jobs and get them attested by government officials. DigiLocker has simplified this entire process. Now you can share verified digital copies directly from your DigiLocker, which will save both your time and the cost of photocopying.
5. Eco-friendly Initiatives
By reducing the use of paper, DigiLocker is indirectly playing a big role in protecting the environment. The more people use digital documents, the less trees will be cut and our environment will be protected.
6. Access from anywhere
No matter where you are in the country or the world, as long as you have an internet connection, you can access all your documents by logging into your DigiLocker account from your computer or smartphone. This frees you from the worry of not having documents at hand in an emergency.
7. Prevention of fraud and fake documents
Since the documents are verified directly from the issuing agency, there is no chance of creating fake or forged documents. This helps in increasing transparency in the government and private sectors.
How to open an account on DigiLocker?
Creating an account on DigiLocker is a very easy process. Follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Go to the website or app
First, go to the website digilocker.gov.in from your computer or download and install the DigiLocker app from Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) on your smartphone.
Step 2: Click on 'Sign Up'
After opening the app or website, you will see two options 'Sign In' and 'Sign Up'. Click on the 'Sign Up' button to open a new account.
Step 3: Fill in the required information
Now a registration form will appear in front of you. Fill in the following information accurately:
- Full Name: Enter the name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card.
- Date of Birth: Enter your date of birth as per Aadhaar card (day/month/year).
- Gender: Select Male, Female or Others.
- Mobile Number: Enter your personal mobile number, which you use. An OTP will be sent to this number.
- Email ID: Enter your valid email ID.
- Set a 6-digit Security PIN: Set a 6-digit security PIN of your choice. This is very important for the security of your account, so remember it.
Step 4: Link Aadhaar Number
This step is the most important. You will need to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number. After entering the Aadhaar number, an OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Once you submit that OTP in the specified space, your Aadhaar verification will be complete and your DigiLocker account will be created.
Important Note: To get the full benefits of DigiLocker, it is mandatory to link your mobile number with your Aadhaar card. If it is not linked, then definitely visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra and get your mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
Step 5: Create a Username (Optional)
After the account is created, you can create a username of your choice. This can be useful when logging in later.
That's it! Your DigiLocker account is now ready.
Complete Guide to Using DigiLocker
The account is created, now let's see how to use it and bring your documents here.
Dashboard Introduction
After logging in, you will see a simple dashboard. There are mainly a few sections:
Home: This is the main page of your account.
Issued Documents: You will see all your verified government documents here.
Uploaded Documents: Your own uploaded documents will be here.
Browse Documents: From here you can find different government departments and add documents issued by them to your account.
How to 'Issue' a government document?
This is the main part of using DigiLocker. Let's see step by step how to bring your documents like your driving license or PAN card here:
1. Click on the 'Browse Documents' or 'Search Documents' option on the left side of the dashboard.
2. You will see a search bar and a list of different government departments below (e.g. Central Government, State Government).
3. For example, if you want to add your driving license, type "Driving Licence" or "Ministry of Road Transport and Highways" in the search bar and find the category.
4. Then click on the "Driving Licence" option.
5. Now you will be asked for your driving license number. Give your consent by ticking a checkbox before clicking on the "Get Document" button with the correct number.
6. DigiLocker will now verify your information from the Ministry of Transport database and within a few seconds, the digital copy of your driving license will be added to your 'Issued Documents' section.
Similarly, you can add other documents as well:
- For Aadhaar Card: Search for the UIDAI category.
- For PAN card: Search Income Tax Department.
- For vehicle RC: Search Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- For CBSE marksheet: Search Central Board of Secondary Education.
- For West Bengal Higher Secondary or Madhyamik marksheet: Search West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education or West Bengal Board of Secondary Education.
- For COVID Vaccination Certificate: Search Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
How to upload your documents?
If you do not have any of your documents [e.g. university academic degree security, land title deed] disposable digitally, you can take a clear visualize or scan it and upload it.
1. Go to the 'Uploaded Documents' department.
2. Click on the 'Upload' clit on the top right.
3. prize the file [in PDF, JPEG, PNG initialize] from your figurer or phone. The file size need be a utmost of 10 MB [10 MB].
4. Once the file is with success uploaded, you will see it in this department.
Also, you can digitally sign your uploaded documents through and through DigiLocker's e—Sign table service، which is very serviceable in many cases....
What important documents can you store in DigiLocker?
DigiLocker's scope is constantly expanding. Currently, almost all types of important documents are available here. For example:
- Central Government: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving License (DL), Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC), LPG Connection Voucher, COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate.
- Education: CBSE and ISC Board Class 10th and 12th Marksheets and Certificates, Various Skill India Certificates.
- State Government: West Bengal Transport Department (Vehicle Fitness, Permit), Education Board (WBBSE, WBCHSE), Ration Card (available in many states), Birth and Death Certificates, etc.
- Insurance: Various Life Insurance and General Insurance Policy Documents.
- Banking and Finance: Integration with many banks is in progress.
Is DigiLocker really secure? Some common questions on your mind
It is natural for us to be afraid about the security of personal information in the digital world. Many people also have questions when they are using DigiLocker.
Is my information secure?
Yes, your selective information is all secured. No one will be able to view your documents without your license. Neither the government nor DigiLocker authorities can access your documents. It only acts as a secure medium between you and the document issuing agency.
What if I lose my phone?
No worries. Your documents are not on your phone, but on DigiLocker's secure cloud server. If you lose your phone, you can get all your documents back by logging in with your mobile number, Aadhaar OTP and 6-digit PIN from any other phone or computer.
Is DigiLocker valid everywhere like an original document?
Yes, all the documents in the 'Issued Documents' section are valid as original documents as per the Information Technology Act and are valid everywhere in India.
Conclusion
DigiLocker is a milestone in the path to realizing the dream of Digital India. It has not only reduced our paperwork burden, but has also made our lives a lot easier by providing a transparent, secure and fast service. Although there may be some hesitation at first, after knowing its security measures and benefits, there is no reason not to use it.
Why delay? In this era of smartphones, be a smart citizen and create your DigiLocker account today. Get rid of the world of papers, save time and become a part of Digital India.
FAQ
Question 1: Is there any charge to use DigiLocker?
Answer: No, absolutely not! DigiLocker is a completely free service for only Indian citizens. You will not to pay any single ammount to use this platform.
Question 2: Can I still use DigiLocker even though I do not have a mobile number linked to my Aadhaar?
Answer: Yes, of course you can! You can open a basic account on DigiLocker with just your mobile number and scan and upload your documents.
However, if you want to get official documents (like driving license or marksheet) directly from the government, then it is necessary to link your mobile number with Aadhaar.
Question 3: Does the traffic police accept DigiLocker documents?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. As per the law, if you show your driving license or vehicle RC from the ‘Issued Documents’ section of DigiLocker, the traffic police are bound to accept it as a valid and acceptable document.
Question 4: If I am an NRI, can I use DigiLocker?
Answer: Currently, DigiLocker is mainly designed for those citizens who have an Aadhaar card and an Indian mobile number.
So, it is not fully launched for NRIs for now, but the government may expand this facility in the future.
Question 5: What should I do if I forget my account PIN or password?
Answer: No worries! Go to the login page and click on ‘Forgot Security PIN’ or ‘Forgot Password’.
Then you can easily set a new PIN or password using your Aadhaar number and the OTP received on your phone.
