Aadhaar cards can be used as an authentic indicator of identity. Learn how it can be used to sign documents electronically and verify one’s identity

1. The Benefits of using Electronic Signatures for Aadhaar | DrySign
Have Aadhar? Get eSignatures Too! – DrySign By Exela
The Internet and access to real-time information have revolutionized aspects of daily life for
citizens. This has been especially true for India, a country of 1.4 billion. Technology has
transformed various customer-facing industries, making it convenient and easy to access for
its growing digital users. The country's digital economy has soared thanks to home-grown
technological developments and access to multiple platforms and applications. It will
increase in size in the coming years due to the rising numbers of digital citizens, internet
penetration, growth in online payments, and advanced security measures to protect citizens.
India's digital economy has grown 2.4 times faster than the Indian economy – India
Today.
The digital economy has given birth to the need for digital IDs. Verifying these digital
identities unlocks access to various critical services, from healthcare to government benefits.
Digital IDs have a wide-reaching impact by improving quality of life and maintaining high
security and privacy. It helps companies to onboard customers rapidly. When implemented
correctly, it allows citizens to avoid bureaucratic hurdles and gain access to services. The
Government of India launched Aadhaar in September 2010, a centralized identity framework
for storing information on citizens. It was one of the first initiatives of the Digital India program
under the aegis of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 'Aadhaar Card' would serve as an
electronic ID for citizens and be authenticated remotely.
The Aadhaar ID number is unique for each citizen and ensures institutions trust it as an
authentic source of identity verification. The digital ID legally recognizes citizens and
provides access to goods and services. However, with rising cases of misuse of digital IDs,
a lack of a proper mechanism for verifying a digital account has come into question. The
answer was found in electronic signatures or eSignatures.
There are over 1.2 billion Aadhaar card holders in India - Statista

2. The Benefits of using Electronic Signatures for Aadhaar | DrySign
How eSignatures can help with Aadhaar
Signatories use an electronic signature to sign a document electronically. It holds similar
power to wet signatures while adhering to laws prescribed by the Indian government. The
government has made several efforts to support eSignatures on electronic contracts to
transform India into a paperless economy. The move aims to encourage businesses and
customers to assert their consent during an online transaction with an eSignature.
An Aadhaar-based eSign is a legally approved method of signing. To e-sign with Aadhaar,
an individual must register his mobile number. And by fulfilling this essential requirement,
anyone can e-sign a document irrespective of location. While signing a document, an
individual needs to enter their unique Aadhaar number and an OTP that is exclusively sent
to their registered mobile number for verification. Post verification, the Aadhaar sign is added
to the document.
The legality of eSignatures
The Indian government recognizes eSignatures under the Information Technology Act 2000.
Electronic signature technology aims at streamlining data storage, enhancing data security,
and improving the ease of business. Its implementation has succeeded, with various
companies using it to access services and goods.
The IT Act recognizes eSignatures that combine an Aadhaar number and a one-time
password or biometric authorization. It can be used in executing certain business and
commercial agreements.
In addition, the signatory must have control over the data to generate eSignature to affix
them to documents. Any alterations or modifications to the signature must be witnessed in
real-time.
However, you still cannot sign everything with eSignatures. Online signatures are not
accepted on the following documents:
 A power-of-attorney
 A trust, as defined
 A contract for the sale or conveyance of real estate.
 A negotiable instrument
 A will
Also Read: Tips for Businesses Embracing Digital Signatures in 2023
How Aadhaar eSignatures are Convenient and Secure
Aadhaar eSignatures can ensure all citizens can take advantage of the revolutionary
technology:

3. The Benefits of using Electronic Signatures for Aadhaar | DrySign
 Respects Privacy – Electronic signatures are based on the consent of individuals.
Aadhaar respects the privacy of citizens and stores their information securely. The
signed document can be downloaded at any time.
 Encourages Remote Signing – It can be used on digital documents to sign them
securely. Citizens need not be physically present to verify their identity and can use
Aadhaar as a trusted source.
 Supports Paperless Systems – E-signatures can be used to sign and authenticate
electronic documents and bring paperless systems. Records stored digitally can
prevent document forgery and red tape.
Aadhaar was used 7.8 billion times for online verification - Unique Identification
Authority of India (UIDAI)
How to Validate an Electronic Signature in Aadhaar?
 Step 1: The authenticator must create a form containing the recipient's details, such
as date of birth, gender, name, etc. If the document has multiple stakeholders, it only
needs to be signed by them.
 Step 2: There are two methods to verify identity through Aadhaar – using a one-time
password (OTP) or biometrics. An OTP is used for Know Your Customer (KYC) forms.
The signatory needs to verify his details and the document before he's ready to sign.
 Step 3: The signer is redirected to an eSign service provider page like DrySign, where
he authenticates his identity. Upon successful authentication, the eSignature is affixed
to the document.
The Role of DrySign
DrySign, a trustworthy and reliable digital signature solution provider, can help citizens sign
documents securely and authenticate their identity. Here's how DrySign provides
advantages to the average citizen.
 Keeping Digital Records :
DrySign helps digitize documents and store them securely in online archives. It eliminates
the need for paper documents, storage facilities, and additional infrastructure to store
signed documents.
 Protects Customer Data :
DrySign can preserve the integrity of documents and safeguard customer information.
Signed documents are protected using robust encryption methods and help gain
customer trust. This helps in retaining customers and helps them be secure.

4. The Benefits of using Electronic Signatures for Aadhaar | DrySign
 Shared with Multiple Parties :
Digital documents can be shared between multiple parties by leveraging the Group Sign
feature.
 Complete Transparency :
Electronic signatures can help track the progress when signing sensitive documents. A
mail trail provides transparency on the details of all signers and any modifications within
documents. They make all actions taken by stakeholders visible and traceable
 Ensures Compliance :
DrySign complies with global electronic signature laws in India and helps all stakeholders
adhere to terms and conditions in contracts, agreements, and deals. Since the eSignature
is legally binding, it can be used as evidence in a court of law in the case of disputes.
 Be Paperless :
DrySign helps enterprises go paperless and controls the signing process. Notifications
are sent to senders in case of viewed documents. In addition, reminders can be sent to
recipients to remove any hurdles in signing.
Closing Thoughts
Aadhaar eSignatures are secure and convenient for executing contracts and agreements. It
can make businesses and units highly efficient and reliable. They can promote sustainable
development, weed out inefficiencies, and be a boon for businesses in the long run.
For enterprises and customers looking forward to signing documents
electronically, DrySign is the way to go.
Source: statista.com | economictimes.indiatimes.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only and is
not intended to serve as legal advice. Laws governing the subject matter may change quickly,
and Exela cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. Should
you have specific legal questions about any of the information on this site, you should
consult with a licensed attorney in your area.
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