Manual document signing is a complex process. It consumes time and is prone to tampering or manipulation. The eSign Aadhar eliminates the dependency on paper and in-person presence. Aadhaar-based eSign is not a convenience. It fills the gap between identity and technology, along with legal validity. Here, in this guide, you will learn about the Aadhaar eSign-in details.

What is Aadhaar eSign?

It is a legal and secure way to digitally sign documents in India. It links Aadhaar identity to the document’s electronic signature. This process required a registered mobile number for OTP verification. It is equivalent to a handwritten signature, as per the Information Technology Act 2000, enabling paperless, fast, and secure online transactions.

How Aadhaar eSign Works?

Here is how the eSigning process works:

• Upload the Document

It is the first step to upload the document. It needs to be signed on an eSign-enabled platform. It can be a PDF, Word file, or any other supported format.

• Choose eSign Option

Select the eSign option for digital signing. Most platforms provide an Aadhaar-based eSign service that links the signature to your identity.

• Aadhaar Authentication

For identity verification, the platform uses your Aadhaar Number. An OTP (One-Time Password) is sent to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.

• Enter OTP

Enter the OTP on the platform to confirm your identity. This ensures that the person signing the document is indeed the Aadhaar holder.

• eSign Applied

Once authenticated, the electronic signature is applied to the document. The signature is encrypted and legally binds the signer to the content of the document.

• Download or Share Document

After signing, the document can be downloaded, shared, or submitted online. It remains tamper-evident and confirms authenticity and integrity.

Benefits of Aadhaar eSign

There are multiple benefits of eSign:

• Paperless and Eco-Friendly: It eliminates the need to print, sign, and scan documents. This reduces the paper consumption. It adds convenience in the documentation work.

• Efficient: Documents can be signed instantly from anywhere and at any time. It removes delays that occur due to physical travel, courier, or postal services.

• Legally Valid: It is recognized under the Information Technology Act, 2000. It makes eSign legally enforceable. eSign removes delays that occur due to physical travel, courier, or postal services.

• Enhanced Security: The Aadhaar-based verification confirms that only the right person can sign. Digital encryption protects the document from tampering and audit trails.

• Cost-Effective: It saves money on printing, scanning, and courier services. This reduces the administrative overhead for both individuals and businesses.

• Wide Applications: It can be used for government forms, banking documents, employment contracts, agreements, and more.

Application of eSign

eSign can be used for various legal processes:

• Banking and Financial Services: eSign allows banks and financial institutions to complete KYC, loan approvals, and account opening digitally. Customers can sign agreements electronically without visiting the branch and making processes faster and more convenient.

• Private Sector Agreements and HR Processes: Most of the private institutions use Aadhaar eSign for signing employment contracts, Internal approvals, and NDAs.

• Online Educational Certificates: Educational institutions can issue digitally signed certificates, mark sheets, and transcripts; eSign ensures the documents are authentic, tamper-proof, and can be verified online instantly.

How to verify the eSign?

There are multiple verifier tools and solutions available online that you can use to verify the eSign. You can use the E-sign service of Aadhaar KYC. You can sign documents from anywhere. Just follow the steps 

• Upload documents to the platform.
• Aadhaar holder will review the document before signing.
• Enter the Aadhaar number or VID.
• You can choose the mode of authentication:- OTP, Fingerprint, Iris.
• After authentication, CCA will issue a digital signature.
• The digitally signed document will be sent to the user and organization.

Is eSign legal in India?

Yes, as per the Information Technology Act 2000 (IT Act), eSign is legally valid. It is equivalent to handwritten signatures. Aadhaar-based eSign issued by licensed Certifying Authorities is an officially recognized method. However, eSign can not be used for some documents, such as wills, powers of attorney, property sale deeds, and trust deeds. eSign is mostly valid for digital transactions and agreements in India.

Conclusion

eSign has transformed the way individuals and organizations sign and verify documents. It makes the document signing process faster, safer, and entirely paperless. It is legally valid and acceptable to both organizations. It saves time and resources. eSign is an essential tool for businesses and individuals who want secure and convenient document signing. You can sign a document anytime and from anywhere. It reduces the risk of document tampering. eSign can be used for most of the document signing work, including affidavits, agreements, etc. However, it can’t be used for signing wills, power of attorney, or property papers. 

FAQs

How to get Aadhaar eSign?

You can access Aadhaar eSign through any eSign-enabled platform or service provider through your Aadhaar number and OTP.

How do I eSign Online?

You can use an online eSign service.

Is Aadhar eSign Safe?

Yes, eSign Adhar is a safe method.

What is the cost of Aadhar eSign?

The cost depends on the platform you are using; it can cost around ₹20-₹50.

What is the difference between eKYC and eSign?

eKYC is a customer verification process, where eSign is the electronic signing of a document.