The term DigiLocker has been making a lot of news lately. In here, find out the meaning, uses, benefits and more about DigiLocker.

What is Digilocker?

As the name suggests, DigiLocker is a digital locker repository which provides a platform to store your important documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, Driving License, mark sheets(CBSE, ICSE, ISC), Registration Certificate and more. It is a cloud storage from where you can avail government services and for personal storage too.

This is an initiative under Digital India and was launched by the Government of India in the year 2015. Released by the Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DEITY), this facility provides a storage of 1 GB to individuals who have linked their Aadhaar number. Moreover, you can also digitally sign e-documents with the e-sign facility provided under this facility.

Sections of DigiLocker Account

My Certificates

This section shows all your documents, issued or uploaded.

Digital Documents This contains the URIs of the documents issued to the user by different government departments or other agencies.

Uploaded Documents This contains all the documents uploaded by the user. The file size should not be more than 1 MB and must be only in jpg, jpeg, BMP, gif, png file types.

My Profile

You can see the complete user profile.

My Issuer

This section includes all the information related to the issuer such as the name and the documents issued by them.

My Requester

It includes the name of the requester and the documents requested by them.

Directories

This section shows a complete list of the registered issuers and requesters with their URIs.

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What Are The Benefits of DigiLocker?

One of the best benefits of DigiLocker is the that the documents can be accessed easily while making sure the documents are safe. This will also simplify the verification process as it requires minimal human interaction. Moreover, you can issue any document directly to the issuing authority without any further verification. Some of the other benefits of DigiLocker account are:

Digital Empowerment

The launch of DigiLocker has empowered individuals digitally. Now, all the important documents can be kept digitally. In fact, you can keep the documents online if your Aadhaar is linked.

Easy Availability and Sharing of Documents

Also with DigiLocker, you can easily access your documents anytime, anywhere. Moreover, sharing your documents can be hassle-free as all the documents are in the cloud.

Reduces the use of physical documents

Imagine you were applying for a job and the company needs to verify your documents. All they need to do is access the relevant documents on your DigiLocker account. However, the company needs to register first to access the repository.

Secure access

The system also provides a secure access. For instance, any institution can simply upload the document in the standard form in the designated repository. This will reduce corruption as there is minimal human interaction.

How Does Digilocker Work?

To sign-up for Digilocker, you will require your Aadhaar and your mobile number registered with Aadhaar.

How to create a Digilocker account?

Step-1: Access digital locker at https://digitallocker.gov.in/

Step-2: Click on ‘Sign Up’.

Step-3: Enter your 12-digit unique Aadhaar number.

Step-4: Once you enter your Aadhaar number, there are two options to further proceed- USE OTP or Use FINGERPRINT.

Option-1: Using OTP

Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. Click on ‘Verify’ tab. After verification, you can create ‘Username’ and ‘Password’.

Option-2: Use Fingerprint

In this option, the Aadhaar approved biometric device is required to verify the fingerprint. This option is beneficial if you haven’t registered your mobile number with Aadhaar.

Choose the device type used to verify the fingerprint. Click on the declaration box to further proceed. The fingerprint will be captured via the fingerprint scanner and after verification will prompt you to create ‘Username’ and ‘Password’.

Step-5: After entering your desired ‘Username’ and ‘Password’, click on ‘Sign Up’. You can also see the ‘Dashboard’ page after successfully creating your account.

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How to set up your DigiLocker account?

The steps to set up your DigiLocker account are:

Step-1: Sign in to your DigiLocker account.

Step-2: You can log in through any of the following options:

Aadhaar Name and OTP

Username and Password

Facebook ID validation

Select the desired mode of login.

Step-3: Once signed in, click on ‘Upload Documents’. Click on ‘Upload’ to upload your documents into your DigiLocker account. Please note you can upload multiple documents at a time.

Step-4: Choose the location and select the file(s) and then click on Open button.

Step-5: Once the documents are uploaded, you can see them in the ‘Uploaded Documents’ section.

Step-6: Click on ‘Select Doc Type’ to match the document in the document types. If any of the documents do not match the document types, you can select ‘Others’.

Step-7: After the above-mentioned steps, click on the ‘Save’ tab.

How to send documents from your DigiLocker Account?

Step-1: After you log in to your account, go to ‘Uploaded Documents’.

Step-2: Click on eSign link provided against each document.

Step-3: User will receive an OTP. After entering OTP, click on eSign button.

Step-4: The document is eSigned and converted into PDF.

Step-5: Click on Share link provided for each document after eSigning.

Step-6: Enter the sender’s email address and click on ‘Send’. You can share one document at a time.

How to download documents from DigiLocker?

Step-1: Sign in to your account.

Step-2: Search for the relevant document in the search section.

Step-3: Click on the verification record. For example, if you are downloading the PAN, click on the ‘PAN Verification Record’.

Step-4: Find your document using your unique number. For instance, if you’re searching for your PAN card, you can use your PAN number.

Step-5: Click on the consent box and click on ‘Get the Document’.

Step-6: The document will be downloaded and can be shared with requesters as and when required.

The concept of DigiLocker

The concept of DigiLocker is based on the following challenges:

inistrative overhead.

Difficulty in submitting multiple physical copies of the documents.

Challenges to verify the authenticity of the documents by institutions/govt/agencies.

All in all, DigiLocker is a step towards Digital India and is going to completely change the way how government services are going to be delivered. Have you opted for the DigiLocker facility yet? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!

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