ESIGN WITH AADHAAR BIO - STEPS IN DETAILS

In an age where businesses are rushing toward complete digital transformation, the need for secure, paperless, and legally valid document signing has become critical. Traditional handwritten signatures are being replaced by electronic signatures (eSigns), a faster, safer, and government-recognized alternative.
Among the various eSign methods available in India, Aadhaar BIO eSign stands out as one of the most secure and trusted options. It combines Aadhaar-based biometric verification (fingerprint or iris) with digital signature technology, ensuring that every signature is tied directly to the individual's verified identity.

What is eSign with Aadhaar BIO?

Aadhaar BIO eSign is an electronic signature service that enables Aadhaar holders to sign documents using fingerprint or iris-based authentication digitally.
Instead of printing, signing, and scanning, users can sign documents online within seconds, powered by UIDAI's biometric verification and licensed Certifying Authority (CA) - Ex, Capricorn CA.
eSign.Network, as a CCA-approved eSign solution, ensures every signature is:
- Legally valid under the IT Act, 2000
- Backed by real-time Aadhaar authentication
- Secured through tamper-proof digital certificates

Legal Framework and Compliance

Aadhaar BIO eSign is recognized under Section 3A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, making it legally equivalent to a handwritten signature.
The entire process is compliant with:
- UIDAI guidelines for Aadhaar authentication
- CCA India norms for digital signature issuance
- Certifying Authorities Rules, 2000
So, any document signed using eSign.Network's Aadhaar BIO eSign is legally admissible in Indian courts and holds full evidentiary value.

Eligibility and Requirements

- Valid Aadhaar number (or Virtual ID).
- Biometrics must be unlocked in your Aadhaar (many users lock them for privacy; unlock via mAadhaar app or UIDAI portal).
- Registered biometric device (STQC-certified fingerprint/iris scanner). List: UIDAI Registered Devices portal.
- An Internet-connected computer with a USB port for the device.
- Aadhaar-linked mobile for initial setup (optional fallback to OTP).
Note: If biometrics are locked, you cannot use BIO mode, fall back to OTP or iris (if unlocked separately). UIDAI allows free biometric unlocking online via the myAadhaar portal.

How Aadhaar BIO eSign Works

Upload Document: Use an Application Service Provider (ASP) platform (e.g., esign.network).
Signer Consent: Recipient clicks "Sign" and selects "Aadhaar Biometric".
Enter Aadhaar/VID: Input 12-digit Aadhaar or 16-digit Virtual ID.
Connect Device: Plug in the registered biometric scanner (RD Service software auto-detects).
Capture Biometrics: Place finger or scan iris—live capture with liveness detection.
UIDAI Authentication: Encrypted PID block sent to UIDAI for real-time match (success rate >99% with good devices).
Key Generation & Signing:
- eSign Service Provider (ESP) generates an asymmetric key pair.
- Document hash signed with private key.
- Certifying Authority (CA) issues a short-lived DSC.
Signature Applied: Visible eSign with details (name, Aadhaar last 4 digits, timestamp, CA info).
Delivery: Signed PDF emailed instantly with full audit trail.

Who Can Offer Aadhaar BIO eSign Services?

Only CCA-licensed ESPs (eSign Service Providers), such as eSign.Digital, can offer Aadhaar BIO eSign. They act as intermediaries between the user, UIDAI, and the Certifying Authority.
Example:
Capricorn Identity Services Pvt. Ltd. – Licensed ESP & Certifying Authority by CCA - Ex, Capricorn CA, Govt. of India.
DSC Generation:
Upon successful authentication, a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is generated instantly by a Certifying Authority.
Signature Application:
Capricorn DSC is used to digitally sign the document cryptographically, ensuring integrity and non-repudiation.
Completion:
The signed document is stored, downloaded, or shared — fully tamper-proof and verifiable.

Security Framework Behind Aadhaar BIO eSign

Security and privacy are at the heart of Aadhaar BIO eSign.
1. End-to-End Encryption: All biometric data is encrypted before transmission to UIDAI.
2. Registered Device Policy: Only RD-compliant biometric devices can be used, preventing replay attacks.
3. No Data Storage: Neither ESP nor ASP stores biometric or Aadhaar data.
4. Secure Hashing: Each signed document carries a unique hash ensuring tamper detection.
5. Legal Audit Trails: Every eSign action (who, when, where) is logged securely for compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is Aadhaar BIO eSign legal?
Yes. It's fully legal under the IT Act, 2000 and CCA guidelines.
Q2. Do I need a physical USB token?
No. eSign.Network generates a temporary DSC online, no token required.
Q3. What biometric devices are supported?
Devices with RD Service enabled.
Q4. Can eSign.Network integrate with our internal systems?
Yes. Our API & SDK enable direct integration into enterprise apps.
Q5. Is my biometric data stored?
Never. All biometric data is encrypted and transmitted securely to UIDAI, not stored anywhere.

Common Issues & Tips

* "Biometrics Locked": Unlock free at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
* Device not detected: Install the latest RD Service from the manufacturer.
* Failure rate: Clean fingers, good lighting; retry limit 3-5 times.
* Privacy: UIDAI never shares full biometrics, only a yes/no response.

Conclusion

Aadhaar BIO eSign is the next step in India's digital transformation, secure, instant, and legally valid. With eSign.Network, you can streamline document signing, eliminate paper-based workflows, and ensure every signature is verified by UIDAI.