Identity Documents

Aadhaar Offline KYC XML: How to Download & Use for Verification

Download Aadhaar Offline KYC XML from myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Learn about share code, validity, and how banks and telecom companies accept it for KYC.

CitizenNest Editorial Team6 min read
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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. We are NOT affiliated with any government body. Always verify on official websites.

Aadhaar Offline KYC XML: How to Download & Use for Verification

Aadhaar Offline KYC (also called Paperless Offline e-KYC) is a secure way to share your Aadhaar identity details with service providers without biometric authentication and without exposing your actual Aadhaar number. UIDAI provides a digitally signed XML file that you can download and share with a 4-digit share code.

What is Aadhaar Offline KYC XML?

The Offline KYC XML is a zip file downloaded from myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in that contains:

  • Name, date of birth, gender, address โ€” your demographic details
  • Photograph โ€” your Aadhaar photo
  • Reference ID โ€” a unique ID instead of your actual Aadhaar number
  • Digital signature โ€” signed by UIDAI to prove authenticity
  • Share code protection โ€” a 4-digit code you set, required to open the file

Key point: The XML does NOT contain your actual Aadhaar number or biometric data.

Why Use Offline KYC XML?

Benefit Explanation
No biometrics needed No fingerprint or iris scan required
Aadhaar number hidden Uses a reference ID instead of the 12-digit number
No internet needed for verification Verifier can check the file offline
Digitally signed Tamper-proof, signed by UIDAI
User-controlled sharing You decide who gets the file and set the share code
Widely accepted Banks, telecom, mutual funds, insurance accept it

How to Download Aadhaar Offline KYC XML

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Visit https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
  2. Click on "Offline e-KYC" or "Download Aadhaar Offline KYC"
  3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID)
  4. Enter the security code (captcha)
  5. Click "Send OTP" โ€” OTP is sent to your registered mobile number
  6. Enter the OTP received
  7. Create a 4-digit Share Code โ€” this becomes the password for the XML file
  8. Click "Download"
  9. A zip file will be downloaded containing the XML

Remember your Share Code! You will need to give this code to whoever you share the XML with. Without it, the file cannot be opened.

Using mAadhaar App

  1. Open the mAadhaar app
  2. Go to "Offline e-KYC" section
  3. Authenticate with your fingerprint or OTP
  4. Set a 4-digit share code
  5. Download the XML zip file
  6. Share it directly from the app

How to Share the XML for KYC

  1. Download the Offline KYC XML zip file (as above)
  2. Share the zip file with the requesting organization via:
    • Email
    • Upload on their portal
    • Physical transfer (USB, etc.)
  3. Share the 4-digit share code separately (do NOT include it in the same email)
  4. The organization extracts the XML, enters the share code, and verifies the digital signature

Where is Offline KYC XML Accepted?

  • Banks โ€” for account opening, loan applications, KYC re-verification
  • Telecom companies โ€” for new SIM card activation
  • Mutual funds โ€” for investor KYC (via KRAs like CAMS, KFintech)
  • Insurance companies โ€” for policy issuance and claims
  • NBFC and fintech โ€” for digital lending KYC
  • Government portals โ€” select services that need identity verification
  • PAN card application โ€” as identity proof

Validity of Offline KYC XML

  • The XML file has a download timestamp embedded in it
  • UIDAI does not set a fixed expiry, but most organizations accept XML downloaded within the last 3 days to 30 days
  • Banks typically prefer XML not older than 3 days
  • If an organization rejects an older XML, simply download a fresh one

Understanding the Share Code

Aspect Details
Length 4 digits
Set by You (at the time of download)
Purpose Password to decrypt the XML zip file
Can it be changed? Each download lets you set a new share code
Security tip Never share the code in the same channel as the file

Important Tips

  1. Set a different share code each time โ€” use a unique code for each organization you share with
  2. Share the code separately โ€” send the XML by email but share the code via SMS or phone call
  3. Download fresh XML for each use โ€” this ensures the data is current and within acceptance limits
  4. Use VID instead of Aadhaar number โ€” when downloading, enter your Virtual ID for extra privacy
  5. Check acceptance before sharing โ€” confirm with the organization that they accept Offline KYC XML

Offline KYC XML vs Other Aadhaar Verification Methods

Method Biometric Needed Aadhaar Number Exposed Internet Needed for Verification Best For
Offline KYC XML No No (uses reference ID) No Bank/telecom KYC
e-Aadhaar PDF No Yes (unless masked) No General ID proof
Aadhaar e-KYC (online) Yes (OTP/biometric) Yes Yes Real-time digital KYC
QR Code Verification No Partially (in QR data) No Quick identity check

FAQs

What is the share code in Aadhaar Offline KYC?

The share code is a 4-digit password that you create when downloading the Offline KYC XML. It is needed to open and read the downloaded XML file. You must share this code with the verifying organization separately.

Can Offline KYC XML be used without internet?

Yes. Once downloaded, the XML file and its verification can be done completely offline. The digital signature validation does not require an internet connection.

Is Offline KYC XML safe to share?

Yes, it is one of the safest ways to share Aadhaar data. It does not contain your actual Aadhaar number (uses a reference ID instead), is protected by a share code, and is digitally signed by UIDAI to prevent tampering.

How is Offline KYC different from e-KYC?

e-KYC (online) requires real-time biometric or OTP authentication via UIDAI servers. Offline KYC uses a pre-downloaded XML file โ€” no biometrics, no real-time connection needed. Both are valid for KYC purposes.

Can I use Offline KYC XML for SIM card purchase?

Yes. As per TRAI and DoT guidelines, telecom companies accept Aadhaar Offline KYC XML as valid identity proof for SIM activation.

What if I forget my share code?

You cannot recover a share code. Simply download a new Offline KYC XML from myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in with a new share code.


Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with UIDAI or any government body. Information is compiled from official sources for educational purposes. Always refer to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in for the latest updates.