DigiLocker, also known as Digital Locker, represents a groundbreaking initiative by the Government of India, empowering individuals to securely store essential documents and certificates in a centralized portal. This online platform significantly minimizes the inconvenience associated with physical document handling, whether for inspection or presentation during various tasks, including employment.

This article presents a detailed guide on creating a DigiLocker account, aiming to streamline the process for users and facilitate seamless utilization of this platform. Let’s delve into the steps!

What is Exploring DigiLocker A Digital India Initiative for Secure Document Storage

Embark on your DigiLocker journey with these four straightforward steps:

1. Visit the DigiLocker website or download the app from your device’s app store. Use your Aadhaar number to create an account, ensuring your registered phone number is linked to Aadhaar.
2. Click on ‘Sign Up’ and provide your full name, date of birth, registered mobile number, and create a security PIN along with an email ID.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and choose between receiving a One Time Password (OTP) or using your fingerprint for verification.
4. Create a unique ‘Username’ and ‘Password’ when prompted. Upon successful account creation, you’ll be directed to the DigiLocker dashboard.

Benefits of DigiLocker:

DigiLocker offers numerous advantages, including:

• Convenient storage of important documents accessible anytime, anywhere.
• Legally recognized document authentication equivalent to originals.
• Easy document sharing with others.
• Expedited service delivery across various sectors such as government benefits, employment, finance, education, and health.

Additionally, regulatory bodies like the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) are encouraging insurers to issue digital policies to policyholders, citing benefits such as reduced costs and faster claim settlements.

Understanding DigiLocker Registration and its Utility

India’s Digital Locker online storage system stands as a reliable and secure platform for registered users. Here’s why:

1. Robust Security Measures: Digital Locker employs 256-bit secure socket layer encryption to safeguard information transmitted during any user activity. Mobile authentication via one-time password (OTP) ensures secure sign-up and access to the platform.
2. ISO 27001 Certification: The application is hosted in an ISO 27001 security-certified data center, ensuring stringent security standards for data storage and management. Regular data backups in secure environments with redundancy further fortify data protection.
3. Automatic Session Termination: To prevent unauthorized access, the system automatically terminates inactive sessions. Additionally, security audits conducted by recognized agencies and certification attest to the platform’s robust security measures.
4. Government Integration: Government organizations issue various documents, including mark sheets, through the Digital Locker system, facilitating efficient service delivery by enabling users to access documents electronically anytime, anywhere.
5. Cloud Storage for Indians: DigiLocker.gov.in offers cloud storage space to Indian citizens, allowing organizations registered with Digital Locker to push e-copies of certificates.
6. Potential for Impact: Digital Locker presents a significant opportunity to streamline e-governance processes. Its similarity to platforms like Google Drive underscores its potential for widespread adoption and impact.
7. Future Expansion: The platform is continually evolving, with plans to introduce additional safety features and expand its range of services. Government initiatives to issue certificates through DigiLocker indicate its growing importance in document management.
8. Document Scanning Capabilities: Users can easily scan and upload various documents such as driving licenses, PAN cards, voter IDs, passports, and more, enhancing the platform’s versatility and utility.

India’s Digital Locker service offers a trustworthy and efficient solution for securely managing digital documents, with ongoing efforts to enhance its features and usability.

Opening a DigiLocker account is a straightforward process designed for user convenience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Visit the official DigiLocker website.

Step 2: Click on the “Sign Up” option located at the top right corner of the page.

Step 3: Fill in the required details including your full name, mobile number, date of birth (as per Aadhaar card), email ID, and 12-digit Aadhaar number.

Step 4: Click on “Submit” to proceed to the next step.

Step 5: An OTP (One Time Password) will be sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar card. Ensure that your mobile number is updated with Aadhaar to receive the OTP. If not, update it at the nearest Aadhaar issuing agency.

Step 6: Enter the OTP received and click “Submit” to verify.

Upon successful verification, you’ll be prompted to set a username and password for your DigiLocker account.

Alternatively, if you don’t have your Aadhaar number available, DigiLocker offers the option to log in without using Aadhaar.

Follow these simple steps to open your DigiLocker account and start experiencing the benefits of secure digital document storage.

How to Create a DigiLocker Account Without Aadhaar Card

If you don’t have an Aadhaar card but still wish to create a DigiLocker account, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Visit the DigiLocker website.

Step 2: Click on the “Sign Up” option located at the top right corner of the page.

Step 3: Enter the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar card.

Step 4: Click on “Continue” to proceed.

Step 5: Enter the OTP received on your mobile number and select “Verify”.

Step 6: Create a username and password for your DigiLocker account and proceed with the “Sign Up” option.

Step 7: When prompted to open DigiLocker without an Aadhaar card, select “Don’t Have Aadhaar? Continue Here”.

Step 8: You’ll be directed to a dashboard for email verification. Enter your email address and click “Send Verification Link”.

Step 9: Check your email inbox for the verification link and click on it to verify your email address.

Once your email address is verified, your DigiLocker account will be successfully created. Remember to choose a strong username and password to ensure the security of your account.

When creating a username and password for your DigiLocker account, it’s important to follow these steps carefully, as the username cannot be changed later. Here’s a guide to help you set up your username and password:

Step 1: Decide on a Strong Username

• Choose a username between 4 to 50 characters in length.
• Start the username with a lowercase letter, though it can include capital letters.
• The username can contain dashes (-), dots (.), and underscores (_).
• For example, if your name is Vikash Singh, a suitable username could be vikashS_69. However, ensure that your username is unique and personalized to you.

Step 2: Create a Password or Set a 6-Digit PIN

• Choose a secure password for your DigiLocker account or set a 6-digit PIN, which will serve as your password for future logins.

Step 3: Verify Aadhaar Number

• The website will verify your Aadhaar number and validate the registration process.

Step 4: Sign In to DigiLocker

• Once your username and password or PIN are successfully created, you can sign in to your DigiLocker account.

Following these steps will ensure that you have a secure and personalized username and password for your DigiLocker account, allowing you to access and manage your digital documents with ease.

How to Upload Documents in Your DigiLocker Account

To create an account on DigiLocker, you’ll need the following documents containing specific information:

1. PAN Card or any other KYC Document:
   • Required for providing your full name.
2. Birth Certificate:
   • Needed to verify your date of birth.
3. Aadhaar Card:
   • Essential for registering with the mobile number linked to it or providing the Aadhaar number.

Ensure you have these documents handy to facilitate the smooth creation of your DigiLocker account.

Uses of DigiLocker

DigiLocker offers a range of uses to users, including:

1. Cloud Storage: Each user is provided with a 1 GB cloud storage space to securely store digital documents.
2. Security and Privacy: DigiLocker ensures the security and privacy of uploaded and downloaded files and records, safeguarding sensitive information.
3. Document Verification: The platform verifies every document, reducing the need for manual verification processes.
4. Accessibility: Users can access their DigiLocker profiles from any location and at any time, providing convenience and flexibility.
5. Easy Sharing: Users can easily share e-signed documents (self-attested documents) for verification purposes, streamlining document sharing processes.

However, to avail of these benefits, users must possess an Aadhaar card, and their mobile number must be linked to the Aadhaar number.

DigiLocker offers a range of services verified by the Central Government of India. Here’s a list of these verified services:

1. Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board
2. Central Board of Secondary Education
3. Common Service Centre (CSC)
4. Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare
5. Employee’s Provident Fund Organization
6. Income Tax Department
7. Indian Navy (INS Valsura)
8. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (BPCL)
9. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (HPCL)
10. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
11. National Health Authority
12. National Institute of Open Schooling
13. National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD)
14. Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry (IOCL)
15. Road Transport and Highways
16. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

By providing verified services from these government entities, DigiLocker facilitates hassle-free usage of e-documents, contributing to the goal of paperless governance. Let’s explore the specific benefits it offers.

DigiLocker brings about a transformative change by digitizing document management, offering a plethora of benefits to both individuals and government agencies:

Advantages for Individuals:

1. Convenience: Access documents anytime, anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Authentication: Verify e-documents issued by authorized agencies.
3. Expedited Services: Quick access to government benefits, education, health, employment, and financial services.
4. Seamless Sharing: Easily share e-documents stored in DigiLocker with government agencies.
5. User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design ensures accessibility for users of all tech levels.

Advantages for Government Agencies:

1. Reliable Storage: DigiLocker provides secure storage for documents issued by trusted institutions.
2. Reduced Overhead: Eliminates administrative overhead and streamlines verification processes.
3. Secure Exchange: Facilitates secure document exchange between issuers and verifiers/requesters.
4. Real-Time Verification: Enables real-time document verification with individual consent.

Under the Indian Information Technology Act of 2000, e-documents stored in DigiLocker hold the same legal validity as physical documents, ensuring seamless authentication for legal procedures. By following the step-by-step guide to creating a strong username and password, users can safeguard their sensitive data and prevent fraud.

The DigiLocker app is a digital locker service provided and managed by the Government of India, offering enhanced convenience to users. In response to the increasing reliance on smartphones in today’s world, the government introduced the DigiLocker mobile application, allowing users to access their uploaded documents and certificates directly from their smartphones.

Available for both Android and iOS devices, the DigiLocker app can be easily downloaded from the respective mobile app stores. As a key initiative under the Digital India campaign, the app aims to facilitate the transformation of India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

Creating an account on the DigiLocker app enables users to participate in paperless governance by providing a platform for the issuance and verification of documents in a digital format. The app offers the same features as the official website, providing users with a free, personal, and secure account with dedicated storage space.

Through the DigiLocker app, users can access various documents such as Aadhaar card, vehicle registration, driving license, PAN card, LPG subscription vouchers, and more directly into their personal accounts. These documents are authentic as they are issued directly by registered issuers.

With over 20.13 lakh clients recorded, the DigiLocker app allows users to conveniently access their uploaded documents from any device by simply logging into their accounts. Furthermore, the installation and downloading process of the DigiLocker app is completely free of cost, allowing users to enjoy its features without any financial burden.

Also Read How to Create UPI ID

Aadhaar-based eSignatures, introduced by the government, offer a legally recognized method for digitally signing documents. This online electronic signature service authenticates Aadhaar holders through Aadhaar-based KYC services.

To utilize eSign, individuals need their Aadhaar card and registered mobile number. With these two credentials, people can remotely sign documents without being physically present. Various organizations and individuals can access eSigning services through different service providers.

Users registered with DigiLocker can also access the eSign facility, providing a simple, secure, and efficient way for service delivery applications. Aadhaar card is a prerequisite for availing this service, and electronic signatures are created using Aadhaar-based KYC authentication.

Aadhaar eSign offers several benefits, including cost savings, resource optimization, time efficiency, and improved user convenience. It allows for easy application for digital signatures, ensuring verified signatures for signatories. Managed and licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), eSign has significant applications across various sectors such as corporate agreements, banking, healthcare, real estate, rental agreements, and telecommunications.

To sign certificates/documents, residents upload them on Aadhaar APIs user platforms. They enter their Aadhaar number or VID number and select the authentication mode, such as OTP, fingerprint, or iris scan. After successful authentication, the digitally signed document is issued by CCA and received by the user. The entire process typically takes around 5 minutes, depending on the user’s internet connectivity.

eSign integrates with Aadhaar to facilitate digital signature certificates for requested data by Aadhaar holders. It supports both biometric and non-biometric methods and finds extensive use in governmental filings, operations, and company management in India.

Enrolling for DigiLocker registration is a simple and convenient process, offering users digital access to their important documents. Here are the easy steps to register for DigiLocker:

1. Access Registration: Interested users can register for DigiLocker through the official website or by downloading the app from the Google Play Store.
2. Sign-Up Process: Signing up for DigiLocker is straightforward. Users need to have an active mobile number for authentication, as an OTP will be sent for verification. Following OTP verification, users will be prompted to select a username and password to create their DigiLocker account.
3. Providing Aadhaar Number: After successfully creating the DigiLocker account, users are required to provide their Aadhaar number for additional services. DigiLocker offers 1 GB of space to store documents, functioning as a secure digital locker for important certificates and documents.
4. Document Storage and Access: With DigiLocker, users no longer need to carry physical documents. They can directly access documents such as driving licenses, registration certificates, and educational certificates issued by government departments.
5. Security Measures: DigiLocker ensures the security of national digital systems for driving licenses and registration certificates. The official DigiLocker website, digilocker.gov.in, is developed and maintained by Mahaonline Ltd., a joint venture between the Maharashtra Government and Tata Consultancy Services.
6. Key Initiative under Digital India Programme: DigiLocker is a significant initiative under the Digital India Programme, aimed at providing convenient access to digital documents. Air travelers can also use DigiLocker as valid identity documents at airports.
7. User-Friendly Interface: Both the DigiLocker website and application are designed to be user-friendly, allowing users to easily handle and control their digital documents.
8. Mandatory Aadhaar Integration: Adding an Aadhaar number to DigiLocker is mandatory to prevent duplication and misuse of accounts.

By following these steps, users can register for DigiLocker and enjoy the benefits of secure digital document storage and access.