DigiLocker Documents: How to Download and Share Them

DigiLocker documents are digital copies of official records that come straight from the issuing body, such as UIDAI or your state transport department. Once you know where to look, you can download them in minutes and share them without carrying paper. This guide covers the steps, the difference between issued and uploaded files, and the errors people hit most.

What DigiLocker documents are, and why they count

DigiLocker is a government cloud service launched in 2015. According to its public record, documents provided and shared through it are treated as equivalent to physical certificates under the 2016 rules of the IT Act. Also, that is why banks, offices and some transport checks accept them.

Then the key word is issued. So a document fetched from the issuer’s database is verified. A scan you upload yourself is only stored for you, so it does not carry the same weight.

Step 1: Create your account

Open digilocker.gov.in or the mobile app. Enter your mobile number, then the OTP. Next, set a username and a 6 digit security PIN, and link your Aadhaar with an OTP.

Your mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar, because the OTP goes there. If the number has changed, update it at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra first.

Step 2: Download issued documents

Go to Issued Documents and search for the issuing body. Then pick the document and enter the identifier it asks for. Still, the file is saved in your locker.

• Aadhaar: search UIDAI. Because your account is Aadhaar linked, it is fetched automatically.
• PAN: search the Income Tax Department and enter your PAN.
• Driving licence: search your state transport department and enter the licence number.
• Vehicle RC: search the road transport department and enter the registration number.
• Class 10 or 12 marksheet: search your board and enter roll number and year.

Marksheets depend on whether your board has joined DigiLocker. So if you cannot find it, the board may not have digitised that year.

Step 3: Share DigiLocker documents safely

Open the document and use Share. Also, you can send a PDF or a secure link. A link is better for banks and employers, because the recipient can check it with the issuer.

Share only what is asked for. For example, send your driving licence for a rental, not your whole folder. Also lock biometric use if you are not using it, as described in our guide to how to lock Aadhaar biometrics.

Common DigiLocker errors and fixes

• Aadhaar authentication failed: recheck the number. If biometrics are locked, unlock them through UIDAI.
• Document not found: the issuer may not have digitised it, or your details do not match their record.
• OTP not received: confirm the linked number, wait two to three minutes, then retry.
• Issuer service unavailable: the issuer’s server is down, so try again after a few hours.
• Account locked: wait about 30 minutes or use Forgot PIN.

These fixes come from an independent guide, so confirm details on digilocker.gov.in, since integrations change.

When DigiLocker documents are enough, and when they are not

Many offices now accept DigiLocker documents, so try the digital copy first. But some counters still ask for paper, because their staff are not set up to verify a link. In that case, show the document on your phone and ask them to check the share link.

Also keep one printed copy of the most important records at home. A phone can be lost, so a backup helps, and your locker can be reopened on a new phone with the same number.

Keep your locker tidy

Add only documents you use often, and review the list now and then. A tidy locker also helps older relatives, who often need the same few records. For pensioners, our note on the Jeevan Pramaan life certificate shows another digital route.

FAQ

Are DigiLocker documents valid like originals?

Issued documents fetched from the issuer are treated as equivalent to physical certificates under the IT Act rules. Scans you upload yourself are not verified by the issuer.

Do I need Aadhaar to use DigiLocker?

Sign up uses your mobile number and OTP, and linking Aadhaar lets it fetch your Aadhaar and other records. Then your mobile must be linked to Aadhaar for the OTP to arrive.

How much can I store in DigiLocker?

So each account gets 1 GB for uploads, and each file can be up to 10 MB in formats such as PDF, JPG and PNG.

Related on Elsepost

• Lock Aadhaar Biometrics: Steps to Lock and Unlock
• Jeevan Pramaan Life Certificate: Steps to Submit Online