In the past, many of us would relate to storing and carrying hard copies or photocopies of important documents such as passport, Aadhaar, PAN, driving licences, Voter IDs, education certificates, insurance documents, etc., when needed. But DigiLocker has made it possible to store and access these documents online at the time of need. Convenient and secure, this facility can significantly propel us towards a paperless future. 

Let’s look at the many benefits this facility has to offer and how you can register for it.  

 Why should you choose DigiLocker?

1) Convenient and eco-friendly

One of the most important benefits of DigiLocker is the paperless convenience it offers. You no longer have to spend money to print copies of your documents and carry them around with you. This helps save money, time, paper, and the environment. 

2) Secure Storage 

DigiLocker employs 2048-bit secure socket layer (SSL) encryption, multi-factor authentication for login, and is hosted on ISO 27001 security certified data hosting facility. When it comes to information sharing, DigiLocker puts control in the hands of the user allowing them to selectively share information with only the required authorities. All these measures have been put in place to ensure that you can store and share information securely. 

3) Wide acceptance by government authorities

Documents stored and issued via DigiLocker are considered valid and at par with physical documents. Availing this option prevents the hassle associated with carrying multiple documents. Moreover, documents stored on DigiLocker are accepted widely by most government authorities, thus eliminating the need to carry physical copies that are prone to damage and wear.  

For instance, when applying for a new passport, the Passport Seva portal now allows applicants to share their DigiLocker uploaded documents, thus facilitating a seamless application experience. 

4) Supports multiple document formats and allows digital signatures

Many times, verifications or applications for any task may require self-attested documents to be submitted. DigiLocker allows you to digitally sign (eSign) your documents in a few simple steps, helping you save time. It also allows you to upload documents in multiple formats such as JPEG, PNG, and PDF. 

How to sign up for DigiLocker

DigiLocker is a very convenient and useful service that facilitates paperless management of documents. To enable wider adoption, the registration process to sign up for this facility has been kept simple. 

Let’s look at the steps you must follow to sign up and start using DigiLocker:

First, visit the official DigiLocker portal or download the DigiLocker app on your mobile phone (available for Apple and Android phones). Next, click or tap on “Sign Up” or “Register”, after which you must enter your mobile number in the designated field. Ensure your mobile number is active for it will be verified with an OTP (One-time Password) as part of the registration process. Once you receive the OTP, enter it to authenticate your mobile number. 

Once your mobile number is verified, follow the instructions to create your DigiLocker account. Here, you must enter details, such as your name, gender, and date of birth. Next, you must create a username and password for your DigiLocker account. Remember to create a strong password to add a layer of security to your account. Next, review all the information you have entered and click on “Register” or “Submit” to complete the registration. 

Once your registration is complete, log in to your DigiLocker Account using the mobile number and password that you provided while registering. You also have the option to link your Aadhaar to further authenticate your DigiLocker account. Once you have successfully logged in, you will be able to upload your documents on the portal for easy access. 

The facility is available to individuals and entities to reduce paperwork and simplify information management. In a world that is embracing all things digital, DigiLocker is certainly a step in the right direction.

Adhil Shetty is CEO of BankBazaar.com