What is DigiLocker & How to Create a New Account

We have all experienced the situation of searching through multiple files to find that one specific copy of our Aadhaar or PAN card, often at a moment when we are already in a hurry. DigiLocker, a secure cloud-based platform backed by the Government of India, offers a smarter solution. It enables citizens to store, access, and share digital versions of essential documents at any time and from anywhere.

By linking your documents to your Aadhaar number, DigiLocker ensures authenticity while reducing dependency on physical copies. In this blog, we talk about what is DigiLocker and how to create an account for managing your documents efficiently.

What is DigiLocker?

DigiLocker is a digital platform launched on July 1, 2015, under the Digital India programme by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY). It allows Indian citizens to securely store and access key documents like Aadhaar, PAN, driving licence, vehicle RC, and marksheets. Users can also upload personal files in PDF, JPG, or PNG formats.

Documents issued through DigiLocker are digitally signed and legally valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Rule 9A of the Information Technology (Preservation and Retention of Information by Intermediaries Providing Digital Locker Facilities), 2016. This eliminates the need for physical copies, simplifies verification, and supports India’s goal of becoming a global leader in the digital economy.

What is the use of DigiLocker?

• DigiLocker allows users to submit documents digitally for admissions, job applications, and KYC processes.
• Issued documents like Aadhaar, PAN, and marksheets can be used for identity and document verification.
• Driving licence, Registration Certificate (RC), and Identity proof can be shown from the app during travel or traffic checks.
• Personal records such as rent agreements, prescriptions, and insurance papers can be stored securely.
• Onboarding for banks, telecom providers, or mutual funds becomes faster with auto-fetched documents.
• Government schemes and public services accept digital documents submitted via a DigiLocker account.
• E-signing allows easy sharing of self-attested documents for digital verification.

How to create DigiLocker account on the website

• Visit the DigiLocker official website
• Click ‘Login/Register’ at the top right of the home page to start the registration process
• Enter your mobile number linked with Aadhaar
• Authenticate via OTP sent to your phone
• Once verified, create a username and a 6-digit secured DigiLocker PIN for your account
• Link your Aadhaar or mobile number to your DigiLocker for authentication. Note: Linking Aadhaar expands access to more documents and services
• Once logged in, you can access your issued documents and upload additional documents

Also Read: How to Delete DigiLocker Account

How to open DigiLocker account on the app

• Download the DigiLocker app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
• Open the app, click the ‘Create Account’ option
• Fill in your full name, date of birth, gender, mobile number, and email ID
• Set up your 6-digit DigiLocker security PIN and submit
• Verify the OTP you receive on the registered number
• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number to receive an OTP on your linked phone
• Verify the details, give consent, and click submit
• You can now use all the features of the DigiLocker

How to upload documents in DigiLocker

1. On the website

   • Go to the DigiLocker portal
   • Sign in using your registered mobile number and security PIN
   • Authenticate using the OTP sent to your number
   • Tap on the ‘Drive’ option on the left
   • Click on the ‘Documents’ option on the screen
   • Tap on ‘Upload Files’, choose the location, and select the files you want to upload
   • After selecting the files, click ‘Open’. You can choose multiple documents at once
   • The selected files will be uploaded to your DigiLocker account

2. On the app

   • Open the DigiLocker app and sign in using your security pin
   • On the home screen, click on the ‘Menu’ and open the ‘Drive’ option
   • Tap on the ‘Documents’ folder and click on ‘New’
   • Click ‘Upload Files’ and select files from your phone gallery or file manager
   • The selected document will be uploaded to DigiLocker
   • You can rename the document after uploading

How to download Aadhaar card from DigiLocker

1. On the website

   • Go to the DigiLocker official website
   • Log in to your account using your registered number and the security pin
   • An ‘Issued Document’ page will be displayed
   • Click on the ‘View all’ option to see the list of documents available
   • Click on the download icon next to the Aadhaar card
   • The e-Aadhaar card will be saved to your device storage

2. On the app

   • Open the DigiLocker app and log in using the security pin
   • On the home page, click on the ‘Issued’ document option
   • Tap on the three dots next to your Aadhaar card
   • Click on the ‘Download’ option
   • The Aadhaar card will be saved to your phone storage

Before you find yourself searching through piles of files for an important document, learn how to create DigiLocker account and keep everything just a few taps away. With its government-backed security, legal validity, and round-the-clock accessibility, DigiLocker is more than just a storage space—it’s a step toward a paperless, hassle-free future. So, the next time you need to show your driving licence during travel, submit identity proof online, or share academic records instantly, DigiLocker has got your back.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is DigiLocker safe?

   Yes. DigiLocker uses 256-bit SSL encryption, mobile authentication, ISO 27001-certified data centres, data redundancy, user consent-based access, security audits, and timed logouts to keep your documents secure.

2. How to get DigiLocker ID?

   Sign up using your mobile number and link Aadhaar. Your username becomes your DigiLocker ID.

3. How to download Aadhaar card from DigiLocker?

   To download your Aadhaar card from DigiLocker, log in using your registered mobile number and security PIN. Go to the ‘Issued Documents’ section, select your Aadhaar card, and download it to your device.

4. Can we add PAN card in DigiLocker?

   Under “Issued Documents,” select the Income Tax Department option to obtain your PAN digitally.

5. What is the difference between issued documents and uploaded documents?

   Issued documents are electronic files from government agencies, accessed via their URL (link) in DigiLocker's “Issued Documents” section. Uploaded documents are those manually added by the DigiLocker user to their account.