The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has onboarded 300 Offline Verification Seeking Entities (OVSEs) since the rollout of its Aadhaar App in January 2026, expanding the use of Aadhaar-based offline identity verification across multiple sectors. The development comes as the Aadhaar App approaches 7.5 crore downloads, reflecting growing adoption of digital identity services among residents.
According to a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announcement issued on November 5, 2026, the newly onboarded entities cover sectors including hospitality, hotels, healthcare, education, events, the gig economy and consumer-facing businesses.
The expansion aims to support secure, consent-based and paperless identity verification while allowing residents greater control over the personal information they share with service providers.
UIDAI stated that the growing network of offline verification partners reflects increasing adoption of privacy-focused digital verification systems. These mechanisms are designed to minimise unnecessary data sharing while supporting the provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
Aadhaar App Records Over 86 Lakh Mobile Number Updates
Alongside the expansion of its offline verification ecosystem, UIDAI reported increased usage of Aadhaar-related services through its mobile application.
The Aadhaar App has recorded nearly 7.5 crore downloads, providing Aadhaar number holders with smartphone access to several identity management services.
According to UIDAI, more than 86 lakh residents have updated their registered mobile numbers using the application. The platform has also facilitated 22.16 lakh address updates and 40.25 lakh email updates.
These services allow residents to update their Aadhaar-linked contact information and other details without having to visit a physical Aadhaar service centre.
By making these services accessible through smartphones, UIDAI aims to simplify identity management and reduce the need for in-person visits for routine updates.
Biometric Lock and Unlock Transactions Reach 4.6 Crore
The Aadhaar App has also recorded substantial usage of its digital security features, particularly biometric locking and unlocking.
According to the official figures, the application has facilitated 4.6 crore biometric lock and unlock transactions. The feature allows Aadhaar number holders to control the use of their biometric information by locking or unlocking it according to their requirements.
Additionally, UIDAI reported 3.61 lakh Aadhaar lock and unlock transactions through the application.
Both features provide residents with optional privacy controls over their Aadhaar credentials and biometric authentication, allowing them to add another layer of protection when managing their digital identities.
UIDAI attributed the growing number of transactions to increasing awareness and adoption of security features among Aadhaar users.
UIDAI Expands Consent-Based Digital Identity Verification
The onboarding of 300 Offline Verification Seeking Entities is intended to make Aadhaar-based identity verification more accessible to organisations and residents across different sectors.
Through the offline verification mechanism, participating entities can verify Aadhaar-related identity information using a consent-based process designed to limit unnecessary collection and sharing of personal data.
UIDAI said the expansion supports a digital verification framework that prioritises user control, privacy and data minimisation.
The initiative also forms part of the government’s Digital India programme and its broader objective of improving access to secure, technology-enabled public services under the Viksit Bharat vision.
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