In the age of Digital India, carrying physical copies of important documents is becoming a thing of the past. One of the most significant initiatives in this transition is DigiLocker, a secure cloud-based platform for the storage, sharing, and verification of documents and certificates. For many, however, the concept is still new. This beginner’s step-by-step guide for 2026 will explain what DigiLocker is, its benefits, and how you can start using it to manage your important documents digitally and securely.
Quick Answer
DigiLocker is a Government of India initiative that provides a secure digital space for citizens to access and store authentic documents like Aadhaar, PAN card, and driving license. To use it, create an account on the DigiLocker website or app using your mobile number, sync your Aadhaar, and then ‘fetch’ or issue documents directly from government departments.
What is DigiLocker?
DigiLocker is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) under the Digital India programme. It provides a secure, dedicated personal electronic space in the cloud for every Indian citizen, linked to their Aadhaar number. The platform’s primary goal is to empower citizens by providing them with access to their authentic digital documents anytime, anywhere. It aims to eliminate the use of physical documents and enable the e-signing of documents, promoting a paperless governance model.
Key Benefits of Using DigiLocker
Adopting DigiLocker for your document management comes with a plethora of advantages:
- 24/7 Access to Documents: Your important documents are available to you on your smartphone or computer, anytime and anywhere you have an internet connection.
- Legally Valid Documents: Documents issued and stored in DigiLocker, such as your driving license and vehicle registration certificate (RC), are legally recognised as equivalent to the original physical documents as per the IT Act, 2000.
- Reduced Administrative Overhead: It reduces the administrative burden of government departments and agencies by minimising the use of paper.
- Secure and Private: DigiLocker uses advanced security measures, and your data is protected. Access is controlled through your mobile number and Aadhaar.
- Faster Service Delivery: It makes processes like applying for services, background checks, and verification much faster, as you can share authentic digital documents directly with service providers.
- Prevents Forgery: Since documents are issued directly from the source (e.g., UIDAI, Income Tax Dept.), it ensures their authenticity and reduces the risk of forged documents.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up and Using DigiLocker
Getting started with DigiLocker is a simple and quick process.
Step 1: Sign Up for a DigiLocker Account
- Go to the official DigiLocker website (https://www.digilocker.gov.in/) or download the DigiLocker app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Click on ‘Sign Up’.
- Enter your full name (as on Aadhaar), date of birth, gender, mobile number, and email ID. Set a 6-digit security PIN.
- Click ‘Submit’. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to complete the sign-up process.
Step 2: Link Your Aadhaar Number
For full functionality, you must link your Aadhaar number.
- After logging in, the system will prompt you to link your Aadhaar.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- You will receive an OTP on the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
- Enter this OTP to successfully link your Aadhaar. Your account is now fully active.
Step 3: Fetching Your Issued Documents
This is the core feature of DigiLocker. ‘Issued Documents’ are e-documents that are fetched in real-time directly from the original issuing agency’s database.
- Log in to your account and go to the ‘Issued Documents’ section.
- Click on ‘Get more issued documents’.
- You will see a list of government departments and agencies (partners).
- Select the partner you want to fetch a document from (e.g., Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for Driving License, Income Tax Department for PAN Card).
- Select the document type (e.g., ‘Driving License’).
- Your name and date of birth will be pre-filled from your Aadhaar. You will need to enter a specific detail, like your driving license number or PAN number.
- Give your consent to share your Aadhaar details with the issuer.
- Click ‘Get Document’. The system will fetch your document from the department’s database and save a permanent URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) link to it in your ‘Issued Documents’ section.
Step 4: Uploading Documents
DigiLocker also allows you to upload scanned copies of your documents. Go to the ‘Uploaded Documents’ section and upload files from your device. Note that while these are convenient for storage, only the ‘Issued Documents’ fetched directly from government agencies are treated as legally valid originals.
What is the difference between ‘Issued’ and ‘Uploaded’ documents?
This is a crucial distinction.
- Issued Documents: These are authentic e-documents fetched directly from the database of a government department (like UIDAI, CBSE, etc.). They are legally on par with original physical documents.
- Uploaded Documents: These are simply scanned copies (like a PDF or JPEG) of your physical documents that you upload yourself. They do not have the same legal validity as ‘Issued Documents’ and are treated as photocopies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a Mobile Number Not Linked to Aadhaar: For the full sign-up and Aadhaar linking process, it is essential that your current mobile number is registered with your Aadhaar to receive the OTP.
- Forgetting Your 6-Digit PIN: Your PIN is crucial for logging in and for authorising certain actions. Set a PIN that is secure but also memorable.
- Assuming Uploaded Documents are Originals: Do not rely on your uploaded documents for official verification where originals are required. Always try to fetch the ‘Issued’ version of the document.
- Sharing Your Login Credentials: Never share your DigiLocker username, password, or PIN with anyone. Treat it with the same security as your net banking credentials.
Can I show my DigiLocker driving license to traffic police?
Yes, absolutely. As per a circular issued by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, digital copies of your Driving License (DL) and Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) available in your DigiLocker are perfectly valid. You can show them to traffic police or any other law enforcement agency when asked. This is one of the most practical uses of the app and is similar to other digitised government services like applying for a passport online.
Conclusion
DigiLocker is a powerful tool for every Indian citizen in 2026, offering a secure and convenient way to manage essential documents. By following this simple guide, you can easily set up your account, link your Aadhaar, and start building your digital repository of legally valid documents. Embracing DigiLocker is a step towards a more efficient, paperless, and digitally empowered future. It simplifies processes like linking Aadhaar with PAN by ensuring you always have your documents handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DigiLocker safe to use?
Yes, DigiLocker is a secure platform. It uses 256-bit SSL encryption for transmission of information. Other security features include Aadhaar-based authentication, a security PIN, and OTP verification for transactions, making it a safe environment for your documents.
How much storage space do I get in DigiLocker?
Each citizen gets 1 GB of dedicated storage space in their DigiLocker account specifically for their uploaded documents. There is no limit on the number of ‘Issued Documents’ you can fetch and store.
Which documents can I get in DigiLocker?
You can get a wide range of documents, including your Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving License, Vehicle RC, Class X and XII Marksheets (from CBSE and other state boards), insurance policies, and much more. The list of integrated partners is constantly growing.
What is a URI in DigiLocker?
A URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) is a unique link to the e-document stored in your ‘Issued Documents’ section. When you share this URI with a government agency, they can use it to securely access the authentic document directly from the source, ensuring its validity.
Can NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) use DigiLocker?
Currently, DigiLocker services are available only to Indian citizens who have an Aadhaar number. As Aadhaar is generally for residents of India, it can be challenging for NRIs to use the full features of DigiLocker unless they have a valid Aadhaar linked to an Indian mobile number.
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