What is DigiLocker? How to register for DigiLocker to store documents online?

PM Narendra Modi launched the Digital India initiative on July 1, 2015, with the aim of establishing India as a fully digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. One of the key initiatives under this program, DigiLocker, has emerged as a reliable and secure way of managing financial, academic, and personal documents online. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to DigiLocker.  

What is DigiLocker?

Introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), DigiLocker is a secure cloud-based platform designed to facilitate the digital storage, sharing, and verification of important documents and certificates. It aims to empower citizens by providing access to authentic digital documents anytime, anywhere. 

DigiLocker-issued or electronically verified documents are treated as legally equivalent to physical documents under Rule 9A of the Information Technology Rules, 2016. 

What is a digital locker account?

A digital locker account gives you access to DigiLocker. Once created, it provides a secure and dedicated online place to manage digital copies of important documents and certificates. 

Through a digital locker account, users can upload personal records, access issued documents and share them electronically whenever required. 

What documents can be stored in DigiLocker?

DigiLocker helps users manage a wide range of identification, educational, personal, and financial documents, including: 

• Aadhaar card
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) card
• Driving licence 
• Voter ID card 
• Passport-related records
• Marksheets
• Degree certificates 
• Vehicle registration documents
• Insurance policies
• Utility bills

Types of DigiLocker documents users can access

DigiLocker documents are broadly classified into two categories: 

1. Issued documents: These are electronic records issued directly by authorised issuers such as government departments or educational boards. Documents from integrated authorities are fetched directly from their websites and can be viewed as links in users’ digital locker accounts. 
2. Uploaded documents:  These are the scanned copies or digital versions of personal documents that users upload. 

3. Issued documents are considered more authentic since they are sourced directly from the issuing authority. The authenticity of uploaded documents depends on their original source.

How to upload and store documents in DigiLocker online?

1. Visit the official DigiLocker website or download the mobile app and complete the DigiLocker registration process using your Aadhaar number or mobile number. 
2. Log in using your credentials. 
3. Navigate to the “Drive” section of your digital locker account. 
4. Select the appropriate folder, such as ‘Documents’, ‘Education’, or ‘Health’. 
5. Click on ‘New’ and choose “Upload file”.
6. Browse your device, select the file, and upload it. 

Once uploaded, the document can be viewed, downloaded, or shared anytime by signing in to your digital locker account. 

Benefits of using DigiLocker online

1. Easy access: DigiLocker allows users to access, download, and share important documents anytime, from anywhere. 
2. Saves cost, time, and effort: DigiLocker reduces the effort involved in maintaining physical records. It also eliminates the need for repeated photocopying and document handling. 
3. Enhanced security: Physical documents can be misplaced, damaged, or lost. DigiLocker is a secure cloud storage platform offered by the government. Documents are protected against unauthorised access through advanced security measures and strong encryption protocols. 
4. Authentic and legally valid documents: DigiLocker documents are legally at par with the originals. Moreover, issued documents are considered authentic because they are sourced directly from the issuing authority. 
5. Faster access to services: DigiLocker online facilitates quicker access to government benefits, employment opportunities, financial products, educational admissions, and healthcare support. 
6. Environment friendly:  Reduced paper usage contributes positively to the environment.

How does DigiLocker help in financial and personal documentation?

Be it finance, academics, or even investments, the importance of proper documentation cannot be overstated. However, maintaining documents not only demands time and effort but may also involve costs in some cases. Thanks to DigiLocker, storing and sharing documents has become easier than ever. Having documents in one secure place can streamline several processes, including opening a bank account, starting a new investment, or applying for a loan or visa. 

For easier financial management, users can store:  

• Insurance documents 
• Investment documents such as share certificates 
• Property documents such as gift deeds or title deeds
• Tax documents such as Income Tax Returns (ITRs) and other forms 
• Bank documents such as account statements and interest certificates 

For personal record management, users can store: 

• Identity proofs 
• Address proofs 
• Voter ID
• Driving licence 
• Passport verification records 

 Tips for using DigiLocker effectively

• Link your Aadhaar for easier verification and retrieval of issued documents.
• Pull officially issued documents whenever available instead of uploading scanned copies.
• Organise documents into clearly labelled categories for easier access. 
• Create a strong password and avoid sharing login credentials.
• Review the digital locker account periodically and remove outdated documents.

Conclusion

DigiLocker is a much-needed initiative by the Government of India aimed at simplifying document management and sharing. From identity proofs to academic and investment records, users can manage a wide range of documents and ensure faster, more streamlined transactions across different areas of life.