In our increasingly digital lives, we often need to share copies of our official documents—like Aadhaar, PAN card, or driving license—with various organizations. The traditional method of sending a scanned PDF or a photocopy carries the risk of forgery and is often a cumbersome process. To solve this, the DigiLocker platform has introduced a secure and innovative way to share documents. This is the DigiLocker URI. So, what is a DigiLocker URI and how to share verified documents using it? A DigiLocker URI is a unique and secure web link for a specific e-document stored in your DigiLocker account, which allows for instant and authentic verification by the receiving party. For 2026, using URIs is the standard for paperless and trusted document exchange.
What is a DigiLocker URI? A Simple Definition
A URI stands for Uniform Resource Identifier. In the context of DigiLocker, a URI is a unique link that points directly to a specific digital document issued and stored in your DigiLocker wallet. When you share a document’s URI with a requesting organization (like a university for admission or a company for a job), you are not sending them a copy of the document. Instead, you are giving them a secure link to access that document directly from the original issuing authority (like the UIDAI for Aadhaar or the CBSE for a mark sheet). This process ensures that the document they see is authentic, untampered, and up-to-date.
How Does Sharing via DigiLocker URI Work?
The process of sharing a document via its URI is designed to be simple for the user and highly secure for the verifier.
- User Initiates Sharing: You log in to your DigiLocker account and select the document you wish to share.
- Generate and Share the URI: You choose the ‘Share’ option for that document, which generates a unique URI link. You can then send this link to the requesting organization via email or other digital means.
- Verifier Accesses the URI: The organization clicks on the URI link. This redirects them to a secure DigiLocker gateway.
- User Gives Consent: You, the document owner, will receive a request for consent (usually via an OTP to your registered mobile number) to allow this specific organization to view your document.
- Document is Fetched and Verified: Once you give consent, the DigiLocker system fetches the document in real-time directly from the database of the original issuer and displays it to the verifier.
This real-time fetching from the source is the key to the system’s security. The verifier knows they are looking at a genuine document, not a potentially edited copy.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Share a Document Using a URI
Sharing your verified documents from DigiLocker is an easy process. Here’s how you can do it in 2026:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. | Log in to your DigiLocker account using your mobile number, Aadhaar, or username. |
| 2. | Go to the ‘Issued Documents’ section. This section contains all the documents that have been officially issued to you by various government departments. |
| 3. | Find the document you want to share (e.g., your Class 12 Marksheet). |
| 4. | Click on the ‘Share’ icon next to the document. |
| 5. | A pop-up window will appear where you can enter the email address or mobile number of the person or organization you want to share the document with. |
| 6. | Click ‘Send’. A secure URI link for that document will be sent to the recipient. |
The Benefits of Using a DigiLocker URI
Sharing documents via URI is far superior to traditional methods like email attachments or physical photocopies.
- Authenticity and Trust: Since the document is fetched directly from the issuer, its authenticity is guaranteed. This eliminates the possibility of document fraud and forgery.
- Enhanced Security: You are in full control of your data. You provide consent for every single viewing, and you can track who has accessed your documents.
- Paperless and Environment-Friendly: It completely eliminates the need for printing, scanning, and physically transporting documents.
- Convenience: It provides a quick and hassle-free way to submit documents for various services like university admissions, job applications, and bank loans.
The DigiLocker URI is a key component of India’s digital infrastructure, working in sync with other digital IDs like the APAAR ID for students and the cKYC Number for financial services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I share a document that I have uploaded myself using a URI?
No. The URI sharing feature is only available for ‘Issued Documents’. These are the documents that have been directly fetched into your DigiLocker from the original issuing authorities (e.g., UIDAI, Ministry of Road Transport, CBSE). Documents that you have scanned and uploaded yourself to the ‘Uploaded Documents’ section cannot be shared via a URI as their authenticity cannot be verified by the system.
2. Is the DigiLocker URI the same for a document every time I share it?
Yes, the URI for a specific document in your DigiLocker is unique and permanent. You will share the same URI every time you want to provide access to that particular document.
3. Can the organization that I share the URI with download my document?
The primary purpose of the URI is to allow the organization to view and verify the document online. The system is designed for verification, and the ability to download may depend on the specific integration the organization has with DigiLocker. The key is that they are viewing an authentic, live version of the document.
4. For how long can the recipient access my document through the URI?
The access is typically for a limited time and for a single viewing, based on the consent you provide. The system is designed to not give permanent access to your document, enhancing your privacy and control.
5. Is sharing a DigiLocker URI legally valid?
Yes, absolutely. Documents shared from DigiLocker are legally recognized and are considered equivalent to physical original documents as per the Information Technology Act, 2000. Many government and private organizations now accept documents shared via DigiLocker URI as valid proof.