Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

15-March-2011 16:35 IST

Recognizing Aadhaar Number for Inclusion in KYC Norms

Government of India vide notification dated December 16, 2010 has recognized the letter issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) containing details of name, address and Aadhaar Number as an “officially valid document” to satisfy the ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) norms for opening small accounts in banks. This is expected to promote the financial inclusion of the poor and the hitherto excluded by making it possible for them to easily establish their identity and open bank accounts. The UIDAI is facilitating opening of bank accounts for the residents at the time of enrolment for Aadhaar through partner banks and acceptance of the letter of UIDAI as a valid KYC will make the process seamless.

Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has informed that 22 Public Sector Banks have signed an agreement with UIDAI to act as registrars for the Aadhaar Project. IBA has informed that to act as registrars for Aadhaar project, banks have been executing the Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) with UIDAI.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today.

DSM/BY/SAK

Aadhaar as KYC identity: acceptance enables simplified bank account opening and promotes financial inclusion for underserved residents. Recognition of the Aadhaar enrolment letter as an officially valid document for KYC permits the UIDAI-issued letter containing name, address and Aadhaar number to satisfy Know Your Customer requirements for opening small accounts, enabling partner banks to facilitate account opening at enrolment and promoting financial inclusion by easing identity verification.