Two of the most practical ways to verify Aadhaar at an entrance are the secure QR code and the online OTP. They work very differently — and the secure QR is often the unsung hero at the gate.
How the secure QR works
The QR printed on the Aadhaar letter and PVC card carries UIDAI-signed demographic data and the resident's photo. You scan it and validate UIDAI's digital signature — confirming the data is genuine and untampered — entirely offline, with no OTP and no live UIDAI call.
How OTP works
The OTP route is online authentication through a UIDAI-certified AUA/KUA: the resident enters their Aadhaar and approves a one-time password sent to their registered mobile, and UIDAI returns the result in real time.
When to use which
- Secure QR — fast, offline, ideal when the resident has their card in hand at a kiosk or gate.
- OTP — real-time and authoritative, best where you have connectivity and the registered mobile is available.
The secure QR is one of the OVSE artefacts — see what is OVSE? and the full online vs offline comparison. Certopact Entry supports both.