Aadhaar Face ID allows pensioners to submit their Digital Life Certificate without biometrics or visiting banks, making the process simple and fully contactless.
The feature is powered by UIDAI’s face authentication technology, enabling pensioners to verify identity using just a smartphone camera.
It significantly reduces the difficulties elderly users face, ensuring greater accessibility, convenience, and reliability.
The Digital Life Certificate (DLC) or Jeevan Pramaan is an essential annual requirement for pensioners across India. This process usually involves visiting banks, post offices, or government offices for biometric verification. Digital submission of documents reduced some challenges, but it still relied on fingerprint and iris scans. Many senior citizens with age-related issues faced difficulties in these processes.
The government introduced the Aadhaar Face ID system to address this issue. This will allow pensioners to submit their Life Certificate using a smartphone with a camera. Elders can complete the entire process without any biometric devices or physical visits to government offices. A quick face scan from the comfort of home can do the job for the whole year.
Let's take a look at how the Aadhaar Face ID system works, its benefits, and a detailed guide to submit your DLC.
“Pensioners can now easily submit their digital life certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) through face authentication, no need to visit banks or offices. Follow these simple steps and complete it from your smartphone,” reads an EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) post on X (formerly Twitter).
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) adopted an advanced facial recognition system to ensure proper identification with minimal effort.
This system uses the user’s Aadhaar-linked facial data stored securely within UIDAI's database. It will compare the live capture with Aadhaar records to verify an individual's identity after scanning their face.
This end-to-end encrypted method does not store new facial images on the device. It also reduces dependency on external biometric devices.
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Install the 'Jeevan Pramaan Face' app and the 'AadhaarFaceRD' (Early Access) app from the Google Play Store.
The user (pensioner) needs to complete a one-time authentication step using Aadhaar, a mobile number, and an email address.
The pensioner will also be asked for details (name, Aadhaar number, type of pension, PPO number, and payment authority details) in the Jeevan Pramaan app.
This step is followed by OTP (one-time password) verification via email or mobile number.
A prompt will appear to grant permission for the camera before face scanning.
Pensioners need to hold their phone steadily in a well-lit environment. The app will ask the operator to align their face within the on-screen frame. The AadhaarFaceRD app will capture the face and verify it with Aadhaar records.
A Digital Life Certificate will be generated after successful verification along with a Pramaan ID.
Users can download the certificate and share it with their pension-disbursing agency.
Pensioners should have the following things for face authentication:
An Aadhaar number that is registered with their pension-disbursing organisation, such as a bank or post office.
An Android smartphone with an internet connection and a front camera.
An Aadhaar-linked mobile number to receive OTPs.
Face authentication gives better results in a bright environment. The operator should not wear sunglasses, caps, or masks, which may lead to rejection.
Applicants need to check Aadhaar details, such as date of birth and name, to match pension records.
Users can restart the app and try again with better lighting if the face scan fails. A stable internet connection also helps speed up verification.
Experts issued a warning about potential cybercrime. Fraudsters sometimes pose as officials and ask to share OTPs.
Pension authorities advise users to provide important information exclusively through the official apps and not to entertain anyone on unwanted calls.
Individuals who are unable or unwilling to employ face authentication can still submit their life certificate through Gramin Dak Sevaks of India Post, doorstep banking with public sector banks, video KYC, or biometric fingerprint or iris scanning.
Also Read: How to Link Aadhaar for Tatkal Tickets to Avoid Verification Issues
Aadhaar Face ID offers unmatched convenience for elders. It also helps pensioners who live in rural or remote areas where biometric centres are not easily accessible. This method ensures that every pensioner, whether digitally skilled or not, can complete their Life Certificate submission independently.
As long as your Aadhaar photo is clear and your smartphone camera works well, the process takes only a few seconds. The contactless verification is expected to expand across banking, insurance, and public services.
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1. What is Aadhaar Face ID for Digital Life Certificate submission?
Aadhaar Face ID allows pensioners to verify their identity using facial authentication instead of fingerprints or iris scans. It simplifies the DLC submission process using just a smartphone.
2. Who can submit a Digital Life Certificate using Aadhaar Face ID?
Any pensioner registered with Aadhaar and receiving pension from central, state, or EPFO schemes can use this feature.
3. Do I need a biometric device for Aadhaar Face ID?
No. Aadhaar Face ID eliminates the need for biometric scanners, making the process fully digital and smartphone-based.
4. Can I use any smartphone for Aadhaar Face ID?
Yes, but the phone must have a functioning front camera and internet connectivity to capture and upload facial data.
5. What documents are required for submitting the Digital Life Certificate online?
Only your Aadhaar number, PPO number, and mobile number linked with Aadhaar are required.