What Is DigiLocker and How Do You Use It?
5 min read DigiLocker lets you keep important documents on your phone and share them when asked. Here is how it works, how to sign up and what to be careful about. October 12, 2026 05:53 By Disha Varia, Guj Times
Carrying paper copies of marksheets, a driving licence and other documents is a hassle, and it is easy to lose them. DigiLocker is a government-provided service that stores digital versions and lets you share them when needed.
What DigiLocker is
DigiLocker is a cloud-based service of the Government of India. You can use it through the mobile app (see our DigiLocker overview) or the website, digilocker.gov.in.
Issued and uploaded documents
- Issued documents are fetched directly from the department or institution that issued them, such as an education board or transport department, where they take part.
- Uploaded documents are copies that you add yourself. They are useful for personal storage but may not be accepted everywhere as official proof.
How to sign up
- Download the official app or visit the official website.
- Enter your mobile number and verify it with the OTP.
- Set a username and a security PIN.
- If you wish, link your Aadhaar details to access more services, following the on-screen instructions.
Fetching a document
Open Issued Documents or search for the issuer, choose the document type and enter the requested number, for example a roll number or licence number. If the issuer participates, the document appears in your locker.
Sharing a document
Select the document and choose to share it by link. Check how long the link stays active before sending it.
Safety tips
- Protect the SIM card and phone number linked to the account.
- Never share OTPs or your security PIN with anyone.
- Use only the official app and website; fake lookalikes exist.
- Do not use public computers to open your locker. If you must, sign out afterwards.
Is a digital copy accepted?
Acceptance depends on the organisation. Many accept documents issued through DigiLocker, but you should confirm with the institution asking for the proof. Another useful app for services is UMANG.
Common doubts, answered
What if I lose my phone? Your documents stay in your DigiLocker account. Sign in again on a new phone using your registered number, which is why you should keep your SIM safe.
Do I need an Aadhaar number to sign up? The sign-up options on the screen decide this and may change, so follow the current steps on the official app or website.
If something does not work
If the OTP does not arrive, check that the phone has network, that the number is the one linked to your account, and wait a minute before asking for a new one; repeated requests can delay it. If a document is not found, check the spelling of the name and the number exactly as printed on the original, and confirm that your institution or department is actually connected to the service. Some older records may not be available.
A short checklist for new users
Set a security PIN that is not your birth date. Keep the app updated from the official store. Check the list of documents once a month so you know what is stored. Before sharing a link, look at the expiry time and the document name. If you are applying for a job or a form, ask the organisation which format of the document it accepts so you do not have to upload it twice.
Official sources and further reading
- DigiLocker (official site): Government portal for the DigiLocker service.
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