How to Delete Documents from DigiLocker

Yes, you can manage the visibility of your Aadhaar in DigiLocker, but completely unlinking it permanently may not be possible under current policies. Aadhaar is often linked to DigiLocker accounts to ensure identity verification and seamless access to government-issued documents. However, DigiLocker allows you to control how your Aadhaar data is used and shared.

Why might you want to unlink Aadhaar?

There are several reasons why you may want to manage or unlink your Aadhaar from DigiLocker:

• Privacy concerns: You may prefer to limit the use of Aadhaar for specific applications.
• Data security: Minimising the exposure of sensitive data can reduce the risk of misuse.
• Account management: If you no longer wish to use Aadhaar for verification, you may want to explore other options.

DigiLocker’s privacy and security measures

DigiLocker is designed with robust security protocols to protect your data. Aadhaar linkage is encrypted and used only for identity verification purposes. Even if you cannot permanently unlink your Aadhaar, you can manage its visibility and ensure it is not misused.

If you have uploaded documents to DigiLocker that you no longer need, you can remove them easily. Follow these steps to delete uploaded documents:

1. Log into your DigiLocker account: Use your Aadhaar number or registered mobile number along with the OTP sent to your device.
2. Navigate to the ‘Uploaded Documents’ section: Once logged in, go to the ‘Uploaded Documents’ tab in the menu.
3. Select the document to delete: Identify the document you wish to remove and click on it.
4. Confirm deletion: Click on the delete option and confirm the action. You may need to verify this step using an OTP or email confirmation.

If you face any issues, DigiLocker offers customer support and chatbot assistance to help resolve your queries quickly.

Deleting issued documents from DigiLocker may have significant implications. These documents are often linked to government services, financial applications, and compliance checks. For instance:

• Loan applications: If you have linked DigiLocker to a financial institution like Bajaj Finserv for loan applications, deleting issued documents could disrupt the verification process.
• Government services: Issued documents, such as driving licences and PAN cards, are often required for availing of government services. Deleting these could result in delays or complications.

Document retrieval policies

While DigiLocker allows you to delete documents, it is advisable to download and save a copy before proceeding. DigiLocker may not provide a retrieval option for deleted documents, so ensure you have backups for critical files.