Aadhaar eSign

What is Aadhaar eSign?

Aadhaar eSign is an electronic signature service that uses an Aadhaar-linked OTP or biometric to authenticate the signatory and apply a digital signature to a document. eSign signatures are legally valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (Second Schedule, as amended) and the eSign Online Electronic Signature Service guidelines issued by MeitY.

eSign carries the same legal weight as a physical signature for most document types in India, including contracts, applications, affidavits, and will drafts (as a first step — a will also requires physical witnesses).

Authorised provider

Teravu uses an eSign service provided by a MeitY-authorised Certifying Authority (CCA) that holds a valid licence to operate under the IT Act 2000. We do not operate a Certifying Authority ourselves.

The CCA generates and applies the digital certificate. Teravu passes the document hash to the CCA, the user authenticates (OTP to Aadhaar-registered mobile), and the CCA returns the signed document. At no point does Teravu see or store your Aadhaar number or biometrics.

What data we store (and do not store)

Opt-in only — never the default

Aadhaar eSign is always opt-in. We never pre-select it or apply it silently. You choose eSign explicitly for each document. Documents can be downloaded unsigned or signed with a non-Aadhaar signature alternative.

The sign flow requires a two-step confirmation before the OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile: (1) you review the document, (2) you confirm you want to apply an Aadhaar eSign. There is no dark pattern, no pre-checked box, no auto-proceed.

Verification

Any signed document can be verified offline using the CCA-generated digital certificate embedded in the PDF. Standard PDF signature verification tools (Adobe Acrobat, DigiLocker Verify, the NIC DSC verify tool) can confirm the signature against the CCA's root certificate.

Teravu also provides an in-app verification flow: upload a signed PDF and we verify the certificate chain without requiring the original document source.

What eSign is not valid for

• Negotiable instruments (cheques, promissory notes) — excluded by the IT Act.
• Powers of attorney (require physical stamp and notarisation in most states).
• Wills — eSign can be used as a supporting step but a will requires physical witnesses and may require probate; consult a lawyer.
• Trust deeds and documents requiring compulsory registration under the Registration Act, 1908.

Compliance references