Tired of carrying a wallet full of documents or panicking when a traffic officer asks for your driving licence? DigiLocker is a free government app that lets you keep official documents like your driving licence, vehicle RC, Aadhaar, PAN and school marksheets safely on your smartphone. These digital copies are legally valid, so you often do not need to carry the physical papers at all.
This guide explains, in simple steps, how to set up DigiLocker, add your documents, and use it confidently — even if you are not comfortable with technology.
What Is DigiLocker and Why Should You Use It?
DigiLocker is an official service run by the Government of India under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It gives every citizen a secure online "locker" linked to their Aadhaar number, where important documents can be stored and accessed anytime.
Here is why it is genuinely useful for people in Ahmedabad and across Gujarat:
- Legally accepted: Documents pulled into DigiLocker directly from government departments carry the same legal value as the original physical copies.
- No more lost papers: Even if you misplace your licence or RC book, the digital version is safe on your phone.
- Handy for traffic checks: Traffic police in Gujarat accept the driving licence and RC shown through DigiLocker or the mParivahan app.
- Useful for admissions and jobs: Schools, colleges and offices increasingly accept DigiLocker documents.
Good to know: Documents you fetch officially inside DigiLocker (called "issued documents") are more widely accepted than files you simply scan and upload yourself.
What You Need Before You Start
Setting up DigiLocker takes only a few minutes. Keep these ready:
- An Aadhaar card (or your 12-digit Aadhaar number).
- A mobile number linked to your Aadhaar — this is important, because verification is done through an OTP sent to that number.
- A smartphone with an internet connection, or a computer with a browser.
If your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar, you will need to update it at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra first, otherwise the OTP-based verification will not work.
Step 1: Download the Official DigiLocker App
Be careful here — there are many fake or copycat apps. Always download the genuine one.
- Open the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
- Search for DigiLocker.
- Look for the app published by DigiLocker / Digital India Corporation, with millions of downloads and a government logo.
- Tap Install and wait for it to download.
You can also use DigiLocker on a computer by visiting the official website at digilocker.gov.in. Always check that the web address ends in .gov.in before entering any details.
Step 2: Create Your DigiLocker Account
Once the app is installed, follow these steps:
- Open the app and tap Sign Up or Create Account.
- Enter your full name, date of birth, gender and mobile number exactly as they appear on your Aadhaar.
- Set a 6-digit security PIN. Choose something you will remember but others cannot guess — avoid your birth year or 123456.
- Enter your Aadhaar number when asked.
- An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Type it in to verify.
- Create a username if prompted. Your account is now ready.
The whole process is free. DigiLocker never charges money to create an account, so if any website or person asks for payment, it is a scam.
Step 3: Fetch Your Documents (The Most Important Part)
After signing in, you can pull official documents into your locker. These "issued documents" come straight from the department that made them, so they are trusted.
Adding Your Driving Licence and Vehicle RC
- On the home screen, look for a section like Get Issued Documents or search for the department.
- Choose Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
- Select Driving Licence or Registration of Vehicles (RC).
- Enter the required details — for the licence, your DL number; for the RC, your vehicle registration number.
- Tap Get Document. DigiLocker will fetch and save it automatically.
Adding Aadhaar and PAN
Your Aadhaar usually appears automatically once your account is verified. For PAN, select Income Tax Department and enter your PAN number and details to fetch it.
Adding School and College Marksheets
Many boards and universities, including several in Gujarat, are connected to DigiLocker. Search for your board or university (for example, the education board or university that issued your certificate), select the document type, enter your roll number and year, and fetch it. If your institution is not listed yet, you can still upload a scanned copy manually.
Step 4: Uploading Your Own Documents
For papers not available from government departments, you can upload scanned copies:
- Go to the Uploaded Documents or Drive section.
- Tap the upload button.
- Choose a photo or PDF from your phone.
- Give the file a clear name so you can find it easily later.
Remember, self-uploaded files may not be accepted everywhere the way issued documents are, but they are convenient for keeping personal copies handy.
Step 5: How to Show Your Documents When Asked
When a traffic officer, official or office asks for a document:
- Open the DigiLocker app and enter your PIN or use fingerprint login if enabled.
- Tap the document you want to show — it opens with the official issuer details.
- You can also share a document by generating a secure link or QR code from within the app.
For vehicle documents specifically, many people in Gujarat also use the mParivahan app, which links with the same transport database. Both are accepted, but DigiLocker keeps all your documents in one place.
Keeping Your DigiLocker Account Safe
Since your DigiLocker holds sensitive documents, treat it like your bank app:
- Never share your PIN or OTP with anyone, including people claiming to be from the government or bank.
- Turn on fingerprint or face unlock in the app settings for extra safety.
- Do not stay logged in on shared or public computers.
- If you change your phone, simply log in again with your username and PIN — your documents stay safely in the cloud, not just on the old device.
Tip: If you ever forget your PIN, use the "Forgot Security PIN" option on the login screen. A verification OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number to reset it.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
OTP Not Received
This almost always means your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar, or there is a temporary network issue. Wait a minute and retry. If it still fails, update your mobile number at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Document Not Found
Double-check that you entered the licence, RC or roll number exactly as printed. A single wrong digit will cause a "no record found" error. Also confirm the issuing department or board is available in DigiLocker.
App Not Opening or Crashing
Update the app to the latest version from the Play Store, ensure you have a stable internet connection, and clear the app cache from your phone settings if problems continue.
A Few Things DigiLocker Cannot Do
DigiLocker is powerful, but set realistic expectations:
- It does not create documents — it only stores or fetches ones that already exist.
- Not every private office or shop may accept digital documents, so keep physical originals for critical situations like property or legal matters.
- A very old or unlinked mobile number can block verification, so keep your Aadhaar contact details up to date.
Final Thoughts
DigiLocker is one of the simplest and most useful digital tools for everyday life in Gujarat. Once set up, it saves you from carrying bulky papers, protects you from losing important documents, and makes traffic checks, admissions and office work much smoother. Spend ten minutes setting it up today, and you will thank yourself the next time someone asks for a document you thought you left at home.
For the latest features, accepted document list and any updates, always refer to the official DigiLocker website at digilocker.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DigiLocker legally accepted by traffic police in Gujarat?
Yes, documents pulled into DigiLocker directly from government departments carry the same legal value as original physical copies. Traffic police in Gujarat accept the driving licence and RC shown through the app.
What should I do if I do not receive the DigiLocker OTP?
This usually means your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar, or there is a network issue. If it fails, you will need to update your mobile number at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra first.
Is there any fee to create a DigiLocker account?
No, the entire process is completely free. DigiLocker is a free government service and never charges money to create an account.
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