Aadhaar-based mobile verification is now mandatory for every person involved in property registration in Maharashtra, a change that requires buyers, sellers and other parties to complete UIDAI authentication before documents can be registered. The new process was introduced from November 4 through the state registration and stamps department’s iSARITA 1.9 system.
The facility, called online verification seeking entity (OVSE), uses UIDAI’s official mobile application to authenticate individuals. Registration officials told the Times of India that it has been added as an additional verification method alongside existing fingerprint and iris scanning.
Under the revised guidelines, the earlier provision allowing a witness or “identifier” to verify a person whose Aadhaar authentication had failed has been discontinued. All parties involved in a transaction must now successfully complete Aadhaar authentication for the registration process to proceed.
The change places greater responsibility on citizens to complete the digital preparation before visiting a sub-registrar office. Officials have advised applicants to download the official Aadhaar app and register in advance to avoid delays at registration offices. The app requires Android 9.0 or later, or iOS 16 and later, as well as an active internet connection.
Deputy inspector general of registration for information technology Abhay Mohite said users must complete SIM verification and face authentication on the app and be able to log in using their six-digit PIN. Phone cameras and the required app permissions must also be enabled during the process. Mohite said a detailed video would be shared on the department’s social media channels to help citizens understand the procedure.
A registration official said Aadhaar holders who have locked their biometrics will need to unlock them through the app at the time of registration. The Aadhaar holder must also be physically present with the mobile phone linked to the Aadhaar record during OVSE authentication.
Officials have been instructed to explain the credential-sharing process to citizens and obtain their consent. This requirement makes the registration appointment dependent not only on the availability of the parties and property documents, but also on access to the registered mobile number, a compatible device, internet connectivity and successful face or biometric authentication.
The move changes the fallback mechanism available at registration offices. Previously, an identifier could verify a person when Aadhaar authentication failed. With that option removed, an unsuccessful authentication attempt may require the concerned individual to resolve the issue before the property transaction can be completed. The department’s immediate guidance is therefore focused on app registration, biometric status, device permissions and physical presence at the sub-registrar office.
