The Nagaland Home Department has directed all state government departments, district administrations and implementing agencies to accept Aadhaar Verifiable Credentials shared through the new Aadhaar App as valid identity proof.
In a notification issued on Tuesday, the department stated that credentials displayed, shared or verified through the application would be treated as legally valid for establishing the identity of Aadhaar holders.
The notification was issued in pursuance of a circular from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) dated April 30, 2026, following the launch of the new Aadhaar App.
Available on both Android and iOS platforms, the application allows Aadhaar holders to digitally show, share and verify their identity. Users can choose to share either their complete or partial identity details through Aadhaar Verifiable Credentials.
The department noted that when identity details are shared with an Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) through the app, the 12-digit Aadhaar number is not transferred.
It further stated that the credentials are legally valid under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, which recognises electronic records.
The app-based credentials will be accepted in addition to existing forms of Aadhaar identification, including the Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar, Aadhaar card and m-Aadhaar.
All concerned departments, district administrations and implementing agencies across Nagaland have been asked to ensure strict compliance with the directive and accept the digital credentials for establishing the identity of Aadhaar holders.