Why Aadhaar Matters in Property Dealings in Karnataka: 3 Checks Every Resident Indian Should Do

Property work in Karnataka now runs largely online. Registrations go through the Kaveri portal, Khata records through e-Khata, and identity checks at the Sub-Registrar office use Aadhaar. That makes your Aadhaar more than an ID card. It is the key that unlocks every step of a property transaction. Small problems like an old mobile number or a locked fingerprint can delay a deal by days or weeks, and a shared OTP can expose your property to fraud.

If you are a resident Indian planning to buy, sell, transfer or update records for a property, do these three checks first.

1. Keep your Aadhaar linked to an active mobile number Many property services in Karnataka need an Aadhaar OTP, including:

• Applying for or updating e-Khata
• Booking a registration slot on the Kaveri portal
• Aadhaar-based eKYC for parties to a transaction

If the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar is old, inactive or belongs to someone else, you won’t receive the OTP and the work stops.

What to do:

• Check which number is linked on the official UIDAI website (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) or the mAadhaar app.
• If you need to change it, visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or an authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre. A mobile number update needs an in-person visit.
• Do this well before your transaction. The update can take a few days to show up.

2. Make sure your Aadhaar biometrics work At the Sub-Registrar office, buyers, sellers and witnesses are verified by fingerprint or iris scan. If your biometrics are locked or don’t match the records, the registration can be put on hold, which can be costly when payments and possession dates are already fixed.

Before your registration date:

• Unlock your biometrics if you locked them for security. You can do this on the mAadhaar app or the UIDAI website. Remember to lock them again afterwards if you prefer.
• Update your biometrics at an Aadhaar centre if your fingerprints are worn or haven’t been updated in years. This matters most for senior citizens, manual workers and anyone whose fingerprints have faded with age.
• Check your witnesses too. A witness with Aadhaar problems can hold up the registration just as easily as a buyer or seller.

3. Never share an OTP without checking who is asking An Aadhaar OTP works like a signature. Fraudsters use OTPs to change Khata records, start transactions on your property or misuse your identity.

Follow these rules:

• Share a property-related OTP only when you started the process yourself, or when a trusted, verified person is sitting with you.
• Government officials, banks and genuine agents will never call or message you asking for your OTP.
• If you get an OTP you didn’t request, don’t share it. Check your property records and report the attempt.
• Check your Aadhaar authentication history on the UIDAI website from time to time to spot any use you don’t recognise.

A quick pre-transaction checklist