The Maharashtra Registration and Stamps Department has made Aadhaar-based authentication through the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) mobile application mandatory for all property registrations from November 4, 2026. The new requirement applies to every individual involved in a property transaction and is aimed at strengthening identity verification and improving the security of the registration process.
The new authentication facility has been integrated into the department’s iSARITA 1.9 system and is called Online Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE). It provides an additional method of identity verification alongside the existing fingerprint and iris scanning facilities available at sub-registrar offices.
According to registration department officials, the revised process requires all parties involved in a property transaction to successfully complete Aadhaar authentication. This includes buyers, sellers and other individuals required to be present during registration.
Witness-Based Verification Discontinued
One of the major changes under the revised guidelines is the discontinuation of the earlier provision that allowed a witness or an identifier to verify an individual when Aadhaar authentication failed. Under the new system, the presence of a witness will no longer be sufficient to complete identity verification if the concerned person’s Aadhaar authentication is unsuccessful.
The department has introduced this change to ensure that the identity of every individual participating in a property transaction is independently authenticated through the prescribed system.
The mandatory requirement is expected to bring changes to the preparation process for property buyers and sellers, particularly those who are unfamiliar with app-based authentication.
Aadhaar App Registration Required Before Visiting SROs
To minimise delays at sub-registrar offices (SROs), the registration department has advised citizens to download the official UIDAI Aadhaar application and complete the necessary verification steps before arriving for property registration.
The application requires Android 9.0 or later, or iOS 16 and above, along with an active internet connection. Users must complete SIM verification and face authentication through the application. They should also ensure that their phone cameras and the required app permissions are enabled and that they can access the application using their six-digit PIN.
Deputy Inspector General of Registration (IT) Abhay Mohite said the department is sharing a detailed instructional video through its social media channels to help citizens understand the new authentication procedure.
Officials have also clarified that individuals who have locked their Aadhaar biometrics will need to unlock them through the application at the time of registration.
Physical Presence and Consent Remain Necessary
The new OVSE process requires the Aadhaar holder to be physically present during authentication, along with the mobile phone linked to their Aadhaar number. This is necessary to complete the verification through the official application.
Registration officials have also been instructed to explain the credential-sharing procedure to citizens and obtain their consent before proceeding with authentication.
The implementation of app-based Aadhaar verification marks a change in the property registration process in Maharashtra, with greater emphasis on digital identity authentication. Property buyers and sellers will need to ensure that their Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers, application access and biometric settings are in order before scheduling their registration appointments.
The department’s advisory to complete the app-based verification preparations in advance is intended to reduce authentication-related difficulties and help property transactions proceed without unnecessary delays at registration offices.
