New KYC method: How to get SIM card without Aadhaar
Following an earlier assurance by Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) that Aadhaar would not be required to purchase a SIM card or avail of telecom services, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has officially confirmed the same. As per the DoT's instructions, customers can furnish their driver's license, passport, or voter ID card to procure a new SIM card. Here's more.
How KYC works without Aadhaar
The aforementioned IDs can be used as an address proof to get a new SIM card. Under this new KYC process, SIM card vendors, who will have their own unique IDs, will scan an applicant's ID proof, and will take a live photo of the applicant at the time of registration. The entire process is digital, and after it's completed, a new SIM card will be issued.
What to do if vendors don't accept other IDs
In case SIM card vendors refuse to accept any of the aforementioned government-approved ID proofs apart from Aadhaar, you can always lodge a complaint about the vendor with the Department of Telecommunications.
Other details pertaining to the KYC process
Of course, applicants can still choose to register for a new SIM card using their Aadhaar cards. However, this is not mandatory. Further, the new KYC process is not just limited to getting SIM cards, but can also be used to get broadband internet and WiFi connections. Reportedly, Airtel and Vodafone have already started using the new KYC process in selected cities.
How to delete Aadhaar data from telecom companies' databases
Meanwhile, customers who want to get their Aadhaar details removed from the records of telecom service providers have to call up their respective operators to find physical points-of-sale (PoS) or service where Aadhaar deletion requests will be entertained. After locating such centres, customers can approach them with alternative, valid ID and address proofs, and put in requests for deleting their Aadhaar data.
