UIDAI Discontinues L0 Biometric Devices and Implements to Enhanced L1 Security

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has taken a step of removing L0 fingerprint biometric devices which now fall under Level Zero (L0) classification. This marks an attempt in enhancing security measures within the Aadhaar authentication ecosystem. As per its latest notification on 25th March 2025 (Ref: HQ-13021/1/2021-AUTH-I HQ), the use of L0 device last date will gradually be deprecated, with an official end date or 'sunset date' marked for 30th June 2025.  

After this deadline, the continued use of L0 devices will be subjected to additional fees regulated by UIDAI. It is important to mention that after a certain timeframe, whitelisting of new L0 devices had also ceased from October 1, 2024, marking a change from L0 to the new L1 standard. This shift is part of UIDAI endeavours to fortify the security of biometric data by mandating that all devices interfacing with the Aadhaar authentication undergo the necessary security measures.

Issued by UIDAI L0 Device Hotlisting Schedule

Why the Transition to L1 Devices?

This transition from L0 to L1 biometric device is made because of the growing necessity of effective safety measures within the Aadhaar atmosphere. Although L0 devices offers basic fingerprint scanning alternatives, such devices do not provide the excessive level of encryption and safety capabilities required to protect against breaches of statistics protection and frauds.

L1 certified devices come equipped with on-device biometric encryption characteristic meaning that as the captured fingerprint statistics is immediately encrypted inside the device earlier than being sent to authenticate. This significantly reduces the risk of tampering and records intercepting at the equal network. In addition, tamper-resistant structure is to be had as a characteristic on L1 devices all contributing to additional hardening of the device against unauthorized get admission to and manipulation. Furthermore, L1 gadgets are created with the intention to assist in the replacement of regular firmware and also key rotations securely in order that devices live in check with UIDAI’s dynamic security standards. This feature complements data security no longer most effective but also extends the lifecycle of the devices as they're constantly up to date with the brand new protection protocols.

Who Needs to Transition?

The UIDAI notification requires all stakeholders using L0 devices to convert to L1 devices ahead of the official sunset date of June 30th, 2025. The affected stakeholders include:

• Device Owners and Operators:

  • Banks and financial institutions utilizing biometric devices in Aadhaar enabled payment system (AEPS) trans–actions.

  • CSCs (Common Service Centers) and Aadhaar Seva Kendras.

  • PDS outlets using biometric devices for verification

  • Government departments and offices with biometric attendance systems

• Authentication Service Agencies (ASAs):

  • ASAs that provide Aadhaar authentication services using L0 devices are required to switch over to L1 devices to continue with Aadhaar authentication.

• Registered Device (RD) Service Providers:

  • RD Service Providers have to update their service and infrastructures to accommodate L1 devices. It also means updating the drivers, firmware, and application interfaces to fit UIDAI’s recent security requirements.

Benefits of L1 Devices

The introduction of L1 biometric devices will see many security and operational benefits which include:

• On device encryption of biometric data which precludes unauthorized access.

• Tamper-resistant hardware to prevent data manipulation

• Regular firmware updates for enhanced security

• Secure key administration and rotation which in turn reduces key compromise risk.

• Enhanced accuracy in fingerprint scan which in turn improves Aadhaar authentication.

Steps to Upgrade to L1 Devices

To make the transition to L1 devices smooth stakeholders are to follow these steps:

1. Check Device Model and Sun down Date:

Determine if your present device is L0 or L1 certified. By 30th June 2025 devices that have not been upgraded to L1 will be turned off for use in Aadhaar authentication.

2. Contact Radium Box:

Reach out to us for UIDAI approved biometric L1 device availability and registration options. Radium Box presents a range of L1 biometric devices and RD service plans which we put forward to all our stakeholders. 

Buy the new L1 biometric devices to ensure safe Aadhaar authentication and compliance with the latest UIDAI guidelines. Buy L1 devices like ,Morpho MSO 1300 E3 L1, Mantra MFS 110 L1 USB fingerprint scanner, Precision PB1000 L1 from Radium Box. We also provide the latest FM220U, Access and Secugen HU20AP device for safety and seamless base authentication. Click here to buy now for best deals and comprehensive RD service support.

3. Register or Renew RD Service:

Register  renew the RD Service for your L1 device to make sure of continuous Aadhaar authentication access. RD Service registration issues out a unique Device ID and also enables the secure transfer of biometric data during authentication.

4. Get Technical Support: 

If at any point you have issues with the upgrade or registration processes, reach out to the Radium Box technical support team. We are at support@radiumbox.com via email or +91 84343 84343 for you.

What Happens if You Don’t Upgrade?

Failure to transition to L1 devices by the deadline will see automatic deactivation of L0 devices for Aadhaar authentication. Though the device may still function for non-Aadhaar applications, it will no longer be used in Aadhaar based services. Also after the sunset date the use of L0 devices may attract additional charges as per UIDAI’s new rules.

Radium Box is a Trusted Partner for L1 Biometric Solutions, an authorized RD service provider. We are ready to help stakeholders with their transition to L1 devices. We provide:.

• Supply of L1-certified biometric devices

• RD Service registration and renewal

• Technical support and troubleshooting

• Device status checks and validity updates

For more information and to check out our range of L1 biometric devices go to the Radium Box website or email us at support@radiumbox.com.

Conclusion

The shift from L0 to L1 biometric devices is a key step in improving the security of Aadhaar based authentication systems. As we approach the end of life for L0 devices it is of great importance that all parties begin the transition process and see to it that their devices are in compliance with the latest UIDAI standards. Work with Radium Box to secure your biometric infrastructure and do not fall behind in the changing world of Aadhaar authentication.