Yes, a Will can be registered in Karnataka without Aadhaar biometric verification. When registering a Will, the Sub-Registrar’s Office in Karnataka accepts either Aadhaar or PAN as proof of identity. While Aadhaar-based verification is preferred due to its integrated biometric system. In cases where biometric verification fails, particularly for elderly individuals or those with health conditions, PAN can be used as an alternate identity proof to complete the registration process without biometric authentication.

REAL EXAMPLE: WILL REGISTRATION WITHOUT AADHAAR BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION One of my clients, aged 81 years, owned multiple movable and immovable properties in Bengaluru. Due to age-related health issues, he decided to execute a Will to distribute his assets between his two children. Although he possessed both Aadhaar and PAN, we initially chose to proceed with Aadhaar-based registration, since most Sub-Registrar offices prefer applications linked to Aadhaar for quicker verification. Aadhaar submissions generally enable faster approval because of his enhanced security features. STEP 1: APPLICATION SUBMISSION We submitted the application online through the Kaveri Online Services portal, using the client’s Aadhaar details. The Sub-Registrar Office at KR Puram, Bengaluru, approved the application within an hour, and we successfully booked a registration slot. We highlighted the Aadhaar number in application below

STEP 2: BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION AT THE SUB-REGISTRAR’S OFFICE During the in-person registration, the client was required to complete Aadhaar biometric authentication (fingerprint verification). However, despite multiple attempts, the system repeatedly failed to verify his fingerprints. At first, we suspected that biometric verification might have been disabled in the client’s Aadhaar settings. We checked through the mAadhaar app, which confirmed that biometric authentication was indeed enabled. The repeated failures were due to age-related thinning of the skin, a common issue that affects fingerprint recognition. The biometric verification process took nearly an hour without success, as we made repeated attempts at regular intervals. While others at the Sub-Registrar’s office were able to complete their Aadhaar verification smoothly, our client’s authentication continued to fail. Eventually, we concluded that Aadhaar biometric verification could not be completed in this case. STEP 3: REAPPLYING USING PAN TO BYPASS BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION To move the process forward, we decided to withdraw the earlier Aadhaar-based application and submit a new one using the client’s PAN card as proof of identity. Unlike Aadhaar-based registration, PAN-based registration does not require biometric authentication. Refer to below application withdrawal

The new PAN-based application was promptly approved at the same Sub-Registrar Office (KR Puram). We booked a fresh registration slot. Refer to PAN number in application below

We completed the Will registration within ten minutes, without any biometric authentication. Refer to below registered WILL

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Aadhaar biometric verification is not mandatory for Will registration in Karnataka.
You may use PAN if biometric verification fails or is impractical.
In cases involving elderly or ailing individuals, opting for PAN-based registration helps avoid delays or complications due to failed biometric scans.

CONCLUSION If the testator is unable to complete Aadhaar biometric verification due to age, medical conditions, or physical limitations, the Will can still be validly registered using an alternate identity proof such as a PAN card.

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