Can DigiLocker replace your bank locker? What you need to know about storing important documents

Most Indians today have two options for storing important documents.

One is the traditional bank locker, which has long been considered the safest place for keeping physical assets such as gold and key documents, including property papers, Wills, and other valuable records.

The other is DigiLocker, the government’s digital document storage platform that allows users to keep their Aadhaar, PAN card, driving licences, and educational certificates and access them from anywhere.


As more services move online, many people wonder whether a bank locker is still necessary. But can digital storage replace physical storage entirely?

Bank locker vs DigiLocker: What is each meant for?

Before deciding where to store key documents, it is important to understand the purpose of each option.

A bank locker is designed for safeguarding original physical assets and documents.

DigiLocker, in contrast, is primarily a digital repository that allows users to store, access, and share electronic records.

DigiLocker is a useful tool but should not be viewed as a complete replacement for physical storage, says Rohit Mahajan, Founder & CEO of plutos ONE, a banking infrastructure provider. “This is because you may need the document to prove something in court or to buy and sell property. People make a mistake when they think that a scanned document is the same as the original document.”

Property papers, Wills, and other critical legal documents should continue to be preserved in original form even if digital copies are available, he says.

“Another problem is that people do not take care of their DigiLocker account. They do not update their phone number. They lose access to their email account. They also do not use security measures to keep their account safe. When something unexpected happens, people may not be able to get their documents because they cannot get into their account,” he says.

Experts recommend keeping original documents in physical form while also storing their digital copies for easy access and for backup:

• Property title deeds
• Registered Will
• Gift deeds
• Trust deeds
• Power of attorney documents
• Share certificates (if physical)
• Valuable family records

Which documents are usually safe in DigiLocker?

For routine verification and day-to-day usage, DigiLocker has become widely accepted.

“Many organisations accept DigiLocker documents. These include banks, insurance companies, and government agencies. They use DigiLocker documents to verify identities and complete tasks. For example, you can use DigiLocker to get a bank account or to apply for a job. Employers and schools also accept DigiLocker documents,” says Mahajan.

Documents commonly stored and used through DigiLocker include:

• Aadhaar
• PAN
• Driving licence
• Vehicle registration certificate
• Educational certificates
• Insurance documents
• Government-issued certificates

“Documents that you upload to DigiLocker yourself are not as useful as documents that are issued and verified by the government,” says Mahajan.

Why scanned copies do not replace original property documents

Scanned copies may serve as secondary evidence in some situations and can sometimes help obtain certified copies from authorities. However, they do not fully replace original documents.

“There are several situations where the original document continues to have significant value. For instance, banks and housing finance companies usually retain the original title deeds as security while creating a mortgage over a property,” says Ravi Goyal, partner, Scriboard, a legal consulting firm.

Moreover, in most property transactions as well, the buyer typically insists on reviewing the original title documents before finalising the deal, he adds.

Even courts may scrutinise claims more closely when original documents are unavailable and authenticity becomes a point of dispute.

How secure is DigiLocker against cyber fraud?

Many users worry about hacking, but experts say the bigger risk is often the user rather than the platform.

Phishing attacks, SIM-swap fraud, and compromised email accounts are among the most common threats. Fraudsters often target users directly to obtain login credentials rather than attacking the platform itself, Goyal points out.

“There have been several cases in the past where fake DigiLocker websites and applications misled users into sharing their login credentials and other personal details. If in case a fraudster is able to obtain access to the documents uploaded on such a service/platform, then the affected person is at a greater risk for misuse of KYC and identity theft due to the nature of documents uploaded on such services,” he says.

What happens to bank lockers and DigiLocker accounts after the account holder’s death?

One of the most overlooked aspects of document storage is succession planning.

Access to a bank locker after the death of the account holder is comparatively easier if a nominee has been registered. The nominee must typically provide documents, such as the death certificate and identity proof, before gaining access, says Mahajan.

For digital accounts, this can be more complicated if family members do not know login credentials or recovery details. This is why experts recommend maintaining a document inventory and ensuring trusted family members know where important records are stored.

What protection do bank locker holders actually have?

Many people assume banks are fully responsible for contents in the locker.

That is not entirely true.

According to Goyal, under the revised locker framework of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks are not liable for losses caused by natural calamities, such as floods or earthquakes. However, banks can be held responsible in cases involving fire, theft, building collapse, negligence, or employee fraud.

Even then, compensation is capped at 100 times the annual locker rent, which may be far lower than the value of documents or assets stored inside.

So, the goal is not to choose between physical and digital storage; it is to ensure that important documents remain secure, accessible, and recoverable when they are needed most—whether for a property transaction, a legal dispute, an insurance claim, or by family members after your death.