Aadhaar Virtual ID - Details

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) introduced Aadhaar Virtual ID to address various issues such as reduction in data breach, improved security, to control unauthorized transactions, etc. The virtual ID offered by UIDAI allows limited KYC access. This way user gets access to limited information and the complete details of Aadhaar card are not exposed.

Aadhaar is regarded as one of the most popular government ID proofs for Indian people. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) recently created a feature known as Virtual ID (VID) to improve the security of Indian people. This is an important step in supporting citizens with e-KYC verification of authentication. 

What is Aadhaar Virtual ID?

The Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary, 16-digit, revocable code that is mapped to an individual's Aadhaar number. This feature introduced by UIDAI allows Aadhaar holders to authenticate their identity without disclosing their actual Aadhaar number and other important details like the mobile number, bank account, and other financial documents.

Features and Benefits of Aadhaar VID

The features and benefits of Aadhaar VID are as listed below:

  1. It is more secure because of the extra layer of security provided by the Aadhaar virtual ID. Because they only obtain a UID token, authentication companies are unable to access your real Aadhaar number 
  1. Since it is very hard to determine the Aadhaar number from a specific VID, it is an essential feature that helps protect your Aadhaar data 
  1. It prevents the misuse of crucial information by providing limited access and permitting the exchange of just certain information 
  1. Due to their ease of revocation and regeneration, these virtual IDs significantly reduce the possibility of duplication 
  1. The quantity of Aadhaar virtual IDs you can create each day is unlimited.

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID through UIDAI Website?

By going to the UIDAI website, all Aadhaar card holders can get an Aadhaar Virtual ID. The 16-digit number will only be valid for a limited time. The 9 simple steps listed below will show you how to effortlessly generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID:

Step 1 - Visit the UIDAI's official website. Select the My Aadhaar tab

Step 2 - Select Virtual ID Generator from the menu. It will generate a new page

Step 3 - On the VID Generation screen, enter your security code and 12-digit Aadhaar number. Next. Send OTP should be selected

Step 4 - An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number associated with your Aadhaar. Click Generate VID after entering the OTP

Step 5 - An SMS will be sent to your registered number after you click the Submit button. The 16-digit VID will be sent to you.

Generate Virtual ID

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID through mAadhaar?

Follow the steps given below to generate Aadhaar VID through mAadhaar app:

Step 1: Login on the mAadhaar app.

Step 2: Select the option to generate “Virtual ID

Step 3: Fill in the required details, like Aadhaar number and Captcha and click on the “Request OPT” option.

Step 4: Fill in the OTP received on your registered mobile number.

Step 5: Click on “Generate VID” to receive your virtual ID.

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID through SMS?

Follow the steps given below to generate Aadhaar VID through SMS:

Step 1: Type "GVID Last 4 digits of Aadhaar Number" from your registered mobile number.

Step 2: Send this message to 1947, the Aadhaar helpline number.

Example: Type "GVID 1234" from your registered mobile number and send it to 1947. You will then receive your VID via SMS.

Why Do We Need Aadhaar Virtual ID? 

When users use their Aadhaar virtual IDs rather than their Aadhaar number or UID, agencies are unable to retrieve the applicant's Aadhaar number while the authentication process continues as usual. This safeguards Aadhaar cardholders' privacy and security while also protecting them from fraud and telemarketers. 

To verify your identity for services, you can create a VID. After a day, you can create a new VID after authentication is finished. The old VID will be deactivated if a new one is generated after a day. This protects your sensitive personal information since, even if an agency keeps your old VID, it expires after a day. 

Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. For more information please refer the link(s) provided above or visit https://uidai.gov.in/

FAQs on Aaadhar Virtual ID (VID)

  • What is a Virtual ID (VID)?

    VID is a 16-digit random number that is mapped to the Aadhaar number and is transitory and revocable. VID can be used instead of Aadhaar number for authentication or e-KYC services. 

  • Can an agency store a VID?

    No. It is not useful to store VID since it is only transitory and can be changed by the owner of the Aadhaar number. VID should not be kept in any databases or records by agencies. 

  • Does the Virtual ID (VID) have an expiration date?

    No. The VID will remain valid until you generate a new VID.

  • Do I need to provide my consent to generate a VID?

    Yes. A VID will not be generated without your explicit consent.

  • Can I use my VID as an OTP/biometrics/demographics authentication?

    Yes. You can use your Virtual ID instead of your Aadhaar number to authenticate API input/e-KYC services. Earlier this year, by 31 May 2019, many entities were set to accept VID for authentication.

  • I have forgotten my VID. How do I retrieve it?

    There are multiple ways to get a VID. You can retrieve your old VID or even generate a new one. The easiest way to retrieve your VID is by sending an SMS to the Aadhaar helpline. You will have to enter "RVIDLast 4 digits of Aadhaar Number" and send this message through your registered mobile number to 1947. You can also obtain your VID through UIDAI's resident portal.

  • Can someone else generate a VID on my behalf?

    No. Only you can generate your Virtual ID.

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