Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) – Get Your VID in 3 Simple Steps

What is Aadhar Virtual ID?

The Aadhar Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped with the Aadhaar number. VID can be used in lieu of the Aadhaar number whenever authentication or e-KYC services are performed.

Guess what’s common in getting a mobile phone connection, investing in mutual funds, and opening a bank account? Submitting Aadhaar details! Yes, Aadhaar has become the de facto authentication/verification tool for a gamut of services today.

Using a single universal ID is great, but it brings along data security challenges. UIDAI decided to overcome this through the creation of simple, easy-to-use Virtual IDs (VIDs) in place of original Aadhaar numbers.

How Does Virtual ID Work? 

The Virtual ID is a unique number generated randomly, similar to the Unique ID, and it will be associated with your Aadhaar number. Consequently, even if someone gains access to your Virtual ID, they won’t be able to determine your actual Aadhaar number.

When you share your Virtual ID with an authentication agency like a telecom company or a local government body, they will input it into their system. Subsequently, they will receive a UID token that validates the Virtual ID and provides limited demographic information such as your name, phone number, address, and more. In essence, these agencies will now have the ability to authenticate your identity without ever being exposed to your Aadhaar number.

Features of Aadhaar Virtual ID 

Temporary Authentication Code: The virtual ID serves as a temporary 16-digit code, replacing Aadhaar for authentication purposes.

Single Active ID: Only one virtual ID is valid at any given time. When a new VID is generated, the previous one becomes invalid and is automatically replaced.

System Update Deadline: Agencies are required to update their systems to accommodate virtual IDs by the deadline of 31st May 2019.

Secure Anonymity: The virtual ID ensures that the Aadhaar number cannot be derived from the provided VID, enhancing privacy and security.

Unlimited Generation: There are no restrictions on the generation of virtual IDs, allowing flexibility and convenience for users.

Optional Usage: Generating VIDs is not mandatory. Individuals can choose to provide their Aadhaar number instead of a virtual ID if preferred.

User Consent Requirement: Agencies must obtain explicit consent from users before proceeding with authentication using the virtual ID.

Prohibited Storage: Agencies are strictly prohibited from storing the virtual ID or any other Aadhaar details used for authentication purposes.

Validity and Replacement: The virtual ID remains valid until the user generates a new one, ensuring regular updates and enhanced security.

Last Generated VID Notification: When retrieving Aadhaar, the most recent virtual ID generated is sent to the registered mobile number for user awareness.

Are Virtual IDs Secure?

Virtual IDs and the process of generating VIDs ensure security through the following measures:

• Virtual IDs are temporary 16-digit random numbers that can be revoked. This feature enhances security by preventing agencies from retaining Aadhaar data and restricting their access to your Aadhaar number.
• Each agency possesses a distinct identification token, which they utilise to validate their services with Aadhaar numbers. This system ensures that only authorised agencies can access Aadhaar information.
• Only Aadhaar card holders themselves have the ability to create Virtual IDs. The authentication agency or any other entity cannot generate a Virtual ID on behalf of an Aadhaar holder.
• The VID generation process is designed to be transient, preventing agencies from using it for duplication or unauthorised purposes.
• After the VID generation process, an Aadhaar number will have only one legally valid and active VID at any given time. This restriction further enhances security and prevents misuse.
• The last digit of a Virtual ID serves as a checksum, ensuring its accuracy during entry. The VID implementation incorporates the Verhoeff algorithm, minimising the possibility of data entry errors made by clients.

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID via mAadhaar?

To generate your virtual ID (VID) using the mAadhaar all you need to do is:

• Login to the mAadhaar app
• Click on ‘Generate Virtual ID‘
• Enter your Aadhaar Number, the security captcha and click on the ‘Request OTP‘ button
• Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click on ‘Generate VID’ to receive your VID

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID through SMS?

To generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) through SMS, follow these steps: Send a message from your registered mobile number to 1947 (Aadhaar helpline number) with the content “GVID Last 4 digits of your Aadhaar Number.”

Why Aadhaar VID you ask?

Simply put – to eliminate data misuse. With Aadhaar details required at several places today, people have become wary of sharing Aadhaar numbers in the fear that personal information might get stolen or misused. Aadhaar VIDs address this exact problem by masking the original Aadhaar number.

You can create a new Aadhaar VID for every instance you need. There is no way of tracing original Aadhaar numbers from Aadhaar VIDs, giving no space for any data or security breach.

However, Aadhaar VIDs still fulfill all personal verification requirements. Every Aadhaar VID can confirm your Aadhaar details like name, address, biometrics, etc., thus seamlessly completing any eKYC process.

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID?

Getting an Aadhaar VID is super easy, and you can generate one, on your own in just a few minutes. 

[CAUTION: The privacy of your Aadhaar information is vital. So please ensure you are on the official Aadhaar website (uidai.gov.in) before typing in your Aadhaar details]

1. Open UIDAI’s VID Generation page

Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in website and Click on the “VID Generator”.

2. Enter Aadhaar number, security code and click the ‘Send OTP’ button

3. Enter OTP from a mobile phone, select ‘generate VID’, and hit submit

Just that! And your Aadhaar VID is sent to your registered mobile phone. Here’s a sample:

There’s more to Aadhaar VIDs than just a simple ID generation process. We’ve got all that covered in our FAQ section below –

Frequently Asked Questions: