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.
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:
How do I find my virtual ID?
Whenever necessary, the VID number will be sent to individuals via SMS on their registered mobile number. VID can also be retrieved by sending an SMS to the Aadhaar helpline number “1947”. The resident will have to type “RVID Last 4 digits of Aadhaar Number” and send it to 1947 through the registered Mobile Number.
What is the virtual ID of an Aadhar card?
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.
I have not linked my mobile with Aadhaar. Can I generate my VID?
No, currently Aadhaar VIDs can only be generated from the UIDAI portal through an OTP key. Hence, it's mandatory to link your phone number to your Aadhaar number at the moment.
