What is Virtual ID? How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID?
The Virtual ID is a temporary and revocable 16-digit random number mapped with Aadhaar number. It can only be generated, replaced or revoked by the Aadhaar number holder. It has been introduced so that the actual 12-digit Aadhaar number need not be shared for authenticating identity.
Virtual ID is an important security measure for protecting person's privacy and Aadhaar information.
UIDAI offers the facilities to Aadhaar card holders to generate a 16-digit Virtual ID number online. VID can be generated either through the UIDAI website or mobile app. Once generated, this virtual ID can be used by the people who do not want to share their original Aadhaar details with a service provider.
Aadhaar Virtual ID is used for Aadhaar authentications in place of original Aadhaar Number so that you can protect your Aadhaar details from being accessed by anybody else. It offers more privacy protection to an Aadhaar card holder. It can be used in the same way as an aadhaar number is used.
- Aadhaar card holder is allowed to generate one VID in a day
- There is no validity or expiry date for VID
- One can generate as many VIDs as he/ she wants
- Older VIDs get automatically cancelled once new VID is generated
UIDAI has made it mandatory for all the telecom operators and e-sign service providers to accept virtual ID instead of the Aadhaar number from 1 July 2018. Other service providers such as banks, etc. will start accepting virtual ID from 1 September 2018.
Reason Behind Introducing Aadhaar Virtual ID
To provide multi-layered security and to protect privacy of Aadhaar card holders. With the introduction of Virtual IDs, Aadhaar number holders are able to share VID instead of their Aadhaar number at the time of authentication. No one can derive the Aadhaar number from Virtual ID (VID).
The Aadhaar card holders need to make sure that their mobile phone number is linked with the Aadhaar database so that they can receive an OTP (one time password) to generate VID (Virtual ID).
Validity Period of Virtual ID (VID)
The minimum validity period of Virtual ID (VID) is 1 day. After that, if an Aadhaar card holder regenerates VID then a new VID is generated and sent to his mobile number. AT the same time, the previous Virtual ID (VID) gets deactivated.
How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID?
With effect from 2 April 2018, Aadhaar number holders are offered to generate 16-digit Virtual ID number.
Aadhaar number holders can generate Virtual ID from:
- UIDAI website
- m-Aadhaar app
- Aadhaar enrolment center
It is mandatory that the applicant has his/ her mobile phone number registered with the Aadhaar database so that they can receive an one-time password (OTP) in order to generate VID.
Given below is a step-by-step process to generate Aadhaar Virtual ID on UIDAI's official portal:
- Go to portal https://uidai.gov.in/
- Go to the VID generator on the UIDAI homepage, under Aadhaar services
- Enter your Aadhaar Number
- Enter Security Code (i.e. the captcha)
- Click on 'Send OTP'
- One Time Password (OTP) will be sent on your Aadhaar registered mobile number
- Enter the OTP
- There are 2 options i.e. you can either "Generate VID" or "Retrieve VID" that you have already generated
- Select "Generate VID"
- On selecting it, the VID will be sent on your mobile number