What is Virtual ID? How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID?

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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
Only one VID is issued at a time
There is no validity or expiry date for VID
The VID cannot be used to get the Aadhaar number
One can generate as many VIDs as he/ she wants which means that there is no limit to the number of VIDs that can be generated.
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.

Features & Benefits of Aadhaar Virtual ID

Aadhaar Virtual ID, also known as VID, is a new feature that has been introduced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to provide greater privacy and security to Aadhaar cardholders. This 16-digit VID can be used in place of the Aadhaar number for various services, such as opening bank accounts, obtaining SIM cards, and availing government schemes.

(1) Protection of the Privacy of Aadhaar Cardholders: One of the most significant benefits of Aadhaar Virtual ID is that it helps protect the privacy of Aadhaar cardholders. Instead of sharing the 12-digit Aadhaar number with service providers, individuals can now generate a unique VID for each service request, thus reducing the chances of data theft and identity fraud. The VID is a temporary and revocable code that can be generated multiple times, making it an even more secure option.

(2) Simplification of the Process of KYC Verification: Another key advantage of Aadhaar Virtual ID is that it simplifies the process of KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. Banks and other institutions are required to verify the identity of customers before offering their services. However, this process often involves sharing sensitive information, such as the Aadhaar number, which can pose a risk to privacy. With VID, customers can avoid sharing their Aadhaar number and instead provide the temporary 16-digit code, making the KYC process much simpler and more secure.

(3) Easy to Generate and Use: In addition to these benefits, Aadhaar Virtual ID is also easy to generate and use. Individuals can generate a VID through the UIDAI website or mobile app. The VID is linked to the Aadhaar number, and it can be used multiple times for various services. Furthermore, it is possible to revoke the VID at any time, providing even greater control over personal information.

Aadhaar Virtual ID is a welcome addition to the Aadhaar ecosystem in India. It provides greater privacy and security to Aadhaar cardholders while simplifying the KYC process for banks and other institutions. With its easy-to-use features and benefits, it is no surprise that more and more people are opting for Aadhaar Virtual ID when availing various services in India.

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.

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID through UIDAI Website?

Given below is a step-by-step process to generate Aadhaar Virtual ID on UIDAI's official portal:

Step 1: Visit the portal https://uidai.gov.in/
Step 2: Go to the VID generator on the UIDAI homepage, under Aadhaar services
Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar Number
Step 4: Enter Security Code (i.e. the captcha)
Step 5: Click on 'Send OTP'
Step 6: One Time Password (OTP) will be sent on your Aadhaar registered mobile number
Step 7: Enter the OTP
Step 8: There are 2 options i.e. you can either "Generate VID" or "Retrieve VID" that you have already generated
Step 9: Select "Generate VID"
Step 10: On selecting it, the VID will be sent on your mobile number

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID using an SMS?

Given below is a step-by-step process to generate Aadhaar Virtual ID using an SMS.

Step 1: Type "GVIDLast 4 digits of Aadhaar Number" in your registered mobile number
Step 2: Send the SMS to 1947 from your registered mobile number
Step 3: Wait for a reply with your VID
Step 4: After that, the VID will be sent on your mobile number

A VID is valid for a minimum of one calendar day, or until midnight 12. You can request a new VID after this time. You can use your VID for Aadhaar authentication, OTP, biometrics and demographics authentication. You can also use it to lock or unlock your Aadhaar or enable or disable biometric lock.