What is Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) and how to generate it

Image credit: twitter.com/UIDAI

Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number generated against your Aadhaar. If you don’t want to share your Aadhaar number, you can use VID in place of Aadhaar number for authentication or e-KYC services.

The Aadhaar Virtual ID may be used for authentication services in the similar way the Aadhaar is used. This way VID eliminates the requirement of Aadhaar number at the time of authentication. Moreover, Aadhaar number can’t be retrieved from Aadhaar Virtual ID. In this post, let's take a look at how to generate VID.  

Features of Aadhaar Virtual ID

1. The VID is a 16-digit random number mapped with Aadhaar.

2. It can be used in lieu of Aadhaar number at the time of authentication.

3. Aadhaar Virtual ID is temporary and can be changed at any time.
4. VID can only be generated by Aadhaar card holder.

5. Although it is mapped with Aadhaar number it is not possible to derive Aadhaar number from it.

6. You can regenerate it multiple times.

7. Your VID will be valid till the time a new VID is generated by you.

8. At any given time only one VID will be valid for an Aadhaar number.

9. Your VID will be sent to the registered mobile number via SMS.

10. Your consent is required for VID based authentication or e-KYC services. 

11. It is not mandatory to generate your VID.

12. Presently, VID generation facility is available on UIDAI's resident portal.

13. Agency is not authorized to store VID in any database.

14. If you opt for retrieval of VID, the last active VID will be sent to you.

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID?

Aadhaar Virtual ID can be generated only by the Aadhaar number holder. The entire process of generating a VID is very easy. Presently, VID generation facility is available on UIDAI's resident portal. 

You can use this facility if you have your mobile number registered in the Aadhaar database. Once VID is generated from the UIDAI website, it will be sent to the registered mobile number via SMS. 

Below is the step by step procedure to generate Virtual ID.

1. Visit the UIDAI’s official website (uidai.gov.in).

2. Find and click on the “Virtual ID (VID) Generator” link under Aadhaar Services.

3. Click “OK” on the pop-up. Once you click on the pop-up, it will take you to VID Generation page.

4. Enter your Aadhaar number and security code and then click on “Send OTP” button.

5. You will receive the OTP on your mobile number registered with Aadhaar database.

6. Enter the OTP.

7. Select the option to generate a new VID or retrieve an old VID that you have already generated.

8. After selecting an option, click on “Submit” button.

9. Once complete, a message will be displayed on your screen as “Congratulations! Your VID Number Successfully Generated and sent to your registered mobile”.

10. You will receive 16-digits Aadhaar Virtual ID along with last four digits of your Aadhaar on your mobile number via SMS as shown in the image below.

Re-generation of VID

A new VID will be generated on your request after the minimum validity period (currently set as 1 day). The existing VID will be deactivated. If you want the retrieval of your VID, the last active VID will be sent to your registered mobile.

 
Expiry period of VID

Currently, there is no expiry period defined for Aadhaar Virtual ID. Your VID will remain valid till the time a new VID is generated by you.

Also read: How to apply for Aadhaar card?

Also read: Aadhaar card download | E-Aadhaar download

Also read: How to download Aadhaar update history?

Also read: How to check when and where your Aadhaar card has been used? 

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