Aadhaar Virtual ID

The Aadhaar virtual ID (VID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number that can be used instead of the 12-digit Aadhaar number for authentication purposes. It is designed to protect the privacy of Aadhaar holders by reducing the risk of their Aadhaar number being misused.

Steps to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID Online

To generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID online, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of UIDAI - uidai.gov.in. Under ‘My Aadhaar’ section, click on ‘Aadhaar Services’.



2. Click on the "Virtual ID (VID) Generator" link.



3. Select “Generate VID” and Enter your Aadhaar number and Captcha displayed on the screen.



4. Click on the "Send OTP" button.
5. You will receive an OTP (One Time Password) on your registered mobile number.
6. Enter the OTP in the space provided and click on "Verify & Proceed".
7. A new page will appear where you will get a message saying “Your VID (16-digit VID) has been sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile.”


8. Finally, you will receive a message on your registered mobile number containing the 16-digit Virtual ID for your Aadhaar number and the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar.

Steps to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID through mAadhaar

To generate a Virtual ID (VID) using the mAadhaar app, you can follow these steps:

1. Download the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and register if you haven’t already. Log in using your Aadhaar number and other required details.
3. On the home screen, click on the option “Generate Virtual ID.”
4. Enter your Aadhaar number and the 4-digit captcha code.
5. Click on “Request OTP” to receive the OTP on your registered mobile number.
6. Enter the OTP received on your mobile. Click on “Generate VID” to receive your Virtual ID (VID).

Steps to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID through SMS

To generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID through SMS, you can follow these steps:

1. From your registered mobile number, send an SMS in the format: "GVID Last 4 digits of Aadhaar Number" to 1947.
2. For example, if your Aadhaar number's last 4 digits are 1234, you would send: "GVID 1234" to 1947.
3. You will receive an SMS containing your 16-digit Aadhaar Virtual ID on your registered mobile number.

Features & Benefits of Aadhaar Virtual ID

Aadhaar Virtual ID provides a valuable tool for managing your identity information online, offering both privacy protection and convenience. As its adoption grows, it is expected to play a significant role in creating a more secure and inclusive digital ecosystem in India. Here are the features and benefits of Aadhaar Virtual ID:

Features:

• Temporary and Revocable: You can generate a new VID anytime and revoke previous ones, giving you complete control over its usage.
• Time-Bound Validity: Each VID has a limited validity period (usually 30 days), adding an extra layer of security.
• No Link to Actual Aadhaar: The VID is a random number and cannot be used to derive your actual Aadhaar number, protecting your sensitive data.
• Multiple Generation Options: Generate VIDs through the mAadhaar app, UIDAI website, or SMS, offering flexibility.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Privacy: Sharing VID instead of your Aadhaar minimises the exposure of your personal information.
• Convenience: Easier to remember and manage than your Aadhaar number, streamlining online transactions and service requests.
• Reduced Risk of Misuse: Revoking a compromised VID prevents further misuse, mitigating potential harm.
• Wider Acceptance: Increasingly accepted by various government and private entities for authentication and e-KYC.
• Promotes Digital Inclusion: Encourages online participation even for those hesitant to share their Aadhaar directly.

Difference Between Aadhaar Virtual ID & Aadhaar ID

Both Aadhaar and VID serve the purpose of identity verification, but they offer different levels of permanence, privacy, and control. Here are the key differences between Aadhaar ID and Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID)