Aadhaar cards contain sensitive demographic and biometric information. To enhance data protection, UIDAI offers the option to generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID.
For authenticating KYC services, an Aadhaar Virtual ID can be used instead of a physical Aadhaar number. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Aadhaar Virtual IDs and how to generate one.
What is Aadhaar Virtual ID?
An Aadhaar Virtual ID serves as an alternative to an Aadhaar number. It is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number generated for an Aadhaar number. It includes the following features:
- An Aadhaar Virtual ID can be used in place of an Aadhaar number
- An Aadhaar Virtual ID is sufficient for e-KYC
- The ID remains valid until a new one is generated (typically for one calendar day, allowing a new VID to be generated after 00:00 hrs the following day)
- An Aadhaar cardholder is the only person who can generate a Virtual ID
- It can be generated any number of times
- Agencies should not keep Aadhaar virtual IDs on file
- It prevents the misuse of a user’s Aadhaar details
- Aadhaar cardholders can perform VID-based authentication.
How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID?
An Aadhaar Virtual ID can be generated using an Aadhaar number. UIDAI allows users to generate a Virtual ID by visiting the UIDAI official website. To generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID, you must first link your mobile number with your Aadhaar, as the OTP is only sent to the registered mobile number. If your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar, you must link it first to use the Aadhaar Virtual ID feature.
The steps to generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID online are as follows:
- Visit the official website of UIDAI
- Click ‘My Aadhaar,’ then ‘Aadhaar Services,’ and finally ‘Virtual ID (VID) Generator.’
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, captcha code, and click the ‘Send OTP’ button.
- Submit the OTP, then click either ‘Generate VID’ or ‘Retrieve VID’.
- The generated VID will then be sent to your registered mobile number
How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID through SMS?
An applicant can generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID via SMS by following the steps outlined below:
Send an SMS from your registered mobile number to the Aadhaar helpline number (1947) in the format: GVID <last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number>.
How to Retrieve an Aadhaar Virtual ID through SMS?
The UIDAI has also made it possible for applicants to obtain an Aadhaar Virtual ID via SMS. To retrieve the VID, follow the steps outlined below:
Send an SMS from your registered mobile number to the Aadhaar helpline number (1947) in the format: RVID <last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number>.
What is the Need for an Aadhaar Virtual ID?
The Aadhaar Virtual ID safeguards the privacy and confidentiality of the user’s demographic and biometric information. It protects users’ Aadhaar-related information because it can be used instead of the original Aadhaar number.
A Virtual ID does not contain any direct Aadhaar information about the user. It can be used for authentication and e-KYC services. The Aadhaar Virtual ID prevents the potential misuse of the user’s Aadhaar details because the Aadhaar number is not involved or submitted.
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