What is Aadhaar Virtual Id and How to Generate it Online - Meaning & Features

To maintain the privacy of personal data, including the biometric and demographic information on the Aadhaar Card, the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has lately introduced a new feature called Aadhaar Virtual ID to address the issue of your Aadhaar data breach as it is almost impossible to track the Aadhaar number and misuse your information using the virtual ID. 

Simplifying it as the Aadhaar Virtual ID is that it provides limited KYC (Know Your Customer) access, allowing users to access only the required information necessary for verification purposes rather than accessing the complete Aadhaar Card details. Hence, you can now provide your Aadhaar Virtual ID to both the government and private organizations with the assurance of your data safety. 

Table of Contents:

▪ What is Aadhaar Virtual ID?

▪ What are the features of the Aadhaar Virtual ID?

▪ How to generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID online?

▪ How to use mAadhaar to create an Aadhaar Virtual ID?

▪ How to create a virtual ID for Aadhaar using SMS?

▪ What are the benefits you enjoy after getting an Aadhaar Virtual ID?

▪ FAQs on Aadhaar Virtual ID.

You may wonder what an Aadhaar Virtual ID is, including its features and benefits. This article will briefly discuss the same and how you can get your Aadhaar Virtual ID.

What is Aadhaar Virtual ID?

As the name suggests, the Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) is an alternative to Aadhaar Card. It consists of 16-digit random numbers that are generated against an Aadhaar number. An Aadhaar Card user need not submit his Aadhaar number every time he has to verify his details. Instead, the Aadhaar Virtual ID can be generated each time for verification purposes. Currently, the UIDAI has made it mandatory for all Aadhaar authentification agencies to accept VID from applicants. 

The Virtual Aadhaar ID gives access to the cardholder's biometric information and some basic information needed for e-KYC, including name, address, and photograph. The agency cannot access the 12-digit Aadhaar number, including personal details. 

It is worth mentioning that one cannot retrieve the Aadhaar Virtual ID in any way to recover the original Aadhaar Card. At a time, a single virtual ID is generated against an Aadhaar number. The number can be generated multiple times, as desired by the user. The code is valid for at least a day and can be changed on another date.

What are the features of the Aadhaar Virtual ID?

Following are the salient features of Virtual Aadhaar ID-

It is a temporary 16-digit number meant to replace Aadhaar for verification.

A single VID is issued at a time. When issuing a new one, the old ID is flushed out.

The original Aadhaar number cannot be retrieved using VID.

It is not mandatory to generate VID.

Generating VID includes no cap. 

Agencies cannot compel applicants to furnish their Aadhaar numbers for verification.

Agencies must take consent from the user for verification using VID.

Agencies are not authorized to store VID or any Aadhaar details taken for verification. 

The VID is valid only till the user generates a new one. 

When you retrieve the Aadhaar, your last generated Aadhaar Virtual ID is sent to your registered mobile number.

How to generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID online?

You need to generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID to use it against your Aadhaar. You can generate the VID online by visiting the official website of UIDAI. Your mobile number should be registered with UIDAI to avail of the service, as the VID will be sent to your registered mobile number. If you failed to register your mobile number with UIDAI, you must first link your mobile number with your Aadhaar Card. 

To generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID online, follow the steps-

Step1: Navigate to the official website of UIDAI at http://uidai.gov.in./

Step 2: Under the Aadhaar services Section, click on the option Virtual ID (VID) Generator.

Step 3: You will be carried to a new VID Generation Page in the following stage.

Step 4: To create a new VID or recover an old VID, choose the appropriate option.

Step 5: Carefully enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and security code, followed by selecting the option, 'Send OTP'.

Step 6: The OTP sent to your registered mobile number should be entered by selecting the 'Verify & Proceed' button.

Step 7: A message will be sent to your registered mobile number as 'Your VID (16-digit number) has been sent to your Aadhaar registered mobile.' 

Step 8: You will receive the message on your registered mile number, including your 16-digit VID for your Aadhaar number and the last four digits of your Aadhaar.

How to use mAadhaar to create an Aadhaar Virtual ID

To generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID using the mAadhaar app, follow the steps-

Step 1: Download the app from the Play Store and log in to the mAadhaar app.

Step 2: Select 'Generate Virtual ID'.

Step 3: Click on the 'Request OTP' button after entering your Aadhaar number and security captcha.

Step 4: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number, followed by selecting the button 'Generate VID' to receive your Aadhaar Virtual ID. 

How to create a virtual ID for Aadhaar using SMS?

To generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID via SMS from your registered mobile number, simply type 'GVID Last 4 digits of Aadhaar Number' and send it to the Aadhaar helpline at 1947. 

For instance, simply type 'GVID 1234' from your registered mobile number and send it to 1947 to receive your Aadhaar Virtual ID via SMS.

What are the benefits you enjoy after getting an Aadhaar Virtual ID?

Individuals are concerned with the privacy and safety of Aadhaar and its details. There have been multiple cases where claims of Aadhaar data leakage have been allegedly made. The issue has been addressed by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), which came up with a Virtual ID. 

You can enjoy the following benefits after getting an Aadhaar Virtual ID-

When users provide their Aadhaar Virtual ID instead of their Aadhaar, agencies cannot access the Aadhaar number. VID gives access only to specific information like the cardholder's name and address. The primary aim is to forbid the misuse of vital details. 

It will reduce agencies' burden of collecting the Aadhaar number of individuals and save it for KYC purposes.

Virtual ID is easily revocable, which reduces the chances the duplication. 

VID can be generated countable times as wished by the user. Aadhaar holders can generate VID and authenticate for a service. After verification, the user can regenerate the VID so that the date left with the agency is rendered useless. 

FAQs on Aadhaar Virtual ID

Can I generate a Virtual ID with my Enrolment ID?

The service for VID generation with Enrolment ID has not been provided as of now.

Does the Virtual ID have an expiry date?

The Aadhaar Virtual ID is valid until a new VID is generated.

What is the difference between retrieving and regenerating a Virtual ID?

Retrieving a VID refers to obtaining a Virtual ID set by you. Regenerating a VID refers to setting up a new Virtual ID that invalidates the old one.

How can I retrieve my Virtual ID if I forget it?

There are multiple ways to retrieve a Forgotten VID. 

You can easily retrieve your old VID or even regenerate a new one. 

The simplest way can be by sending an SMS using your registered mobile number to the Aadhaar helpline, for which you must enter 'RVIDLast 4 digits of your Aadhaar Number' and send it to 1947. 

You can also visit UIDAI's resident portal to obtain your VID.

Can a different person generate a Virtual ID on my behalf?

No, only the cardholder can generate his VID. 

Can I use the VID as OTP/biometrics/demographics verification?

Yes. You can use your VID instead of your Aadhaar number for verification.

What happens after I regenerate the VID?

The first VID you receive will have a minimum validity period of one calendar day. If you regenerate a new VID, the old VID gets automatically deactivated, and the regenerated VID becomes your new ID.