A Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary 16-digit number linked to your 12-digit Aadhaar number that you can use for authentication instead of your actual Aadhaar number. It was introduced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to protect your privacy and identity.
When you share your Aadhaar number with a service provider (for example, for bank KYC or government work), there is a chance it could be stored or misused. But if you use a VID, the real Aadhaar number stays hidden. Agencies can still verify your identity, but they cannot derive your actual Aadhaar number from the VID.
A VID is temporary and revocable. You can generate a new one any time you want, which will automatically invalidate the old VID. At any given time, only one VID is valid for your Aadhaar number.
This system adds an extra layer of safety when you share identity information digitally. Using VID for services like bank e-KYC or government portals reduces the risk of Aadhaar misuse.
Overview Table: Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Virtual ID (VID) |
| Type | Temporary 16-digit code |
| Linked to | Aadhaar 12-digit number |
| Issued By | Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) |
| Purpose | Identity authentication without revealing Aadhaar |
| Validity | Valid until you regenerate a new VID |
| Renewal | You can regenerate anytime |
| Usage | e-KYC, authentication, identity check |
| Security | Aadhaar number cannot be derived from VID |
| Official methods to generate | UIDAI website, mAadhaar app, SMS |
This table highlights the key facts and numerical data about VID in a simple way to help readers understand what it is, who issues it, and how it works. It also supports SEO with important keywords like Aadhaar Virtual ID, VID Generator, UIDAI, and identity protection.
Why Virtual ID (VID) Matters
The Aadhaar number is a sensitive personal identifier. If it is shared directly with service providers, there is a risk that it could be stored or misused. VID exists to reduce this risk and protect your privacy.
When you use a VID for authentication or e-KYC services instead of your Aadhaar number, the agency verifying your identity never sees your actual Aadhaar number. The UIDAI system verifies the VID and confirms your identity without revealing sensitive data.
This privacy feature is especially important where your identity is checked frequently, such as bank account opening, government benefit programs, and mobile SIM verification. Giving a 16-digit VID instead of your full Aadhaar keeps your real number safe from unnecessary exposure.
Using a VID helps reduce identity theft and misuse, making your Aadhaar safer online and offline. It gives you more control over how and where your Aadhaar details are used.
Requirements Before You Generate a VID
Before you try to generate a Virtual ID, make sure you have a few important things ready:
- Your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Access to the registered mobile number linked with your Aadhaar.
- A device with internet or SMS service.
When you generate a VID, a One-Time Password (OTP) is normally sent to your registered mobile number. You must enter this OTP during the VID generation process to confirm that you are the Aadhaar holder.
If your mobile number is not linked with your Aadhaar, you will first need to update it through the UIDAI portal or at an Aadhaar enrolment/update centre before you can generate a VID. This is important because the OTP required for VID generation can only be sent to a registered number.
Having these ready ensures that the VID creation process goes smoothly without delays or errors.
Online VID Generation on the UIDAI Website
You can generate your Aadhaar Virtual ID directly from the official UIDAI portal. The general steps are:
- Open a browser and go to the UIDAI official website.
- Find the section labelled “My Aadhaar” or “Aadhaar Services.”
- Click on “Virtual ID (VID) Generator.”
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha/security code shown.
- Click “Send OTP” and wait for the OTP on your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP received and click “Generate VID.”
- Your 16-digit VID will be displayed on the screen and sent to you via SMS.
This process is free and official. Always make sure you are on the UIDAI domain and not on any third-party websites to protect your data.
Once generated, you can use this VID with any service provider that accepts Aadhaar authentication without exposing your actual Aadhaar number.
Generate VID Through the mAadhaar App
Another official method to generate your Virtual ID is by using the mAadhaar app provided by UIDAI. First, download the app from your device’s app store and register using your Aadhaar number and OTP.
Inside the app:
• Go to “Aadhaar Services.”
• Tap on “Generate Virtual ID.”
• Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha.
• Request an OTP and enter it when received.
• You will get your 16-digit VID displayed and sent via SMS.
The mobile app method is convenient because you can do everything on your smartphone without opening a web browser. The steps are similar to the UIDAI website process, requiring the registered mobile and OTP for verification.
Always keep the app updated so you can access the latest security and identity features offered by UIDAI.
Generate VID Through SMS
If you do not want to use a browser or app, you can also get your Virtual ID using SMS from your registered mobile number.
To do this:
- Open your phone’s messaging app.
- Type: GVID <last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number>.
- Send this message to 1947, which is the official Aadhaar helpline number.
For example, if your Aadhaar ends in 4321, you would type “GVID 4321”. Shortly after sending the SMS, you will receive a reply with your new 16-digit Virtual ID.
This SMS method does not need internet access and can be useful in areas with low connectivity, as long as your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar.
Validity and Renewal of VID
A VID is temporary and is valid only until you generate a new one. When you create a fresh VID, the old one becomes immediately inactive.
You can generate a new VID as often as you want — there is no strict limit on the number of times you can do this.
Because a VID is temporary and regularly changeable, it helps keep your Aadhaar safer over time. For example, if you think your previous VID might have been shared widely or exposed, generating a new one will immediately cut off access for anyone using the old VID.
Benefits of Using a Virtual ID
Using a VID instead of sharing your Aadhaar number brings several benefits:
• Privacy Protection: Your actual Aadhaar number stays hidden.
• Security Against Misuse: Agencies cannot derive your Aadhaar number from VID.
• Easy Regeneration: You can generate a new VID anytime.
• Accepted for Authentication: It works for e-KYC and other identity checks.
These features make VID a valuable tool in reducing risks when you share identity information with banks, government services, and other organisations.
Common Mistakes and Tips When Generating VID
When you try to generate a VID, some common issues can occur:
• Wrong Aadhaar Number: Enter all 12 digits carefully.
• OTP Not Received: Ensure your mobile number is correctly registered with Aadhaar.
• Fake Websites: Always use the official UIDAI website or official mAadhaar app.
Tips for success:
• Keep your registered mobile number active so you always receive OTPs.
• Save the latest VID somewhere safe.
• If you lose your VID, you can retrieve or regenerate it anytime.
These tips will help you generate your VID without delays or errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Virtual ID (VID)?
It is a temporary 16-digit number linked with your Aadhaar number that you can use instead of your Aadhaar in verifications.
2. Why should I use VID?
Using VID protects your real Aadhaar number from being shared or stored by service providers.
3. How long is a VID valid?
A VID is valid until you generate a new one. Once renewed, the old VID becomes inactive.
4. Can anyone else generate my VID?
No. Only you can generate your VID, and it requires OTP sent to your registered mobile.
5. Do I need to pay to generate VID?
No. Generating or retrieving VID is free on the UIDAI portal, the mAadhaar app, or via SMS.