What is the UIDAI Virtual ID (VID) Number? What is the validity of VID? How to generate UIDAI VID online? How do we regenerate VID online and retrieve the lost or forgotten VID?
In today’s digital age, protecting your personal information is just as important as having it. Aadhaar, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is widely used for identity verification across banking, telecom, and government services.
Aadhaar VID plays an important role in making the Aadhaar number private. That’s where the Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) comes in. VID is a temporary, 16-digit number that you can generate against your Aadhaar number. Instead of sharing your actual Aadhaar number everywhere, you can use this Virtual ID for authentication and e-KYC purposes. It works just like Aadhaar for verification, but adds an extra layer of privacy.
What is UIDAI Virtual ID (VID)?
The UIDAI Virtual ID (VID) is a smart feature introduced to make Aadhaar usage more secure and privacy-friendly. Instead of sharing your actual Aadhaar number every time verification is required, you can generate a temporary 16-digit random number called a Virtual ID.
This VID is linked to your Aadhaar number but can be changed or revoked whenever you want. The best part is that it works for authentication and e-KYC just like your Aadhaar number does—without revealing the real number.
Key Features of VID:
- Temporary and Revocable: Unlike your permanent Aadhaar number, a VID can be changed or revoked as needed.
- 16-Digit Format: Easy to use and remember, similar to other identification numbers.
- Mapped to Aadhaar: Each VID is directly linked to a specific Aadhaar number but cannot be reverse-engineered to reveal the Aadhaar number.
- User-Generated: Only the Aadhaar number holder can create and manage their VID.
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Functionality and Usage of VID
The Virtual ID system is designed to be versatile and secure, offering a range of functionalities:
- Authentication Alternative: VID can be used in place of the Aadhaar number for various authentication and e-KYC services.
- Multiple Authentication Methods: Supports OTP (One-Time Password), biometric, and demographic authentication processes.
- Privacy Protection: Impossible to derive the original Aadhaar number from the VID, ensuring enhanced privacy.
- Limited Data Sharing: Provides only the necessary information for authentication or KYC processes, reducing the risk of data misuse.
Generation and Control of VID
One of the most crucial aspects of the VID system is the control it gives to Aadhaar holders:
- Exclusive User Generation: Only the Aadhaar number holder can generate their VID. No other entities, including Authentication User Agencies (AUA) or KYC User Agencies (KUA), can create a VID on behalf of the holder.
- Multiple Generation Methods: VID can be generated through various channels, including the UIDAI website, mAadhaar mobile application, and SMS.
- Secure Delivery: The generated VID is sent to the user via SMS on their registered mobile number, ensuring secure delivery.
How to Generate UIDAI Virtual ID (VID) Online?
At any moment, only one VID is active for an Aadhaar number. UIDAI offers multiple ways for Aadhaar holders to generate a VID, recover it if forgotten, and replace it with a new one when needed.
Virtual ID (VID) can be generated by two methods:
- Method 1: Generate VID through the UIDAI Official Website
- Method 2: Generate VID through SMS
Method 1: Generate VID Through UIDAI Official Website
To generate a Virtual ID online through the official portal of UIDAI, follow the steps provided below:
- Visit the UIDAI Official Website https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
- On the main page, find and click on the “VID Generator” option.
- Now, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number in the designated field.
- Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
- Click on the ‘Send OTP‘ button.
- An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- Enter the received OTP in the provided field.
- Then, click on the “Generate” button.
- Your newly generated Virtual ID will be sent directly to your registered mobile number.
- Make sure to note down this VID and store it securely.
- You can now use this VID instead of your Aadhaar number for various authentication purposes.
- To generate a new VID, simply repeat this process. Remember, generating a new VID will invalidate the previous one.
Method 2: Generate UIDAI Virtual ID (VID) through SMS
For those who prefer using SMS or don’t have immediate internet access, UIDAI offers the option to generate a VID through a simple text message:
- Step 1: Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
- Step 2: Compose a new SMS with the text “GVID” (without quotes), followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number.
- For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123, the SMS should read: “GVID 9123“
- Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
- Step 4: Wait for a response SMS containing your newly generated Virtual ID.
It’s important to note that Virtual IDs are temporary and can be revoked or regenerated at any time for enhanced security and privacy.
How to Retrieve an Existing UIDAI Virtual ID via SMS?
If you’ve forgotten your previously generated VID, you can easily retrieve it through SMS:
To retrieve your Virtual ID, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
- Step 2: Compose a new SMS with the text “RVID” (without quotes), followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number (RVID Space last 4 or 8 digits of Your Aadhaar Number).
- For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123, the SMS should read: RVID 9123 or RVID 56789123
- Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
- Step 4: Wait for a response SMS containing your existing Virtual ID.
Note: Make sure to send the SMS by your same Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Then only you will get the desired result.
Validity and Expiration of VID
The Virtual ID (VID) linked to an Aadhaar number remains valid for a minimum period, which is currently set as one calendar day (1 Day) or until midnight. After this duration, the already created Virtual ID will become inactive.
Aadhaar holders have the option to generate a new VID (more than 1) in one day if needed, in case of losing or forgetting the existing VID. When a new VID is created, the previously issued VID automatically becomes invalid and can no longer be used for authentication.
This system ensures enhanced security and privacy by allowing users to update their VID periodically, reducing the risk of misuse. Since only one VID is active at a time, individuals must use the latest generated VID for verification purposes.
Importance and Benefits of Using VID
The Virtual ID system offers numerous advantages for Aadhaar cardholders:
- Enhanced Privacy: Eliminates the need to share the actual Aadhaar number in multiple places.
- Reduced Data Storage: Minimizes the collection and storage of Aadhaar numbers by various entities.
- Improved Security: Easy to revoke and replace in case of suspected misuse.
- User Empowerment: Gives Aadhaar holders control over their virtual identity.
- Consent-Based Usage: Requires explicit user consent for authentication, ensuring transparency.
FAQs
1. What is a UIDAI Virtual ID (VID)?
A: A Virtual ID (VID) is a 16-digit temporary number issued by UIDAI that can be used in place of an Aadhaar number for authentication.
2. How can I generate a VID?
A: You can generate a VID through the UIDAI website, the mAadhaar mobile app, or via SMS. To generate via SMS, send “GVID [Last 4 digits of Aadhaar]” to 1947 from your registered mobile number. The newly generated VID will be sent to you via SMS.
3. Can I retrieve my VID if I forget it?
A: Yes, you can retrieve your VID using UIDAI’s website, mAadhaar app, or SMS. To retrieve via SMS, send “RVID [Last 4 digits of Aadhaar]” to 1947 from your registered mobile number. UIDAI will send your last active VID via SMS.
4. Can someone else generate a VID for me?
A: No, only the Aadhaar number holder can generate their VID. No agency, third party, or authentication user agency (AUA/KUA) can create a VID on behalf of a user. The VID is sent directly to the Aadhaar holder’s registered mobile number.
5. Can a VID be used for authentication?
A: Yes, a VID can be used instead of an Aadhaar number for authentication. It supports OTP-based, biometric, and demographic authentication for various services while keeping the Aadhaar number secure.
6. How long is a VID valid?
A: A VID is valid for a minimum period of one calendar day or until midnight. After this period, the Aadhaar holder can generate a new VID, which will deactivate the previous one.
7. Will a new VID be the same as my previous one?
A: No, when you generate a new VID, it will be different from the previous one. However, if you choose to retrieve your VID instead of regenerating it, UIDAI will send the last active VID to your registered mobile number.
8. Can I generate multiple VIDs in a single day?
A: Yes, you can generate a new VID anytime after the minimum validity period of one day. If you lose or forget your VID, you can generate a new one immediately, but only the latest VID will be valid.
9. Can I use VID for e-KYC services?
A: Yes, VID can be used for e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification. It allows service providers to authenticate users without storing or accessing their actual Aadhaar number, enhancing data security.
