Currently, identity theft and Aadhaar-related fraud are increasing day by day in India. UIDAI has introduced the Aadhaar virtual ID (VID). It is a temporary number linked to your Aadhaar and is revocable anytime. VID is secure to use to protect Aadhaar data during the verification process. It prevents unauthorized access and data misuse.
In the following blog, you will get in-depth details of the virtual Aadhaar ID. You will also learn various methods of virtual Aadhaar ID generation.
What is Aadhaar Virtual ID?
It is a temporary 16-digit random number. This number is revocable and linked to the individual Aadhaar card. It is issued by UIDAI to enhance the security of the Aadhaar Card. Cardholders can freely share this ID for the identity verification process.
Unique Features of Virtual Aadhaar ID
- Temporary and Revocable: VID ID is the temporary number that can be generated as needed and replaced with a new one. It will help in protecting aadhaar data and prevent it from unauthorized access.
- User controlled: Only the Aadhaar card holder can generate or revoke the Virtual Aadhaar ID which gives them control over their information.
- Secure KYC: The VID allows service providers to verify the users without accessing their Aadhaar number.
Automate your KYC Process & reduce Fraud!
We have helped 200+ companies in reducing Fraud by 95%
How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID?
Follow these methods for Aadhar Virtual ID Generate:
(Note: It is a must to have a Mobile number linked to an Aadhaar number for generation)
From UIDAI
- Visit the official UIDAI website
- Click on the Aadhaar Services Tab, then go to the Virtual ID (VID) Generator
- Enter Aadhaar Number and Captcha
- Click on the Send OTP Button
- Enter the OTP (Received on the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar)
- Click on the verify and Proceed Button
- (On successful generation, you will receive a message that Your VID has been sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
Check the message on your mobile, you will receive 16-digit virtual IDs along with the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar.)
Through mAadhaar
Download the mAadhaar app on your mobile and follow these instructions:
- Login into mAadhaar App
- Click on Generate Virtual ID
- Enter Aadhaar Number and Captcha
- Click on the request OTP Button
- Enter the OTP
- Click on Generate VID
Via SMS
To generate a Virtual Aadhaar ID via SMS follow these steps:
- Type “GVID Last 4 digits of Aadhaar Number”.
- Send the SMS to 1947 (Aadhaar helpline number).
Need of Aadhaar VID in India
These are the following reasons why Aadhaar card holders have VID.
- Virtual Aadhaar ID protects sensitive Aadhaar details from data breaching and unauthorized access.
- No one can retrieve the real Aadhaar number from the VID during the verification process.
- It is a revocable ID which means Aadhaar card holder can regenerate their ID after use and secure their details.
Key Difference Between Aadhaar ID and VID
Here is the list of Key Differences between Aadhaar ID and VID
Permanent and Temporary
- Aadhaar is a permanent number, It cannot be changed after generation (One-time process).
- VID is temporary and revocable, it can be generated and regenerated whenever required. It is only valid for a short time.
Data Accessibility
- Aadhaar: Aadhaar data can be accessed by the Aadhaar number.
- VID: No one can obtain personal data from the VID.
Storage
- Aadhaar: Aadhaar number can be stored by financial institutions in their database.
- VID: VIDs are regenerable and cannot be stored.
Benefits of Using Virtual Aadhaar ID over Aadhaar
You can reduce misuse and unauthorized access to sensitive Aadhaar data from the fraudster.
- The financial institutions can use VID over the Aadhaar in the KYC verification process and for storage.
- VID is revocable means, if in some scenario you lose the VID or someone got it, you can regenerate it. It will prevent misuse and fraud.
- VID can be used for passports, government subsidies, opening bank accounts, and buying insurance.
Safety Tips You Should Follow While Using Virtual Aadhaar ID
- Don’t share your Aadhaar VID except when it is required and share it only with trusted authorities.
- Regenerate VID after using it, this will reduce the risk of unauthorized access and misuse.
- Regenerate your VID regularly to reduce misuse risks and identity theft.
- Verify the bodies before sharing your VID (share only with authorities like government agencies, banks, or telecom providers).
FAQs
How to Get Aadhar Virtual ID?
You can generate a Virtual ID from the UIDAI, mAadhaar app and via SMS on 1947.
What is the difference between UID and VID?
UID is a unique and permanent number whereas VID is a random and temporary number.
How can I print my Aadhaar Card with a virtual ID?
Follow these steps:
- Go to UIDAI
- Click on download under my Aadhaar
- Select Virtual ID
- Enter your ID and captcha
- Click on Get OTP
- Enter the OTP
- Click verify and Download
What is a Virtual Aadhaar ID?
It is a set of 16 random numbers used as an alternative to the Aadhaar number for authentication purposes.
How do you generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID online?
Follow these steps for Aadhar Virtual ID generated online:
Visit the UIDAI website > under my Aadhaar tab click on VID generator > enter details and click on send OTP > Enter OTP and receive VID on registered mobile number.
Ashish Kesharwani
More posts by Ashish Kesharwani