What is Virtual ID (VID) in Aadhaar card

The Aadhaar card Card is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is a vital identity document for Indian residents. But sharing your 12-digit Aadhaar card number everywhere can be a big privacy concern. To fight this concern, UIDAI has also introduced a 16-digit Aadhaar card Virtual ID (VID). It offers an additional layer of security by not disclosing your Aadhaar card number during the authentication process.

This guide will explain to you what is Aadhaar card VID, its benefits, and how to generate Aadhaar card VID to protect your identity.

What is Aadhaar card Virtual ID (VID)?

The Aadhaar card Virtual ID (VID) is a 16-digit temporary number. You can use it for authentication instead of the usual 12-digit Aadhaar card number. It works the same and is accepted in most places.It was introduced in 2018 by UIDAI. It enhances privacy and prevents misuse by allowing users to authenticate without sharing their Aadhaar card number. The key features of the Aadhaar card VID include:

• Temporary: The VID is only valid for a limited period and you can regenerate it easily as needed.
• Linked to Aadhaar card: It is linked to your Aadhaar card number for a seamless authentication process whenever you are in a hurry.
• Secure: You can use it for e-KYC, banking, telecom services, and government schemes without sharing your actual Aadhaar card number.
• No Biometric: VID-based authentication only requires an OTP, which reduces the risk of biometric data misuse.
• Wide Acceptance: It is accepted for all types of authentication, from KYC to verification to many others.

Benefits of Aadhaar card Virtual ID

The Aadhaar card Virtual ID offers the following advantages:

• Privacy Protection: It prevents any unauthorized access by not sharing your Aadhaar card number.
• Flexibility: You can regenerate it anytime within seconds, which invalidates the previous VID.
• Easy to Use: It is accepted by most Aadhaar card-enabled services, including banks and telecom providers.
• No Additional Cost: It is completely free to generate through the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar card app.
• Secures Biometric: Your biometric data is fully secure with VID verification.

Limitations of Aadhaar card Virtual ID

Even though Aadhaar card VID is highly effective but it also has some limitations:

• Requires Registered Mobile Number: You must have the registered mobile number, for OTP verification.
• Not Universal: For Some services you have to use your actual Aadhaar card number.
• Temporary Nature: Once you generate a new VID, your previous VIDs get deactivated immediately.
• Offline Dependency: If you could not generate VID online, then you must visit the Enrollment Centre. Which shows its dependency on the offline process.

The Difference Between VID and Aadhaar card Number?

How to Generate Aadhaar card VID

It is very simple to generate an Aadhaar card VID online. You can generate it by yourself via the mAadhaar card app, or you can also visit the Aadhaar card Enrollment Centre. Here is a complete step-by-step guide to generate Aadhaar card VID.

If you do not have internet access or facing some issues with online methods. Then you can generate Aadhaar card VID by visiting the Aadhaar card Enrollment Centre:

1. Find an Enrollment Centre:
   • Locate a nearby centre via the UIDAI website or by calling 1947.
   • Post offices, banks, and government offices are some of the Common locations.
2. Submit Request:
   • Tell the operator that you want to generate Aadhaar card VID.
   • Provide your Aadhaar card number and registered mobile number.
3. Biometric Verification:
   • The operator will verify your identity through fingerprints or iris scans.
   • Then you will receive an OTP on your mobile number for confirmation.
4. Receive VID:
   • It will send your Aadhaar card Virtual ID to your registered mobile number via SMS.
   • No physical copy is provided, so remember to save the SMS.

Note: You might be charged a nominal fee of ₹50 by the enrollment centre.

Method 1: Generate Aadhaar card VID via UIDAI Website

The UIDAI's online portal is the most convenient way to generate Aadhaar VID. Here’s how you can use it to generate Aadhaar VID:

1. Open the UIDAI Website:
   • Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
   • Click on the "Aadhaar Services" section and select "Virtual ID (VID) Generator."
2. Log In:
   • Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
   • Fill in the CAPTCHA code.
   • Request an OTP, which will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
3. Generate VID:
   • After the OTP verification, click on “Generate VID” or “Retrieve VID” (if you’ve already generated).
   • Then a 16-digit Aadhaar VID will appear on the screen and will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.
4. Save:
   • Note down the Aadhaar Virtual ID or save the SMS for future use.
   • The VID is valid until you next regenerate it; after each regeneration, your previous VID gets deactivated automatically.

Note: You must have the registered mobile number for this process. Otherwise, you need to link your mobile number first with your Aadhaar card.

Method 2: Generate Aadhaar card VID via mAadhaar card App

The mAadhaar card app offers a mobile-friendly way to generate Aadhaar card VID. It is available on Android and IOS. Follow these steps:

1. Download and Install the mAadhaar card App:
   • Download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
   • Set up the app by registering your Aadhaar card profile.
2. Log In:
   • Open the app and enter your Aadhaar card number or scan the QR code on your Aadhaar card Card.
   • Verify by entering the OTP from your registered mobile number.
3. Access VID Generator:
   • Go to the "Virtual ID" section in the app.
   • Select "Generate VID" or "Retrieve VID."
4. Receive VID:
   • The app will display your 16-digit Aadhaar card VID and send it via SMS.
   • Save it securely for future authentication purposes.

Method 3: Generate Aadhaar card VID at an Enrollment Centre

The UIDAI's online portal is the most convenient way to generate Aadhaar card VID. Here's how you can use it to generate Aadhaar card VID:

1. Open the UIDAI Website:
   • Go to myAadhaar card.uidai.gov.in.
   • Click on the "Aadhaar card Services" section and select "Virtual ID (VID) Generator."
2. Log In:
   • Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar card number.
   • Fill in the CAPTCHA code.
   • Request an OTP, which will be sent to your Aadhaar card-registered mobile number.
3. Generate VID:
   • After the OTP verification, click on "Generate VID" or "Retrieve VID" (if you've already generated).
   • Then a 16-digit Aadhaar card VID will appear on the screen and will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.
4. Save:
   • Note down the Aadhaar card Virtual ID or save the SMS for future use.
   • The VID is valid until you next regenerate it; after each regeneration, your previous VID gets deactivated automatically.

How to Use Aadhaar card Virtual ID

Once your Aadhaar card VID in generated, you are free to use it for authentication instead of your Aadhaar card number for the following purposes:

• e-KYC Authentication: For banking, telecom, or insurance services.
• Government Services: To access subsidies, scholarships, or PDS benefits.
• Online Transactions: Make online transactions without the need to share your real Aadhaar card number.
• Aadhaar card-Linked Services: To link PAN, bank accounts, or mobile numbers.
• Digital lockers: Access your digital lockers by using your Aadhaar card VID.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Issue: No registered mobile number for OTP.
  • Solution: First, visit the Enrollment Centre to update your mobile number before generating a VID..
• Issue: Getting an error while generating VID online.
  • Solution: Recheck your Aadhaar card number and CAPTCHA; alternatively, try the mAadhaar card app or visit the Enrollment Centre if the issue remains.
• Issue: The Service provider doesn’t accept VID.
  • Solution: In some cases you have to provide the actual aadhar number or you can use masked Aadhaar card (last four digits) or contact UIDAI if VID is not accepted.

Conclusion

The Aadhaar card Virtual ID (VID) is a powerful tool in the direction of privacy protection. You can safeguard your personal information by using VID. Also, it is very easy to generate or regenerate it. It can be generated online through the UIDAI website, the mAadhaar card app, and offline by visiting the Enrollment Centre in person. Online VID generation requires you to provide OTP verification, while for offline submission, you need to provide your biometrics too.

By using UID you can protect your personal information along with enjoying all the benefits of Aadhaar card. By understanding what is Aadhaar card VID and learning how to generate Aadhaar card VID, you can

authenticate your identity securely without exposing your Aadhaar card number. You can easily generate your UID through the UIDAI website, the mAadhaar card app, or an Enrollment Centre. Use Aadhaar card Virtual ID to enhance your data security.