Aadhaar Virtual ID - What is Aadhar Card VID by UIDAI

In India, Aadhaar serves as a unique identification number for residents and is widely used for verification in banking, government services, insurance, and digital platforms. To enhance privacy and security, UIDAI introduced the Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID). The Virtual ID is a temporary 16-digit number that can be used in place of the actual Aadhaar number for authentication purposes. This helps protect your Aadhaar number from exposure while allowing services to verify your identity safely.

Virtual ID provides a convenient and secure way to use Aadhaar for eKYC, government benefits, and other online services without sharing your actual 12-digit Aadhaar number. By using VID, individuals can protect sensitive information from misuse, identity theft, or unauthorized access while still completing official verifications efficiently.

Understanding Aadhaar Card Virtual ID

Aadhaar Virtual ID is a temporary, randomly generated 16-digit number linked to your Aadhaar number. It acts as a substitute for your original 12-digit Aadhaar number in authentication processes. For example, when completing eKYC for a bank account, instead of entering your actual Aadhaar number, you can use your VID. The service provider will authenticate your identity through UIDAI’ssystem without seeing the real Aadhaar number.

Each Virtual ID is valid for a limited time and can be regenerated whenever needed. This ensures that even if a VID is shared with a service provider, it cannot be misused after a period. Using VID enhances security and privacy because your actual Aadhaar number is never exposed during transactions or verifications.

How Can I Generate a Virtual Aadhaar ID?

Generating a Virtual ID is simple and can be done online via the UIDAI portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit UIDAI Website: Go to https://resident.uidai.gov.in and click on the “Virtual ID (VID) Generator” option.

2. Enter Aadhaar Number: Provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code shown on the screen.

3. Verify OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar.

4. Generate VID: After OTP verification, click on “Generate VID.” A new 16-digit Virtual ID will be displayed.

5. Save the VID: Note down the VID or download it for future use. You can use this VID in place of your Aadhaar number for any service that supports VID authentication.

6. Regenerate if Needed: If you want a new VID for additional security, you can regenerate it at any time following the same steps.

By following these steps, you can easily generate a VID and start using it for secure authentication without revealing your Aadhaar number.

Features of the Aadhaar Virtual ID

Aadhaar Virtual ID comes with several important features:

• Privacy Protection: The VID replaces your 12-digit Aadhaar number in verifications, reducing the risk of identity theft.

• Temporarily Valid: Each VID is valid for a limited period, ensuring that it cannot be misused indefinitely.

• Regeneration Option: You can generate a new VID whenever needed to maintain security.

• Legally Valid: VID is recognized by UIDAI for all eKYC processes and other authentication purposes.

• Easy to Use: It can be used online and offline wherever Aadhaar authentication is required.

• Linked to Aadhaar: VID is directly linked to your Aadhaar number, ensuring authentication accuracy without exposing the original Aadhaar number.

• Supports Multiple Services: It can be used for banking, insurance, government schemes, and digital applications requiring Aadhaar verification.

The Virtual ID ensures a secure and convenient method for authentication while keeping the Aadhaar number confidential.

Requirements for Aadhaar Virtual ID

To generate and use a VID, the following requirements must be met:

1. Aadhaar Number: You must have a valid 12-digit Aadhaar number issued by UIDAI.

2. Registered Mobile Number: Your mobile number must be registered with Aadhaar to receive the OTP for verification.

3. Access to Internet: An active internet connection is needed to visit UIDAI’s portal and generate the VID.

4. Valid Identification Details: Ensure that your name, date of birth, and other Aadhaar details are correct to complete the verification.

5. Secure Device: Use a personal or secure device to generate and store VID to avoid unauthorized access.

Meeting these requirements ensures that you can safely generate and use a VID for all supported services without any issues.

Benefits of Aadhaar Virtual ID

Aadhaar Virtual ID offers several benefits, making it an essential tool for secure digital identity verification. It protects your privacy by allowing you to authenticate services without sharing your Aadhaar number directly. This prevents potential misuse or unauthorized access to your sensitive information. VID is temporary and regenerable, meaning even if it is shared, it cannot be misused after its validity period, ensuring ongoing security.

The VID is legally valid for all eKYC and authentication purposes, providing the same legal recognition as a regular Aadhaar number. It allows ease of use, enabling seamless online and offline verification processes without compromising privacy. Additionally, VID is universally accepted for multiple services, including banking, insurance, government schemes, and digital platforms. By using VID, residents can ensure that their identity is verified safely while reducing the risks associated with exposing the original Aadhaar number.

Conclusion

Aadhaar Virtual ID is a critical innovation for digital identity verification, combining security, privacy, and convenience. By generating and using VID, residents can protect their Aadhaar numbers, prevent identity theft, and complete verifications smoothly. VID is legally recognized, easy to use, and universally accepted across government and private services, making it an essential tool for secure digital transactions in India.