Aadhaar Virtual ID is a 16-digit temporary code that can be used for Aadhaar authentications. You can provide the UIDAI virtual ID instead of your Aadhaar number to agencies and protect your Aadhaar details from being accessed by someone else. You can provide the Aadhaar virtual ID to get your e-KYC done at both private and government organisations. UIDAI has started this facility that will be implemented fully by June 1st 2018. Virtual ID has been launched to address the issue of Aadhaar data breach as it would become almost impossible to track the Aadhaar number from the virtual ID. Virtual ID can also be used for Aadhaar card download from UIDAI’s online portal.
What is Aadhaar Virtual ID?
Virtual ID is an alternative to Aadhaar number. This temporary code consists of 16 numerals that are generated against an Aadhaar number. However, the virtual ID in no case can be used to retrieve the original Aadhaar card. At a time, only one virtual ID is generated against an Aadhaar number. It can be generated as many times as the user wants. This revocable code is valid for at least one day and can be changed with the change in date, i.e. at 00:00 am.
Follow 11 Steps to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID Online
You have to generate the virtual ID to use it against your Aadhaar. The virtual ID can be generated online by visiting the UIDAI’s official site. It is also proposed that VID generation feature may be provided in the mAadhaar app in future. However, it is worth mentioning that you should have the mobile number registered with UIDAI to avail this service as the virtual ID will be sent to your mobile number. In case you have not registered your mobile number with UIDAI, you will have to first link your mobile number with Aadhaar. The process for retrieving a virtual ID is same as that of the VID generation. To generate the Aadhaar virtual ID, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit UIDAI’s website at http://uidai.gov.in/
Step 2: Click on the “Virtual ID (VID) Generator” from Aadhaar Services section
Step 3: You will be taken to a new VID Generation page https://goo.gl/vFQgic
Step 4: Enter your 12 digit Aadhaar Number and the security code
Step 5: Now click on the “Send OTP” button
Step 6: An OTP will be sent to your mobile number registered with UIDAI
Step 7: Enter the OTP and select the option to either “Generate VID” or “Retrieve VID”
Step 8: Now click on the Submit button
Step 9: You will get a message like “Congratulations! Your VID Number Successfully Generated and sent to your registered mobile.”
Step 10: You will get the message on your registered mobile number mentioning the 16-digit virtual ID for Aadhaar number and the last 4 digits of Aadhaar, generated at 04-04-2018:11:31:02.
Step 11: You can generate virtual IDs for other Aadhaar numbers as well for your family
Why Do We Need Aadhar Virtual ID?
There have been a number of cases where claims of Aadhaar data leakage have been allegedly made. People have been concerned about the safety of their Aadhaar and its details. UIDAI has addressed the concerns of people and has come up with the virtual ID. When users provide their virtual IDs instead of Aadhaar, agencies cannot retrieve the Aadhaar number of the applicant and the authentication is carried out as usual. Thus, the Aadhaar details are not accessed by the agencies in any manner keeping the Aadhaar number and other details safe from being hacked.
Aadhaar holders can generate the virtual ID and use it to authenticate for a service. Once the authentication is complete, the applicant can regenerate his virtual ID so that the details with the agency, if saved, are rendered useless.
11 Features of the Aadhar Virtual ID
UIDAI has made various upgrades in its system through the VID. Some of the salient features of the virtual ID are:
1. The virtual ID is a temporary 16-digit code that will replace Aadhaar for authentication
2. There is only one virtual ID issued at a time. When a new VID is issued, the old one is flushed out
3. Agencies have to update their system to include VIDs by 1st June 2018
4. Aadhaar number cannot be retrieved from the virtual ID
5. There is no cap on the generation of virtual IDs
6. It is not compulsory to generate VIDs. A person can furnish his Aadhaar instead of the VID
7. Agencies cannot force applicants to provide Aadhaar number for e-KYC or verification
8. Agencies have to take consent from the user for authentication using VID
9. No agency is authorised to store the virtual ID or any other Aadhaar details taken for authentication
10. The virtual ID is valid till the user generates a new one
11. When you retrieve your Aadhaar, the last generated VID is sent to the registered mobile number
UIDAI Virtual ID FAQs
Q. I do not have an Aadhaar card. Can I get a virtual ID?
A. Virtual ID is generated against the Aadhaar number. If you do not have an Aadhaar card, you will have to first enrol for the same and when you get your Aadhaar, you can generate your virtual ID as well.
Q. I have my Enrolment ID. Can I generate a virtual ID?
A. You can generate a virtual ID only against an Aadhaar number. The service for VID generation from Enrolment Number has not been provided as of now.
Q. I have not linked my mobile with Aadhaar. Can I generate my VID?
A. It is mandatory to link mobile number with Aadhaar to avail all online facilities related to it. In case you have not linked your mobile number with Aadhaar, you will have to first link your mobile number by visiting a nearby Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and then you can generate the virtual ID.