Aadhaar Virtual ID: Learn how to generate Aadhaar VID online – Smartprix

Are you really hesitant about sharing your Aadhaar details on different internet platforms in order to protect your personal data? If the answer is yes, then this article is for you. There is an alternate way for authentication for internet services without sharing your Aadhaar number. You can easily generate a 16-digit Aadhaar Virtual ID, shortly called VID, that can be used for authentication in place of an Aadhaar number.

We have created a guide to let you know more about Aadhaar Virtual ID and how to create your 16-digit VID online. 

Table of Contents

What is Aadhaar Virtual ID?

An Aadhaar VID is a 16-digit revocable number created against your 12-digit Aadhaar number with the purpose of using it as authentication for online services. A VID acts as a reference to the original Aadhaar encapsulating the actual information and hindering data retrieval. 

The motive of Aadhaar VID is to offer protection against phishing attacks. An Aadhaar holder can create as many VIDs as required but keep in mind that the last code will expire every time he/she creates a new one.

How to create a 16-digit Aadhaar virtual ID online using the official website

To generate your 16-digit virtual id, your Aadhaar card must be linked to a working mobile number as it will be required for OTP verification and the 16-digit virtual is sent to it via SMS. Here’s how to link your Aadhaar with a mobile number.

1. Go to the official Aadhaar website or visit https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/

2. Scroll down and click on the ‘VID Generator’ option.

3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, captcha, and hit the ‘Send OTP’ button.

4. Provide the OTP received to your registered mobile number and click the ‘Verify And Proceed’ button.

5. Your newly generated 16-digit Aadhaar VID will be displayed on the screen. Also, a mobile SMS will be sent to the linked mobile number consisting of your new virtual ID.

How to create Aadhaar virtual ID via the mAadhaar app

UIDAI also allows cardholders to generate Aadhaar Virtual ID through the official mAadhaar app. You can download the app from Google Play Store for Android devices and Apple App Store for iPhones. 

1. Sign in to the app. (If you are using the app for the first time, you will need to create a password)
2. Tap ‘My Aadhaar’. 
3. Enter your Aadhaar number, and security captcha and click on the ‘Request OTP’ button.
4. Enter the received OTP and hit the ‘Verify’ button.
5. Go to the ‘Virtual ID’ option on the next page.
6. Again, enter the captcha and hit ‘Request OTP’.
7. Provide the received OTP and tap ‘Generate VID’ to get the 16-digit code.

How to retrieve a generated Aadhaar virtual ID

There are times you lose your already created Aadhaar virtual ID but it’s not a serious issue as you can easily recover it. UIDAI allows doing so through both website and app.

How to recover Aadhaar virtual ID through the website.

1. Go to the official Aadhaar page or visit https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
2. Scroll down and click on the ‘VID Generator’ option.
3. Select the ‘Retrieve VID’ option.
4. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, captcha, and hit the ‘Send OTP’ button.
5. Enter the OTP and click the ‘Verify And Proceed’ button.

Your generated VID will be displayed on the screen along with sending an SMS.

How to recover Aadhaar virtual ID through the app.

1. Open the mAadhaar app.
2. Go to My Aadhaar section
3. Enter your app PIN or password.
4. Scroll down to find your virtual ID. You can copy to paste it somewhere else.

Even though you have an existing Aadhar virtual ID, you can easily generate a new one anytime you want. 

FAQs

Are Aadhaar ID and virtual ID different?

Yes, the very basic difference between Aadhaar ID and virtual ID is that the former is a 12-digit permanent number while the latter is a 16-digit random number generated with a purpose to be used in place of Aadhaar.

Is Aadhaar Virtual ID valid for authentication?

Yes. VID can be effectively used for OTP, biometrics, and demographics authentication for different online APIs.

What is the expiry period of VID?

There’s no expiry date for a VID. However, one VID will be valid till the time a new VID is generated.

Can anyone else generate your VID?

No. An Aadhaar VID can only be generated by an Aadhaar number holder and no other individual or organisation can do it.

How many VID can you generate?

You can generate as many VIDs as you want but only one per calendar day. i.e. a new VID can be generated after 00:00 hrs on the next day.

Related