The Aadhaar number is the key to which all other documents are getting linked. It is a 12-digit identification number issued by the UIDAI to the Indian residents as part of their identity proof. However, with Aadhaar numbers being shared extensively, the chances of Aadhaar data leaks increased manifold.
With a sense of urgency to bring a more secure way of using Aadhaar for authentication, UIDAI came up with Aadhaar Virtual ID. Whether you need to do your KYC with any private or governmental organisation, Aadhaar VID can be used. But what exactly is VID Aadhaar and how can it be generated? Find out here!
What is VID in Aadhaar?
UIDAI started the facility of Virtual ID on 1st June, 2018. Agencies requiring Aadhaar authentication as their KYC process were mandated to upgrade their systems in line with Aadhaar VID as their authentication process. VID, also known as Virtual ID, is a 16-digit temporary number randomly generated. It is mapped with the Aadhaar number and is revocable at the discretion of the Aadhaar holder.
The key aspect of VID is that it can be used for authentication or e-KYC services in lieu of Aadhaar number. For authentication purposes, it works as a substitute for an Aadhaar number. Deriving the Aadhaar number from the VID is not possible.
How to Generate Virtual ID?
Generating a Virtual ID is easy. You just need to follow the below steps:
- Navigate to the official UIDAI website
- Go to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section. Under the Aadhaar Services column, select ‘Virtual ID (VID) Generator’.
- Among the various tabs available on the dashboard, select ‘VID Generator’.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and the security code. Then click on ‘Send OTP’.
- You will receive the OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP and click on ‘Generate VID’ or ‘Retrieve VID’.
- Click on the ‘Submit’ button. After submission, a confirmation message will be sent through SMS on your registered mobile number containing your 16-digit Virtual ID.
Importance of Aadhaar VID
There was an increase in the cases whereby the Aadhaar data leakages were reported. People were getting concerned about the confidentiality of the information that the Aadhaar contained. Getting access to Aadhaar numbers by unauthorized persons can be critical to obtaining the resident’s confidential information. Aadhaar VID increases the security of the resident’s information. It masks the Aadhaar’s details by generating a digitally generated 16-digit VID. VID ensures that the Aadhaar number doesn’t get disclosed thereby protecting the confidential information.
Aadhaar holders can now generate Virtual IDs for the authentication and KYC purposes of the agencies. After the authentication gets completed, the Aadhaar holder can regenerate his Virtual ID which will automatically render the information kept with the agency obsolete.
Did You Know?
Aadhaar VID can be used to avail of a variety of services including:
- Application for tatkal passport
- Opening of the bank account
- Availing of government subsidies
- Getting a new insurance policy
Benefits of Aadhaar VID
Following are the key benefits of VID Aadhaar:
- It provides access to only the specific information that is required thus, preventing the misuse of the important details.
- It lowers the burden of the agencies to collect and store the Aadhaar numbers of various individuals and save them for the purpose of KYC.
- Chances of duplication reduce as the Virtual ID is revocable.
- Reduces the risk of fraud that takes place using the Aadhaar details
Features of Virtual ID
Virtual ID encompasses the following features:
- Aadhaar VID is randomly generated that can be used as an alternative to the Aadhaar number for authentication purposes.
- It remains valid till the user generates a new Virtual ID.
- It gets generated only on the UIDAI portal.
- Aadhaar VID ensures that the agencies can complete their KYC authentication of the Aadhaar holders.
- It has been key in ensuring the confidentiality of the information.
- Virtual ID is revocable. That means you can cancel the virtual ID anytime.
- Virtual ID works as well as Aadhaar number and can’t be denied by the institutions in lieu of Aadhaar number.
- Generating a Virtual ID is a completely free process and does not involve any cost.
- Virtual ID can be regenerated end number of times. However, at any point in time, only one VID is valid for the given Aadhaar number.
- Once the new Virtual ID is generated, the old one gets deactivated automatically.
- Your Aadhaar number cannot be tracked from the Virtual ID.
Bottom Line
Aadhaar VID is serving as a great alternative to the Aadhaar number for maintaining the confidentiality of information. As the Aadhaar card covers a lot of information about the resident, it is important that the Aadhaar numbers of the residents do not fall into wrong hands. As Aadhaar number is getting linked with almost all the identity and other proofs, therefore, the data can be compromised if not secured.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: No. The Virtual ID can only be generated from the Aadhaar number and not the enrollment number. However, you can use the enrollment number to download your Aadhaar card online. After the Aadhaar is downloaded, the Aadhaar number can be used to generate the Virtual IDs.
A: Regenerating and retrieving the Virtual IDs are two entirely different things. Regenerating Aadhaar VIDs means generating a new Virtual ID that automatically renders the old one invalid. However, retrieving the Virtual IDs means obtaining the previously generated Virtual IDs.
A: Virtual ID has no expiry. Aadhaar VID, once generated, is valid till the time a new virtual ID is generated.
A: UIDAI provides a way to generate the new virtual ID as well as retrieve the current one. VID can also be retrieved by sending an SMS to the Aadhaar helpline number 1947. Just type RVID and the last four digits of your Aadhaar number and send it to 1947 from your registered mobile number.
A: Virtual ID is temporary and can be changed anytime by the Aadhaar holder. Therefore, storing virtual ID is of no value. Agencies should therefore not store any virtual ID on their logs or databases.
A: Virtual ID can be used in place of Aadhaar number in authentication API input.
A: None of the other entities like AUA/KUA can generate a VID except the Aadhaar holder himself.
A: For generating Aadhaar VID, you will need to have your mobile number registered with UIDAI. This is because your Aadhaar VID is communicated to your mobile number. If you are not having your mobile number registered with UIDAI or in case it is lost or stolen, then you first need to register your mobile number with UIDAI.
This can be done from any Aadhaar Enrollment Centre in your locality or city. After that, you can proceed to generate your Aadhaar VID.
A: Aadhaar VID was introduced so that residents do not have to furnish their Aadhaar numbers that can be misused to extract confidential information. Therefore, it is not possible to get Aadhaar number with VID as VID is meant to substitute Aadhaar number for authentication purposes.