What is the UIDAI Virtual ID (VID) Number? What is the validity of VID? How to generate UIDAI VID online? How do we regenerate VID online and retrieve the lost or forgotten VID?
Do you want to keep your Aadhaar number more private? That’s where the UIDAI Virtual ID comes in handy. A Virtual ID, or VID, is a special 16-digit number that you can use instead of your Aadhaar number.
VID helps protect your privacy by letting you share a temporary number instead of your real Aadhaar number. This way, you can still prove your identity without worrying about your Aadhaar details being misused. The best part is that you can easily create this Virtual ID online.
This innovative concept adds an extra layer of security for Aadhaar cardholders, allowing them to mask their actual Aadhaar number during various authentication processes.
Content Index
- 1 What is UIDAI Virtual ID (VID)?
- 2 Functionality and Usage of VID
- 3 Generation and Control of VID
- 4 How to Generate UIDAI Virtual ID (VID) Online?
- 5 How to Retrieve an Existing UIDAI Virtual ID via SMS?
- 6 Validity and Expiration of VID
- 7 Importance and Benefits of Using VID
- 8 Best Practices for Using VID
- 9 Conclusion
What is UIDAI Virtual ID (VID)?
The UIDAI Virtual ID is a groundbreaking concept designed to enhance the privacy and security of Aadhaar cardholders. At its core, a VID is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number that is mapped to an individual’s Aadhaar number.
This ingenious system allows users to mask their actual Aadhaar number during various authentication processes, adding an extra layer of protection to their sensitive information.
Key Features of VID:
- Temporary and Revocable: Unlike your permanent Aadhaar number, a VID can be changed or revoked as needed.
- 16-Digit Format: Easy to use and remember, similar to other identification numbers.
- Mapped to Aadhaar: Each VID is directly linked to a specific Aadhaar number but cannot be reverse-engineered to reveal the Aadhaar number.
- User-Generated: Only the Aadhaar number holder can create and manage their VID.
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Functionality and Usage of VID
The Virtual ID system is designed to be versatile and secure, offering a range of functionalities:
- Authentication Alternative: VID can be used in place of the Aadhaar number for various authentication and e-KYC services.
- Multiple Authentication Methods: Supports OTP (One-Time Password), biometric, and demographic authentication processes.
- Privacy Protection: Impossible to derive the original Aadhaar number from the VID, ensuring enhanced privacy.
- Limited Data Sharing: Provides only the necessary information for authentication or KYC processes, reducing the risk of data misuse.
Generation and Control of VID
One of the most crucial aspects of the VID system is the control it gives to Aadhaar holders:
- Exclusive User Generation: Only the Aadhaar number holder can generate their VID. No other entities, including Authentication User Agencies (AUA) or KYC User Agencies (KUA), can create a VID on behalf of the holder.
- Multiple Generation Methods: VID can be generated through various channels, including the UIDAI website, mAadhaar mobile application, and SMS.
- Secure Delivery: The generated VID is sent to the user via SMS on their registered mobile number, ensuring secure delivery.
How to Generate UIDAI Virtual ID (VID) Online?
At any moment, only one VID is active for an Aadhaar number. UIDAI offers multiple ways for Aadhaar holders to generate a VID, recover it if forgotten, and replace it with a new one when needed.
Virtual ID (VID) can be generated by two methods:
- Method 1: Generate VID through the UIDAI Official Website
- Method 2: Generate VID through SMS
Method 1: Generate VID Through UIDAI Official Website
To generate a Virtual ID online through the official portal of UIDAI, follow the steps provided below:
- Visit the UIDAI Official Website https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
- On the main page, find and click on the “VID Generator” option.
- Now, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number in the designated field.
- Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
- Click on the ‘Send OTP‘ button.
- An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- Enter the received OTP in the provided field.
- Then, click on the “Generate” button.
- Your newly generated Virtual ID will be sent directly to your registered mobile number.
- Make sure to note down this VID and store it securely.
- You can now use this VID instead of your Aadhaar number for various authentication purposes.
- To generate a new VID, simply repeat this process. Remember, generating a new VID will invalidate the previous one.
Method 2: Generate UIDAI Virtual ID (VID) through SMS
For those who prefer using SMS or don’t have immediate internet access, UIDAI offers the option to generate a VID through a simple text message:
- Step 1: Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
- Step 2: Compose a new SMS with the text “GVID” (without quotes), followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number.
- For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123, the SMS should read: “GVID 9123“
- Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
- Step 4: Wait for a response SMS containing your newly generated Virtual ID.
It’s important to note that Virtual IDs are temporary and can be revoked or regenerated at any time for enhanced security and privacy.
How to Retrieve an Existing UIDAI Virtual ID via SMS?
If you’ve forgotten your previously generated VID, you can easily retrieve it through SMS:
To retrieve your Virtual ID, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
- Step 2: Compose a new SMS with the text “RVID” (without quotes), followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number (RVID Space last 4 or 8 digits of Your Aadhaar Number).
- For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123, the SMS should read: RVID 9123 or RVID 56789123
- Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
- Step 4: Wait for a response SMS containing your existing Virtual ID.
Note: Make sure to send the SMS by your same Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Then only you will get the desired result.
Validity and Expiration of VID
The Virtual ID (VID) linked to an Aadhaar number remains valid for a minimum period, which is currently set as one calendar day (1 Day) or until midnight. After this duration, the already created Virtual ID will become inactive.
Aadhaar holders have the option to generate a new VID (more than 1) in one day if needed, in case of losing or forgetting the existing VID. When a new VID is created, the previously issued VID automatically becomes invalid and can no longer be used for authentication.
This system ensures enhanced security and privacy by allowing users to update their VID periodically, reducing the risk of misuse. Since only one VID is active at a time, individuals must use the latest generated VID for verification purposes.
Importance and Benefits of Using VID
The Virtual ID system offers numerous advantages for Aadhaar cardholders:
- Enhanced Privacy: Eliminates the need to share the actual Aadhaar number in multiple places.
- Reduced Data Storage: Minimizes the collection and storage of Aadhaar numbers by various entities.
- Improved Security: Easy to revoke and replace in case of suspected misuse.
- User Empowerment: Gives Aadhaar holders control over their virtual identity.
- Consent-Based Usage: Requires explicit user consent for authentication, ensuring transparency.
Best Practices for Using VID
To maximize the benefits of the VID system, consider these best practices:
- Regular Updates: Generate a new VID periodically to maintain optimal security.
- Secure Storage: Keep your VID confidential, just like your Aadhaar number.
- Verification: Always verify the authenticity of requests for your VID before sharing.
- Awareness: Stay informed about UIDAI’s latest guidelines and updates regarding VID usage.
Conclusion
The UIDAI Virtual ID system represents a significant leap forward in digital identity protection. By providing a temporary, revocable alternative to the Aadhaar number, it offers a robust solution to privacy concerns in the digital age. The straightforward process of generating and managing a VID, coupled with its versatile functionality, makes it an essential tool for all Aadhaar cardholders.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, embracing innovations like the Virtual ID system becomes crucial. By understanding and effectively utilizing VID, you take a proactive step in safeguarding your digital identity, ensuring that you can confidently participate in the digital economy while maintaining control over your personal information.
FAQs
1. What is a UIDAI Virtual ID (VID)?
A Virtual ID (VID) is a 16-digit temporary number issued by UIDAI that can be used in place of an Aadhaar number for authentication. It helps enhance privacy by allowing users to share a substitute number instead of their Aadhaar, ensuring better security and reduced risk of misuse.
2. How can I generate a VID?
You can generate a VID through the UIDAI website, the mAadhaar mobile app, or via SMS. To generate via SMS, send “GVID [Last 4 digits of Aadhaar]” to 1947 from your registered mobile number. The newly generated VID will be sent to you via SMS.
3. Can I retrieve my VID if I forget it?
Yes, you can retrieve your VID using UIDAI’s website, mAadhaar app, or SMS. To retrieve via SMS, send “RVID [Last 4 digits of Aadhaar]” to 1947 from your registered mobile number. UIDAI will send your last active VID via SMS.
4. Can someone else generate a VID for me?
No, only the Aadhaar number holder can generate their VID. No agency, third party, or authentication user agency (AUA/KUA) can create a VID on behalf of a user. The VID is sent directly to the Aadhaar holder’s registered mobile number.
5. Can a VID be used for authentication?
Yes, a VID can be used instead of an Aadhaar number for authentication. It supports OTP-based, biometric, and demographic authentication for various services while keeping the Aadhaar number secure.
6. Do I need to give consent before using VID for authentication?
Yes, Aadhaar holders must provide explicit consent before using their VID for authentication. The agency requesting authentication must inform the user about the purpose and obtain their approval.
7. How long is a VID valid?
A VID is valid for a minimum period of one calendar day or until midnight. After this period, the Aadhaar holder can generate a new VID, which will deactivate the previous one.
8. Will a new VID be the same as my previous one?
No, when you generate a new VID, it will be different from the previous one. However, if you choose to retrieve your VID instead of regenerating it, UIDAI will send the last active VID to your registered mobile number.
9. Can I generate multiple VIDs in a single day?
Yes, you can generate a new VID anytime after the minimum validity period of one day. If you lose or forget your VID, you can generate a new one immediately, but only the latest VID will be valid.
10. Is it possible to derive my Aadhaar number from my VID?
No, VIDs are designed for privacy and security. They are mapped to Aadhaar numbers internally by UIDAI, but no one can reverse-engineer a VID to extract the Aadhaar number.
11. Can I use VID for e-KYC services?
Yes, VID can be used for e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification. It allows service providers to authenticate users without storing or accessing their actual Aadhaar number, enhancing data security.
12. Why should I use a VID instead of my Aadhaar number?
Using a VID adds an extra layer of privacy by ensuring that your Aadhaar number is not shared unnecessarily. It reduces the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access while allowing smooth authentication for various services.
