In the heart of a bustling city, there dwelled a young woman named Maya, a conscientious citizen who had embraced India’s unique Aadhaar identification system. One fateful day, on the verge of completing a critical e-KYC (Know Your Customer) process, Maya found herself facing an unexpected predicament – she had forgotten her all-important Virtual ID (VID).
Maya, well aware of the VID’s role in shielding her privacy and security, cherished this 16-digit lifeline that served as a temporary guardian of her Aadhaar Number’s secrecy. Empowered by the VID, she strode confidently into Aadhaar-related activities, such as e-KYC, knowing that her personal information remained cocooned in security.
She was determined not to use her Aadhaar Number for the e-KYC (Know Your Customer) process; the VID was her chosen shield. But as panic threatened to engulf her, Maya embarked on a quest to recover her misplaced VID.
Have you, too, found yourself in a situation akin to Maya’s?
Don’t worry; if you ever forget your VID again, simply take a deep breath and refer to this article to recover it.
What is Virtual ID (VID)?
In a bid to enhance your privacy and security, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced the Virtual ID (VID) concept for Aadhaar holders.
Your VID is a temporary and revocable 16-digit number linked to your Aadhaar Number.
You can utilize this VID as a substitute for your Aadhaar Number when engaging in authentication or electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) processes. The VID authentication process closely parallels that of your actual Aadhaar Number, and it’s crucial to emphasize that your Aadhaar Number cannot be deduced from your VID.
Essentially, the VID bolsters your privacy and security by providing a temporary identification option for your Aadhaar-related activities, all while ensuring the confidentiality of your underlying Aadhaar Number. This feature adds an extra layer of protection for your personal information.
It’s essential to understand that, as an Aadhaar Number Holder, no other entity, including AUA (Authentication User Agency) /KUA (KYC User Agency), can generate a VID on your behalf. You retain the capability to generate your VID, and it will be delivered to you through SMS on your registered mobile number.
It’s noteworthy that the VID is intentionally designed to be temporary and changeable at your discretion. Consequently, storing VID information for agencies serves no practical purpose. This precautionary measure guarantees that the VID remains aligned with its intended purpose of enhancing privacy and security for Aadhaar-related activities.
Does the process of regenerating the Virtual ID (VID) result in the same VID or a different one?
After the minimum validity period elapses (presently set at one calendar day, usually after midnight at 12), you, as an Aadhaar number holder, can choose to initiate the generation of a new Virtual ID (VID).
Upon making this request, a new VID will be generated, automatically deactivating the previous one. This procedure enables you to consistently refresh your VID, enhancing your security and privacy during Aadhaar-related activities.
How long does the Virtual ID (VID) remain valid?
At present, there isn’t a defined expiration period for your VID. Your Virtual ID will remain active until you, as an Aadhaar number holder, choose to generate a new one.
In essence, it remains valid until you opt to create a fresh VID, allowing you to exercise control over its duration.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Retrieve Your Virtual ID (VID)
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of retrieving your Virtual ID (VID).
To avail of the VID Retrieval service, your Aadhaar must be linked to your mobile number. If it isn’t, please register your mobile number with Aadhaar first. Additionally, ensure that your registered mobile number is active to receive the OTP. If it’s not, kindly update your mobile number with your Aadhaar before utilizing this online VID Retrieval service.
Step 1 - Visit the official UIDAI website
Step 2 - You have the option to choose from 13 different languages for accessing the website. In this instance, I am selecting "English" and then clicking on it.
Step 3 - Click on "My Aadhaar"
Important Note – If you can’t click on “My Aadhaar,” it’s due to a Pop-Up. Simply close the Pop-Up by clicking “×,” then access “My Aadhaar.”
Step 4 - Choose and click on "Virtual ID (VID) Generator" under "Aadhaar Services"
Step 5 - You will be redirected to myAadhaar Portal. Scroll down and simply click on the “VID Generator” option
Important Reminder: The web portal https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/ functions as a single platform for all Aadhaar Services and is commonly referred to as the “myAadhaar” Portal. You can visit this website directly to initiate the VID retrieval process or access various other Aadhaar-related services.
Step 6 - You will be directed to Generic Generate Or Retrieve VID Page. On the displayed page, select "Generate VID"
Step 7 - Input your Aadhaar Number
Step 8 - Select the "Enter Captcha" field and input the characters and words displayed on your screen
Important Note: If you face any challenges deciphering the “Captcha,” you also have the option to refresh and generate a new one.
Step 9 - Select "Send OTP" to obtain an OTP on your registered mobile number
You’ll get an OTP on your registered mobile number from UIDAI, and if you don’t receive it, you can use the “Resend OTP” option to send it again.
Step 10 - Select the "Enter OTP" field and input the OTP you have received on your registered mobile number
Step 11 - Click the "Verify & Proceed" button to retrieve the Virtual ID (VID)
Step 12 - Your 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) is successfully retrieved
Hooray! You have successfully retrieved your Virtual ID (VID). You can locate the 16-digit VID displayed on your screen and make a note of it for future reference.
Additionally, UIDAI will send you an SMS to your registered mobile number containing the 16-digit retrieved VID.
This Virtual ID can be used in place of your Aadhaar number for various transactions, including authentication and e-KYC services.
Keep in mind, that this is not a newly generated Virtual ID (VID); it’s the existing one you’ve now successfully recovered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Virtual ID (VID) stands as a pivotal pillar within India’s Aadhaar identification system, meticulously crafted to bolster the privacy and security of Aadhaar holders. Serving as a transient surrogate for the Aadhaar Number during authentication and e-KYC procedures, the VID bestows an additional shield to safeguard personal information.
It’s imperative to bear in mind that the VID’s essence lies in its transient and adaptable nature, permitting Aadhaar holders to craft fresh VIDs according to their preference. Until a new VID emerges, the previous one continues to hold sway, granting individuals authority over its lifespan.
Through comprehending the true value of the VID and adeptly navigating the steps to retrieve or regenerate it, individuals akin to Maya can seamlessly harness the advantages of the Aadhaar system, all while fortifying their own privacy and security.
As we’ve uncovered in this guide, the VID isn’t just a number but a shield for personal information, ensuring that even if it’s temporarily misplaced, it can be retrieved and wielded to enjoy the myriad benefits of Aadhaar, hassle-free and secure.
