In an effort to boost your privacy and security, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced the concept of a Virtual ID (VID) for Aadhaar holders.
Your VID is a temporary and revocable 16-digit number linked to your Aadhaar Number.
You can use this VID as a replacement for your Aadhaar Number when conducting authentication or electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) procedures. The process of authentication using a VID closely mirrors using your actual Aadhaar Number.
Importantly, your Aadhaar Number cannot be deduced from your VID.
In essence, the VID enhances your privacy and security by providing a temporary identification option for your Aadhaar-related activities while ensuring that your underlying Aadhaar Number remains protected from any attempts to reverse-engineer or expose it. This feature adds an additional layer of safeguarding for your personal information.
No other entity, including AUA (Authentication User Agency)/KUA (KYC User Agency), can generate a VID on your behalf as an Aadhaar Number Holder. You have the capability to generate the VID yourself, and you will receive it through SMS on your registered mobile number.
It’s worth noting that the VID is intentionally designed to be temporary and changeable at your discretion as an Aadhaar Number Holder. Consequently, there is no practical benefit to storing VID information for agencies. This measure ensures that the VID aligns 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?
Once the minimum validity period has passed (which is currently defined as one calendar day, typically after midnight at 12), you, as an Aadhaar number holder, have the option to request the generation of a new Virtual ID (VID).
By making this request, a fresh VID will be created, and the previous VID will be automatically deactivated. This process ensures that you can regularly update your VID for added security and privacy when engaging in Aadhaar-related activities.
How long does the Virtual ID (VID) remain valid?
Currently, there is no specific expiration period set for VID.
Your VID will remain valid until you, as an Aadhaar number holder, generate a new one.
This means that your VID will stay in effect until you decide to create a fresh one, giving you control over its duration.
Generate a Virtual ID (VID) for your Aadhaar Number
In an age where personal information security is paramount, the ability to Generate a Virtual ID (VID) for your Aadhaar Number emerges as a vital safeguard. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced this innovative concept to empower individuals with greater control over their privacy.
By creating a VID, Aadhaar holders can conduct transactions and authentication procedures with enhanced security, all while ensuring the confidentiality of their Aadhaar Number. This revolutionary feature not only streamlines processes but also adds an essential layer of protection to your sensitive personal information.
To avail of the VID Generator 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 Aadhaar before utilizing this online VID Generator service.
Let’s delve into the significance and procedure of generating a VID to unlock a world of secure Aadhaar-related activities.
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 generation 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 generate a Virtual ID (VID)
Step 12 - Your 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) is successfully generated
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 VID.
This Virtual ID can be used in place of your Aadhaar number for various transactions, including authentication and e-KYC services.
Conclusion
Creating a Virtual ID for your Aadhaar number is both straightforward and a crucial measure to enhance your privacy.
By adhering to the outlined steps, you can effortlessly generate a Virtual ID via the official UIDAI website.
Keep in mind that the Virtual ID offers an additional level of security by concealing your Aadhaar number, thus safeguarding your personal information.
