How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID Online?

WHAT IS AN AADHAR VIRTUAL ID?

Since the Aadhaar card consists of personal data, including the demographic and biometric data, it is important that its safety and privacy are maintained. Considering the need to do so, a unique feature called Aadhaar Virtual ID has been introduced by the UIDAI. This virtual ID allows only very limited KYC access, enough to provide only that information which is necessary for verification and does not provide complete details of an individual’s Aadhaar Card.

Aadhaar Virtual ID can be described as a 16-digit temporary code (of random numbers) that is alternatively used for Aadhaar authentication. It facilitates you to provide the UIDAI virtual ID in place of the Aadhaar number and thus protect your details from being acquired by someone else. It gives access to basic details that are sufficient for the e-KYC, like biometric information of the holder, including basic details like name, photograph, address, etc.

Virtual Aadhaar ID can be used for various verification purposes like for banking, mobile numbers, other financial documents, etc. You can provide Aadhaar virtual ID to get your e-KYC done at both private and government organizations. If an individual generates a Virtual ID, he need not submit his Aadhaar number every time for verification purpose

This facility has been launched to address the issue of the breach of Aadhaar data as it would become almost impossible to track the 12-digit Aadhaar number from the virtual ID.

HOW TO GENERATE AADHAR VIRTUAL ID?

By simply visiting the UIDAI’s website, the Aadhaar card holders can avail the Aadhaar Virtual ID. The validity of the 16 -digit number will be for a certain period of time. You can find the 9 simple steps that will guide you on how to generate your own Aadhaar Virtual ID.

Step 1: Visit the official Aadhaar Virtual ID website.

Step 2: Enter your Aadhaar number in the box provided and type in the security code.

Step 3: Click on “Send OTP”, after which you will receive the OTP on your registered number.

Step 4: Put in your OTP in the field provided on screen and select from the Generate / Retrieve VID option and click on “Submit” at the bottom of the page.
 

You will then receive your 16-digit Virtual ID number on your Email ID as well as on your Aadhaar registered mobile number.

BENEFITS OF AADHAR VIRTUAL ID

There are several benefits of having an Aadhaar Virtual ID. These are mentioned below –

• Access to only specific information that is required, thereby preventing misuse of the vital details.

• Reduces the burden for agencies that collect Aadhaar information for KYC purposes.

• Virtual ID is revocable thereby making chances of duplicatio negligible.

• Easily accessible, safe and secure.  Works as a replacement to your Aadhaar; one can go to UIDAI’s website and generate it anytime and anywhere.

• The 12 digit Aadhaar number cannot be retrieved from the virtual ID.

FEATURES OF THE AADHAR VIRTUAL ID

1. The virtual ID is a temporary 16-digit code that can replace Aadhaar for authentication.

2. When a new VID is issued, the old one is flushed out thereby leaving only one virtual ID at a time.

3. The Aadhaar number cannot be retrieved from virtual ID.

4. It is not compulsory to generate VIDs. A person can furnish his Aadhaar instead of the VID.

5. Agencies can’t force applicants to provide Aadhaar number for e-KYC or verification.

6. Consent of the user is required for authentication of using VID.

7. No authorization is given to any agency to store the virtual ID or other details taken for authentication.

8. The virtual ID is valid up until the user generates a new VID.

FAQs

Q. I do not have an Aadhaar card. Can I get a virtual ID?

Ans. A Virtual ID is generated against the Aadhaar number. You will have to enroll for the Aadhaar card if you do not have one after which you can generate your virtual ID as well.

Q. I have my Enrolment ID. Can I generate a virtual ID?

Ans. You have to generate a virtual ID against an Aadhaar number. As of now the service for VID generation from Enrolment Number has not been provided.

Q. I have not linked my mobile with Aadhaar. Can I generate my VID?

Ans. It is mandatory to link mobile number with Aadhaar in order to avail all online facilities related to it. If in case you have not linked your mobile number with Aadhaar, you will have to first link your mobile number by visiting a nearby Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and only then can you generate the virtual ID.

Q. Why is Virtual ID 16 digits long when your Aadhaar number is only 12 digits?

Ans. A user can generate multiple Virtual IDs on a single number. This would mean that overall number of possible 16-digit Virtual IDs need to be far more than the total number of possible 12-digit  Aadhaar numbers. That is the only plausible explanation behind UIDAI choosing 16- digits for each Virtual ID.

Q. Is it compulsory for you to generate a Virtual ID?

Ans. No, it is not mandatory.

Q. From when can I use the Aadhaar Virtual ID facility?

Ans. The issue of Aadhaar Virtual IDs was done on 1 March 2018. All Aadhaar authentication agencies are required to accept VIDs from 1 June 2018.

Q. Can an agency or company find your Aadhaar number only through your Virtual ID?

Ans. The Aadhaar Virtual ID facility aims to improve the security surrounding the users’ personal data mentioned on their Aadhaar card by masking it and instead generating a 16-digit VD. Through the use of Virtual IDs, service providers will not be able to retrieve the 12 digit Aadhaar number of the applicant.