If you have ever used your Aadhaar card for opening a bank account, completing e-KYC, applying for a government scheme, or verifying your identity, you may have heard about VID. While many people know their Aadhaar number, very few understand what a VID is and why UIDAI introduced it.
A VID, or Virtual ID, is a 16-digit temporary number linked to your Aadhaar. Instead of sharing your permanent 12-digit Aadhaar number, you can use this temporary number for authentication. This helps protect your personal information while allowing organizations to verify your identity securely.
In this article, you’ll learn what a VID is, why it is important, how it works, its benefits, how to generate and retrieve it, and other essential details every Aadhaar holder should know.
Table of Contents
What Is VID in Aadhaar?
A Virtual ID (VID) is a randomly generated 16-digit temporary number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is linked to your Aadhaar number but does not disclose your actual Aadhaar number during authentication.
Whenever an authorized organization needs to verify your identity through Aadhaar, you can provide your VID instead of your Aadhaar number. The organization can complete the authentication process without seeing or storing your permanent Aadhaar number.
In simple words, a VID works as a secure replacement for your Aadhaar number during identity verification.
Also Read: Aadhar Card Loan
Key Features of VID
A Virtual ID includes several important features that make Aadhaar authentication safer.
- It is a 16-digit temporary random number linked to your Aadhaar.
- It can be used instead of your Aadhaar number for authentication.
- Only one Virtual ID remains active at any given time.
- Generating a new VID automatically deactivates the previous one.
- It is issued and managed by UIDAI.
Benefits of Using a VID
Using a Virtual ID offers several advantages to Aadhaar holders.
- Protects Your Privacy: Your Aadhaar number remains hidden during authentication.
- Improves Security: It reduces the risk of sharing your permanent Aadhaar number with multiple organizations.
- Easy Authentication: Identity verification can be completed quickly using your VID.
- User Control: You can generate a new Virtual ID whenever required according to UIDAI guidelines.
Also read: KYC Full Form
How Does VID Work?
A Virtual ID acts as a secure substitute for your Aadhaar number.
When an organization requests Aadhaar authentication, you can provide your VID instead of your Aadhaar number. The service provider sends the VID to UIDAI, which verifies the identity linked to that VID. Once the verification is complete, the authentication is successful without revealing your actual Aadhaar number.
This process helps protect your identity while ensuring smooth Aadhaar verification.
How to Generate a VID
You can generate a Virtual ID online in just a few steps.
- Visit the official UIDAI website.
- Open the Generate or Retrieve VID service.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and the security code.
- Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Select Generate VID.
- Your new 16-digit Virtual ID will be generated instantly.
How to Retrieve Your VID
If you forget your existing VID, you don’t need to generate a new one immediately.
Simply visit the UIDAI website, choose the Retrieve VID option, enter your Aadhaar number, complete OTP verification, and your current Virtual ID will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Aadhaar Number vs VID
| Feature | Aadhaar Number | Virtual ID (VID) |
|---|---|---|
| Number Length | 12 Digits | 16 Digits |
| Type | Permanent | Temporary |
| Can Be Changed | No | Yes |
| Purpose | Identity Number | Secure Aadhaar Authentication |
| Privacy | Shared during verification | Aadhaar number remains hidden |
Conclusion
A Virtual ID (VID) is an important privacy feature introduced by UIDAI to make Aadhaar authentication safer. Instead of sharing your permanent Aadhaar number, you can use a temporary 16-digit Virtual ID for identity verification.
Using a VID helps protect your personal information, reduces the risk of Aadhaar misuse, and gives you greater control over your Aadhaar details. Whenever a service supports Virtual ID authentication, using your VID is a smart and secure choice for protecting your identity.
FAQs
What is the full form of VID?
VID stands for Virtual ID. It is a temporary 16-digit number linked to your Aadhaar.
Is VID different from an Aadhaar number?
Yes. Aadhaar is a permanent 12-digit identification number, whereas VID is a temporary 16-digit number that can be regenerated.
Why should I use a VID instead of my Aadhaar number?
Using a VID helps protect your privacy because your actual Aadhaar number is not shared during authentication.
Can I generate a new VID anytime?
Yes. You can generate a new Virtual ID through UIDAI as per the latest guidelines.
Is it safe to share my VID?
Yes. A Virtual ID is designed to provide secure Aadhaar authentication without revealing your Aadhaar number.
