What Is Virtual ID (VID) in Aadhaar and How to Generate It

Sharing a 12-digit Aadhaar number is not always necessary when an Aadhaar-enabled service supports an alternative identifier. For people asking what is virtual id, UIDAI defines Virtual ID, or VID, as a temporary and revocable 16-digit random number mapped to an Aadhaar number. It may be used in place of the Aadhaar number for supported authentication or e-KYC.

The underlying Aadhaar number cannot be derived from VID, but VID is not a separate identity document and its use depends on the requesting entity's authentication setup. This article explains what is vid in aadhaar, how VID differs from the Aadhaar number, how to generate or retrieve it, the role of the registered mobile number, regeneration rules and the privacy controls around its use.

What Is Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID)?

According to UIDAI, “VID is a temporary and revocable 16-digit random number linked to the Aadhaar number. It can be used in place of the Aadhaar number for Aadhaar Authentication and e-KYC purposes.” Authentication using VID works in a manner similar to authentication using the Aadhaar number.

For anyone asking what is vid, the key distinction is that VID is an alias, not a replacement Aadhaar number. UIDAI states that the Aadhaar number cannot be derived from VID. Only one VID is valid for an Aadhaar number at any given time.

A new VID may be generated after UIDAI's minimum validity period, currently stated as one calendar day or after midnight. When a new VID is generated, the earlier VID is deactivated.

VID vs Aadhaar Number: Key Differences

The difference between Aadhaar and virtual ID is therefore mainly about disclosure and revocability. VID points to the same Aadhaar record within UIDAI's system, but it gives the Aadhaar number holder an alternative identifier for transactions that support it.

UIDAI also states that agencies should not store VID in databases or logs because it is temporary and may be changed by the Aadhaar number holder.

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID: Three Methods

For people searching how to generate aadhaar virtual id, UIDAI currently provides a dedicated VID Generator on myAadhaar and an SMS service. UIDAI's VID FAQ also continues to list mobile-app access among the available channels. A registered mobile number is relevant for OTP-based access and is required for the SMS route.

Method 1: UIDAI Website (myAadhaar)

1. Open UIDAI's official Virtual ID Generator on the myAadhaar portal.
2. Enter the Aadhaar number and the security details requested on the page.
3. Complete OTP authentication using the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
4. Choose the available option to generate a new VID or retrieve the current VID.
5. Complete the request and use the VID communicated through UIDAI's service.

Portal labels may change as UIDAI refreshes myAadhaar, so the current instructions displayed on the official UIDAI domain take precedence.

Method 2: UIDAI Mobile App

UIDAI's current website prominently promotes the new Aadhaar app, while the agency's VID FAQ continues to list mAadhaar among the channels through which a VID may be generated or retrieved. App menus may change between versions. Aadhaar number holders using the mobile route may therefore follow the VID option presented in the official UIDAI app or use myAadhaar/SMS if that option is not shown in the installed version.

Method 3: SMS to 1947

UIDAI provides VID generation and retrieval through SMS sent from the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.

To generate: GVID <space> last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number, sent to 1947.

To retrieve: RVID <space> last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number, sent to 1947.

UIDAI also publishes examples using the last four or eight digits in some lock/unlock guidance; the dedicated SMS service page provides the current service format.

Note: Service interfaces and message instructions may be updated by UIDAI. Aadhaar details are best entered only on the official UIDAI website or official UIDAI application.

How VID Protects Aadhaar Data

VID reduces the need to disclose the 12-digit Aadhaar number during a supported Aadhaar authentication or e-KYC transaction. UIDAI states that the Aadhaar number cannot be derived from the VID.

UIDAI also states that agencies should not store VID in databases or logs. Since the number is temporary and revocable, a new VID may replace the earlier one after the applicable minimum validity period.

VID-based authentication still requires the Aadhaar number holder's consent. UIDAI states that the requesting agency is required to explain the purpose of authentication and obtain explicit consent.

What Happens If a VID Is Regenerated During a Transaction?

UIDAI states that generating a new VID deactivates the previous VID. As a practical consequence, an authentication request submitted later with the older VID may not succeed. Where a transaction is already underway, completing the authentication before regenerating VID may avoid having to restart that verification step.

VID does not currently have a fixed expiry period. UIDAI states that it remains valid until a new VID is generated, subject to the applicable regeneration rule.

Where May VID Be Used?

The UIDAI allows the use of VID in place of the Aadhaar number for the purpose of authenticating and performing e-KYC. In reality, it is dependent upon the requesting entity as to whether or not VID is available in a specific process.

This means VID is not necessarily a universal replacement for entering an Aadhaar number in every form or service. Where an organisation offers Aadhaar authentication, the Aadhaar number holder may check whether that specific process accepts VID.

Can VID Be Generated Without a Registered Mobile Number?

The SMS service requires the request to be sent from the mobile number registered with Aadhaar, while online Aadhaar services that use OTP authentication also depend on access to the registered mobile number. There is no separate VID password that substitutes for this authentication.

If access to the registered mobile number has been lost, UIDAI provides a process for updating the mobile number through an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre. The current centre locator and service instructions are available on UIDAI's official website.

Conclusion

The practical value of VID is control over disclosure: where a service supports it, an Aadhaar holder may authenticate without giving the requesting entity the 12-digit Aadhaar number itself. Understanding what is virtual id also means recognising its limits—VID is linked to Aadhaar, only one VID is valid at a time, and regeneration follows UIDAI's minimum validity rule.

The distinction answers what is vid in aadhaar as well as what is vid: it is a revocable Aadhaar alias, not a second identity number. For anyone checking how to generate aadhaar virtual id, myAadhaar and UIDAI's SMS service provide verified routes, while mobile-app availability may depend on the current UIDAI app version. The appropriate route therefore depends mainly on access to the registered mobile number and the service being used.

Disclaimer : The information in this blog is for general purposes only and may change without notice. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Readers should seek professional guidance and make decisions at their own discretion. IIFL Finance is not liable for any reliance on this content. Read more