Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) is the alternate way to share your Aadhaar number when actually you are suspicious about sharing your 12-digit main Aadhaar number. This Aadhaar VID will do the same authentication as real Aadhaar does.

It will allow you to authenticate transactions and e-know-your-customer (KYC) services instead of providing your Aadhaar number, to both private and government institutions.

The VID is a temporary, revocable (when you generate another VID, previous VID will become void) 16-digit random number mapped with the real Aadhaar number.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) stated that one’s Aadhaar number cannot be derived from the VID that is generated so it is safe to share your VID wherever it is needed. The VID can be used for the purpose of authentication in the same way the Aadhaar number is used.

How to generate Aadhaar Virtual ID?

1. Go to UIDAI resident portal
2. Click on Virtual ID generator at the Aadhaar services column
3. Give your Aadhaar number in the text box and fill the captcha or security code
4. It will send OTP (one time password) in your registered mobile number
5. Enter OTP in the right hand side text/input box
6. Select Generate VID/ Retrieve VID radio button and submit

This way, Aadhaar Number holders can generate their 16 Digit Virtual ID (VID).

Since this is a digital ID, Aadhaar holders can regenerate it multiple times, which makes it safer than providing your actual Aadhaar number. At present, the VID is valid for a minimum of one day, which means an Aadhaar holder would be able to re-generate a new VID a day after he has generated the first one. Further, there is no expiry period defined yet for the VID and it will be valid till the time a new one is generated by you.