Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID): How to Generate, Use & Regenerate

The Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit number that maps to your Aadhaar number without revealing it. Introduced by UIDAI in 2018 to enhance privacy, VID can be used instead of your actual Aadhaar number for authentication and KYC purposes.

What is Aadhaar Virtual ID?

How it works: When you give your VID to a service provider, they send it to UIDAI for authentication. UIDAI maps it internally to your Aadhaar and returns the authentication result — but never reveals your actual Aadhaar number to the service provider.

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID

Method 1: myAadhaar Portal

1. Visit https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
2. Click on "Virtual ID (VID) Generator"
3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
4. Enter the captcha code
5. Click "Send OTP" — OTP is sent to your registered mobile
6. Enter the OTP
7. Select "Generate VID"
8. Your 16-digit VID will be displayed and also sent via SMS to your registered mobile

Method 2: mAadhaar App

1. Download and open the mAadhaar app
2. Add your Aadhaar profile (if not already added)
3. Go to "VID Generator" from the main menu
4. Authenticate with OTP
5. Tap "Generate VID"
6. Your VID will be displayed in the app and sent via SMS

Method 3: UIDAI Resident Portal

1. Visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in/vid-generation
2. Enter Aadhaar number and captcha
3. Request OTP and enter it
4. Generate or retrieve your VID

How to Retrieve Existing VID

If you have already generated a VID but forgot it:

1. Go to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
2. Click on "Virtual ID (VID) Generator"
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and verify via OTP
4. Select "Retrieve VID" instead of Generate
5. Your existing VID will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS

How to Revoke & Regenerate VID

You can revoke your current VID and generate a new one at any time. This is useful if you suspect your VID has been compromised.

1. Visit https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
2. Go to "VID Generator"
3. Authenticate with Aadhaar number and OTP
4. Select "Regenerate VID"
5. The old VID is automatically revoked, and a new 16-digit VID is generated
6. The new VID is sent via SMS

Note: When you regenerate a VID, the old one becomes permanently invalid. Any service provider using the old VID for authentication will get an error.

Where to Use Aadhaar VID

VID can be used anywhere Aadhaar number is accepted for authentication:

• e-Aadhaar download — enter VID instead of Aadhaar number to download
• Masked Aadhaar download — use VID for downloading
• Offline KYC XML download — enter VID for extra privacy
• Bank KYC — share VID for Aadhaar-based e-KYC
• Telecom KYC — provide VID for SIM activation
• Government services — DigiLocker, UMANG, and other services accept VID
• Mutual fund KYC — via CAMS and KFintech
• PAN-Aadhaar linking — VID can be used on the income tax portal

VID vs Aadhaar Number vs Masked Aadhaar

Important Tips

1. Use VID whenever possible instead of your Aadhaar number — it provides the same functionality without exposing your permanent ID
2. Regenerate VID periodically — especially after sharing it with multiple service providers
3. Keep your mobile number updated — VID is sent via SMS to your registered mobile, so ensure it is current
4. VID works everywhere — any system that accepts Aadhaar number for authentication must also accept VID (it is mandatory as per UIDAI)
5. Do not share VID publicly — while safer than Aadhaar, treat it with the same caution as any identity credential

FAQs

What is the difference between Aadhaar number and Virtual ID?

Your Aadhaar number is a permanent 12-digit identity number. The Virtual ID is a temporary 16-digit number that maps to your Aadhaar internally but can be revoked and regenerated. VID prevents your actual Aadhaar number from being stored by service providers.

Can I have multiple VIDs at the same time?

No. You can have only one active VID at a time. Generating a new VID automatically revokes the previous one.

Do all service providers accept VID?

As per UIDAI mandate, all Authentication User Agencies (AUAs) must accept VID in place of Aadhaar number. If a service provider refuses VID, they are violating UIDAI guidelines.

Will my old VID stop working if I generate a new one?

Yes. When you regenerate a VID, the old one becomes permanently invalid. Only the latest VID will work for authentication.

Can someone find my Aadhaar number using my VID?

No. The mapping between VID and Aadhaar number exists only within UIDAI's secure servers. No external entity — including the Authentication User Agency — can derive your Aadhaar number from the VID.

Is there a validity period for VID?

No fixed expiry. Your VID remains valid until you revoke or regenerate it. However, UIDAI recommends regenerating it periodically for security.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with UIDAI or any government body. Information is compiled from official sources for educational purposes. Always refer to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in for the latest updates.