UIDAI Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) 2026 - How to Generate 16 Digit Number at myAadhaar Portal

UIDAI Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) is a 16 digit temporary number that lets residents use Aadhaar services without sharing their 12 digit Aadhaar number. It is mapped with the Aadhaar number and can be used in place of it for authentication and KYC. It is not possible to derive the Aadhaar number from a VID.

This UIDAI Aadhaar service works as a privacy layer for the Aadhaar database. People can use the VID for new SIM purchase, SIM replacement, banking application, passport and other KYC needs. The 16 digit VID is revocable and can be changed by the Aadhaar holder from time to time.

How to Generate 16 Digit Virtual ID Number

The complete process to generate or retrieve a Virtual ID is given below.

STEP 1 - First visit the official myAadhaar website of Unique Identification Authority of India at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/

STEP 2 - On the homepage, go to the "My Aadhaar" section and click on the "Generate Virtual ID (VID)" link under "Aadhaar Services".

STEP 3: Direct Link - Candidates can directly click the link to generate or retrieve the Virtual ID (VID) - https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genericGenerateOrRetriveVID

STEP 4 - The UIDAI Generate / Retrieve Virtual ID (VID) page will appear as follows.

STEP 5 - Here candidates have to enter the "Aadhaar Number" and "Security Code" and then click on the "Send OTP" button to get an OTP on the registered mobile number.

STEP 6 - Then candidates can enter the one time password (OTP) and click on "Generate VID" or "Retrieve VID" and then click on the "Submit" button.

STEP 7 - Finally, the generated 16 digit VID will be sent to the registered mobile number of the resident.

Virtual ID is a temporary 16 digit random number which gives limited information like name, photograph and address to other authorized agencies.

UIDAI Virtual ID Highlights

Detail	Information
Scheme Name	UIDAI Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID)
Launched By	Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
Beneficiaries	All Aadhaar holders
Benefit	16 digit temporary number for authentication and KYC
Application Mode	Online (myAadhaar portal) and SMS
Official Website	myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

UIDAI Virtual ID Details

The main features of this new system are given below.

1. Virtual ID is a temporary 16 digit random number. It gives limited information like name, address and photograph only to authorized agencies like mobile companies.
2. There is no limit on the number of Virtual IDs a person can generate.
3. After generation of a fresh ID, the previous ID gets auto-cancelled.
4. Only one VID stays valid for an Aadhaar number at any given time.
5. This revocable 16 digit number stays mapped with the Aadhaar number of the person.
6. People can use this number as an option for authentication and KYC services.
7. No other agency is allowed to generate this ID on behalf of the Aadhaar holder.
8. Agencies should not store the VID in any database or logs.

UIDAI Virtual ID Working

The working of this ID is explained below.

• The last digit of the 16 digits in VID is a checksum which uses the Verhoeff algorithm, similar to the Aadhaar number.
• At a particular time, only one active and valid VID exists for any Aadhaar number.
• People can use the VID instead of the Aadhaar number for authentication or KYC services. Its use is similar to the Aadhaar number.
• Agencies are not allowed to use VID for de-duplication.
• VID is revocable and can be replaced with a new one by the Aadhaar holder.

UIDAI has issued Aadhaar cards to a large number of residents across the country. The Virtual ID concept was brought in after security concerns about the use of Aadhaar numbers. This step helps remove flaws in the UIDAI system and keeps the Aadhaar database safe.

UIDAI Aadhaar Virtual ID (16 Digit VID) for KYC

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) allows the 16 digit Virtual ID to be used for the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. People will not have to furnish their 12 digit Aadhaar number for authentication. Instead they can use the Aadhaar Virtual ID which can be generated or retrieved on the myAadhaar portal. This helps with Aadhaar data security and stops data breach.

VID can also be generated by SMS. Aadhaar holders can type "GVID" followed by the last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number and send it to 1947 from the registered mobile number. To retrieve the VID, type "RVID" followed by the last 4 digits and send it to 1947. The VID will be sent to the registered mobile number.

What is 16 Digit Virtual ID Concept & Security Features

Earlier there were security concerns about the privacy of personal details in the Aadhaar card. Many companies and banks ask for the 12 digit Aadhaar number for authentication. People share their personal details like biometrics, age and fingerprints without knowing that if such data leaks, it could become a big problem for their privacy.

So to make sure data stays private and safe, the central government brought in the Virtual ID concept. This is a 16 digit temporary random number and can be called an "Aadhaar Clone". Anyone can now give this 16 digit VID number for verification instead of the 12 digit Aadhaar number.

Earlier many banks and companies did not have the system to accept such IDs. So Reserve Bank of India gave them time to make their systems ready for accepting the Aadhaar Virtual ID. Now the VID system is in use across the country. The Aadhaar Virtual Number can be used to open a bank account, get government subsidy, apply for Tatkaal passport, buy a new insurance policy and more.

Benefits of Virtual ID in India

All residents are allowed to generate any number of Virtual IDs. The previous VID gets auto-cancelled when a new VID is generated. This is an option for authentication and KYC services which stays valid till the user changes it.

This Virtual ID is similar in use to the Aadhaar number and agencies cannot use the VID for de-duplication. This new VID number system helps keep the Aadhaar card holders safe. For more Aadhaar related services, residents can also check the Order Aadhaar PVC Card Online and Baal Aadhaar Card Online Registration guides.

FAQ's

Can I use the VID for OTP, biometric or demographic authentication?

Yes. The VID can be used in place of the Aadhaar number for OTP, biometric and demographic authentication. The Aadhaar holder needs to give consent for VID based authentication.

What is the expiry period of the VID?

At present there is no fixed expiry period for the VID. It stays valid till the time a new VID is generated by the Aadhaar holder.

Can anyone else generate the VID on my behalf?

No. The VID can be generated only by the Aadhaar number holder. No other agency can generate it on behalf of the Aadhaar holder.