What Exactly Is a VID?

Your Aadhaar number is linked to your biometrics, bank accounts, phone number, and a bunch of government services. Sharing it casually with every app, telecom store, or random agency that asks for it isn't the smartest move.

That's where the Virtual ID (VID) comes in. It's a 16-digit temporary number that works as a stand-in for your actual 12-digit Aadhaar number. You can use it for authentication and e-KYC without ever revealing your real Aadhaar number. The agency on the other end can verify your identity, but they can't trace it back to your actual Aadhaar.

Sr. No. Generate VID Methods
1 Generate VID Online (UIDAI Website)
2 Generate VID via mAadhaar App
3 Generate VID via SMS
4 Retrieve a Forgotten VID
5 VID vs Aadhaar Number

In Short:

A VID (Virtual ID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit number mapped to your Aadhaar.


  • It's generated by UIDAI against your Aadhaar number.
  • Only one VID can be active per Aadhaar at a time.
  • You can generate a new VID as many times as you want. Each new one automatically deactivates the previous one.
  • Nobody can reverse-engineer your Aadhaar number from a VID.
  • It works everywhere your Aadhaar number works: authentication, e-KYC, downloading e-Aadhaar, etc.
  • No agency is allowed to refuse your VID and insist on your actual Aadhaar number.
  • No agency is allowed to store your VID after authentication is done.
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Note: Generating a VID is completely optional. You can still use your Aadhaar number directly if you want. But if you care about keeping your Aadhaar number private, VID is the way to go.

What You Need Before You Start

This applies to all three methods below:

  • Your 12-digit Aadhaar number (or at least the last 4 digits for SMS method)
  • A mobile number registered with your Aadhaar (you'll receive an OTP on it)
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If your mobile number isn't linked to your Aadhaar, none of these methods will work. You'll need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra and update your mobile number first.

Method 1: Generate VID Online (UIDAI Website)

This is the most common method.

Screenshot of MyAadhaar portal homepage with arrow pointing to the VID Generator option
Click on the "VID Generator" option
  • On the next page, select "Generate VID".
Screenshot of Aadhaar Generate / Retrieve VID page showing an arrow pointing to the Generate VID radio button option
Select "Generate VID" Option
  • Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code.
  • Click "Send OTP." You'll get an OTP on your registered mobile number.
  • Enter the OTP and click "Submit".
  • Done. You'll see a confirmation message, and the 16-digit VID will be sent to your registered mobile via SMS.
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Tip: Save the VID somewhere safe. You'll need it whenever you want to use it for authentication. If you forget it, you can always retrieve it (covered below).

Method 2: Generate VID via mAadhaar App

If you prefer doing things on your phone:

Screenshot of mAadhaar app home screen with an arrow pointing to the Virtual ID Generator option under Services
Click on the "Virtual ID Generator" button
  • Enter your Aadhaar number and the captcha code.
  • Tap "Request OTP" and enter the OTP you receive.
  • Tap "Generate VID".
  • Your 16-digit VID will be displayed and also sent to your registered mobile.

Method 3: Generate VID via SMS

No internet? No problem. This works on any basic phone.

  1. Open your SMS app on the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
  2. Type: GVID [last 4 digits of your Aadhaar] For example, if your Aadhaar number ends in 5678, type: GVID 5678
  3. Send it to 1947.
  4. You'll receive an SMS with your 16-digit VID.
Note: This only works from the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar. Sending from any other number won't work.

How to Retrieve a Forgotten VID

If you've already generated a VID but can't remember it, you don't need to generate a new one. You can retrieve the existing one.

The process is almost identical to generating a new VID:

Online:

Screenshot of Aadhaar Generate VID page showing an arrow pointing to the Retrieve VID radio button option
Select "Retrieve VID" option
  • Enter your Aadhaar number, captcha, and verify with OTP.
  • Your existing VID will be sent to your registered mobile number.

Via SMS:

Send RVID [last 4 digits of Aadhaar] to 1947 from your registered mobile number. You'll get your existing VID via SMS.

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Important: Retrieving a VID gives you back the one you already have. Generating a new VID creates a fresh one and kills the old one. If you've already shared your current VID with someone and want to keep using it, retrieve. If you want to invalidate the old one for security reasons, generate a new one.

When Should You Use VID?

The short answer: whenever someone asks for your Aadhaar number and you'd rather not share it.

Some common scenarios:

  • Opening a bank account or getting a loan: Banks accept VID for e-KYC
  • Getting a new SIM card: Telecom companies can verify your identity using VID
  • Insurance policy purchases: VID works for KYC here too
  • Government services that need Aadhaar authentication: VID is accepted
  • Downloading your e-Aadhaar: You can use VID instead of your Aadhaar number on the UIDAI website
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Note: If any agency refuses your VID and insists on your actual Aadhaar number, they're violating UIDAI guidelines. You can push back on this. Agencies are required to accept VID for authentication and e-KYC.

VID vs Aadhaar Number: What's the Difference?

Aadhaar Number Virtual ID (VID)
Digits 12 16
Permanent? Yes, for life Temporary, can be regenerated
Can be traced back? N/A No. VID cannot reveal your Aadhaar number
Can be revoked? No Yes, just generate a new one
Accepted for auth/KYC? Yes Yes, everywhere Aadhaar is accepted
Should you share freely? No Safer to share, but still don't be careless

Important Notes

One VID at a time.

You can't have multiple active VIDs for the same Aadhaar. Generating a new one automatically deactivates the old one.

No expiry date, technically.

Your VID stays valid until you generate a new one. But it's good practice to regenerate periodically, especially after sharing it with an agency.

Registered mobile is essential.

Every method of generating or retrieving VID requires OTP verification on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. If your number has changed or isn't linked, update it at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra first.

VID doesn't replace Aadhaar.

It's an extra layer of privacy, not a separate identity. Your Aadhaar number still exists and works as before.

Use biometric lock too.

VID protects your Aadhaar number from being shared unnecessarily. Biometric lock (available in the mAadhaar app) protects your fingerprints and iris from being used without your knowledge. Using both together is the best setup.