Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued to Indian residents, including permanent foreign nationals who have lived in India for over 182 days in the 12 months prior to applying. This number is based on biometric and demographic data. To generate a virtual Aadhaar ID, you need to provide your Aadhaar number, which helps ensure privacy and secure transactions.
So, what exactly is a Virtual ID (VID), and how can you generate one?
As defined by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), an Aadhaar Virtual ID is a 16-digit temporary number linked to your Aadhaar card. It acts as a substitute for your Aadhaar number, enhancing security and privacy by being revocable and temporary.
When generating a VID, you can create a new one as often as needed; each new VID automatically invalidates the previous one. The VID remains valid for at least one calendar day, which helps protect your sensitive information during transactions.
With concerns about privacy and data security rising, the use of a virtual Aadhaar ID helps prevent unauthorized access to your Aadhaar number. It safeguards you from fraud and unwanted telemarketing calls. Importantly, agencies are prohibited from storing your Aadhaar Virtual ID.
Any Aadhaar holder can generate a VID by visiting the official UIDAI website. To do so, you must have a mobile number registered with UIDAI. The VID you generate is unique and remains valid until you generate a new one, which deactivates the old VID.
You can request a new VID after the validity period ends or retrieve a previously generated VID if needed. Besides the UIDAI website, you can also generate or replace your VID using the mAadhaar app or by visiting a nearby Aadhaar enrolment centre. Additionally, you can generate your VID via SMS by sending “GVID” followed by the last four digits of your Aadhaar number to 1947.
The Aadhaar Virtual ID can be used for e-KYC services, government subsidies, and all Aadhaar authentication and verification purposes. Authentication agencies accept VID for identity verification, helping maintain your privacy during transactions. The VID cannot be used to retrieve your original Aadhaar number, adding an extra layer of security.
Steps to Generate Your Aadhaar Virtual ID:
- Visit the official UIDAI website.
- Navigate to the Aadhaar services section and select the ‘Virtual ID (VID) Generator’ option.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
- Click on ‘Request OTP’ to receive a one-time password on your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP received and click ‘Generate VID.’
Your VID will be sent to your registered mobile number.
How Does Virtual ID Work?
The Virtual ID is a random 16-digit number mapped to your Aadhaar number, used as a substitute to protect your Aadhaar details during authentication. When you provide your VID to an authentication agency (such as government or telecom entities), they use it to obtain a UIDAI token that verifies your identity without accessing your actual Aadhaar number.
Note: Linking your mobile number with your Aadhaar is mandatory to generate a Virtual ID.
Authentication agencies must accept the VID for identity verification but are not permitted to store it, ensuring your data privacy and security. They can authenticate demographic details like your name, address, and phone number using the UIDAI token generated from the VID.
Why Is Two-Tier Security Needed for Aadhaar?
Concerns about Aadhaar data security have been ongoing, with reports of data leaks undermining public trust. The introduction of VID adds an extra layer of protection by limiting direct access to Aadhaar numbers.
Using a VID instead of your Aadhaar number reduces the risk of exposing sensitive personal information such as bank details and financial data during transactions. Since each VID is temporary and revocable, generating a new VID deactivates the previous one, preventing misuse even if old VIDs are retained by agencies.
Authentication agencies receive unique identification tokens that allow them to securely validate your Aadhaar-related services without accessing your actual Aadhaar number.
Are Virtual IDs Secure?
Recent reports have highlighted cases of fraud involving Aadhaar-enabled payment systems. Criminals have exploited biometric data to commit financial fraud. The use of VID helps mitigate such risks by making it difficult for agencies to access your Aadhaar number directly.
Key security features of VID include:
- VID is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number.
- Agencies cannot store or misuse your Aadhaar data through VID.
- Only the Aadhaar cardholder can generate a VID; agencies cannot generate it on your behalf.
- At any time, only one VID is active for a given Aadhaar number.
- The VID employs a checksum mechanism (Verhoeff algorithm) to prevent data entry errors.
- VID cannot be used to retrieve your original Aadhaar number or card.
Difference Between Aadhaar ID and Aadhaar Virtual ID
Your Aadhaar ID is the permanent 12-digit unique number assigned to you and linked to your biometric and demographic data. It is widely used as identity proof but sharing it frequently can expose you to privacy risks.
The Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID), on the other hand, is a temporary 16-digit number that you can generate as needed. It serves as a secure alternative for authentication and e-KYC, masking your actual Aadhaar number and reducing the risk of identity theft.
To generate a VID, your mobile number must be registered with your Aadhaar. VID generation is simple and can be done via the UIDAI website, the mAadhaar app (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store), or by sending an SMS to the Aadhaar helpline number. Each new VID invalidates the previous one.
Common Applications of eSign with Aadhaar Virtual ID
E-signatures are legally recognized methods of signing documents digitally, using cryptographic technology to create a unique digital fingerprint for each signer. This ensures identity validation and document integrity.
Common uses of eSign include HR onboarding, loan applications, lease agreements, and sales contracts. Incorporating Aadhaar Virtual ID in eSign processes enhances security by masking your actual Aadhaar number, controlling access to sensitive data, and maintaining an audit trail with detailed logs of who signed the document and when.
E-signatures eliminate paperwork, speed up contract execution from days to minutes, and reduce costs related to printing and shipping. Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) and Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) offer higher security levels and legal compliance, ensuring signed documents cannot be altered.
By combining Aadhaar Virtual ID with eSign, organizations can improve data security and legal validity, making digital transactions safer and more efficient.
Melento (Formerly SignDesk)’s Solutions for Aadhaar and Virtual IDs
Melento provides Aadhaar-based document workflow solutions that simplify VID generation and eSign processes. Users can upload documents, add multiple signers with reminders, and use their Aadhaar-registered mobile number to create Aadhaar-based eSignatures easily. Melento also supports stamp duty payments, eStamping, and automated payment options like eNach eMandates.
Enhance your business operations with Melento’s secure and legally compliant Aadhaar-based solutions to boost efficiency, compliance, and security.
Have you generated your Virtual ID yet? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments!
