Aadhar Virtual ID: Check Step By Step Guide To Download VID Online via uidai.gov.in

In this article, we will tell you what are Virtual Aadhar ID cards, and how you can make one, and how it is different from the Aadhar number generated by UIDAI.

What is VID or Aadhaar Virtual ID?

Aadhaar Virtual ID is a temporary 16-digit number that acts as a secure substitute for your actual 12-digit Aadhaar number during any government or non-government authentication, or when availing e-KYC services. The VID was introduced in January 2018, by UIDAI to enhance user privacy, as it allows you to verify your identity without revealing your sensitive Aadhaar number. It is impossible to derive your Aadhaar number from your VID. You can easily generate your VID whenever needed, making the previous ones invalid, and service providers are also prohibited from storing it, further safeguarding your information.

What is the difference between the Virtual ID and the Aadhaar ID?

Imagine your regular 12-digit Aadhaar number as your house address – it's permanent, and everyone knows you live here. Now, think of the Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) as a temporary, "special address" that you can create for specific deliveries.

The Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) is a secret, temporary 16-digit code that you can generate from your actual Aadhaar number again and again. When you need to prove your identity for services like opening a bank account or getting a new phone connection (called "e-KYC services"), you can use this VID instead of giving out your real Aadhaar number. It's designed so that no one can figure out your original Aadhaar number from your VID, making it safer. Further, you can easily create a new VID whenever you want, and the old one automatically stops working, giving you more control over your privacy.

Another important thing to note is that you are the only one who can create your Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID). No one else, not even a bank or a government office, can make one for you. Think of it like your personal locker key – only you can have it. Also, you have the power to change your VID whenever you want, like getting a new key for your locker. But here's the important part: you can only have one active VID at any given moment. So, if you create a new VID today, your old one automatically becomes useless, making sure that only your most recent "secret code" is valid.

How to download a Virtual Aadhaar ID (VID) for free online?

If you need to create your own Virtual Aadhaar ID, then head to www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in the eAadhaar download service, and the mAadhaar mobile application in order to access the VID form and fill it thoroughly.

Another way of doing it is by sending an SMS to the Aadhaar helpline number, which is 1947. The user must enter "GVID" and then the "Last 4 digits of Aadhaar Number" and send it to 1947 using their registered mobile number.

Alternatively, you can use the website. Just visit the website and follow these steps:

• Step 1: Go to myAadhaar’s official page.
• Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the page and find the link called “VID Generator” or Click here: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genericGenerateOrRetriveVID
• Step 3: Choose ‘Generate VID’, then enter your Aadhaar number.
• Step 4: Enter the Captcha, then click ‘Send OTP’.
• Step 5: Enter the OTP sent to your registered phone number.
• Step 6: Click the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page.
• Step 7: Your 16-digit Virtual ID number will now be sent to your email address and Aadhaar-registered phone number.

New UIDAI Rules 2025

The UIDAI has released some latest news for Indians carrying Aadhar for a long time now. In a notification, the Unique Identification Authority of India has released updated rules and a comprehensive list of documents for applying for or updating an Aadhaar card, which is India's unique identification. A key change is that if someone has multiple Aadhaar numbers, only the oldest one with biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) will remain valid, and the others will be cancelled. The updated document list clarifies what proofs of identity, address, relationship, and date of birth are acceptable for different types of applicants, including Indian nationals, children, and foreign residents.