Why You Need an Aadhaar Virtual ID for Secure KYC in 2025?

As of 2025, more than 221 crore Aadhaar-based transactions have already happened, which has accelerated the ease of authentication. However, it also increases the risk of unauthorised access to information, data leaks, etc. Therefore, the Aadhaar Virtual ID acts as an alternative to an Aadhaar number that restricts agencies from retrieving the actual number and keeps online fraudsters away. 

Quick Synopsis

• The VID is a temporary 16-digit code that you can use for KYC purposes instead of sharing your Aadhaar number.
• It helps reduce the chances of data leaks, unauthorised information access, etc.
• You can generate 1 VID in a day for an Aadhaar number, valid till midnight.

A Detailed View of Aadhaar Virtual ID Usage

Due to the rising concern of Aadhaar data being leaked or compromised, cardholders opt for a VID to complete Aadhaar-based authentication:

• About 87% of Aadhaar cardholders believe that their personal information is stored in compromised databases and public domains, which affects their privacy. In response to these concerns, the UIDAI introduced the concept of a virtual ID to enhance the protection of Aadhaar details.
• When users share their virtual IDs instead of their Aadhaar numbers, agencies are unable to access the original 12-digit Aadhaar number. The authentication process is carried out as usual, ensuring that Aadhaar details remain secure and protected. 
• Aadhaar holders can generate a virtual ID and use it to authenticate themselves for various services. After the authentication is completed, the user can regenerate their virtual ID, ensuring that any previously saved details with the agency become invalid.

Features of 16-Digit Aadhaar Virtual ID

• The 16-digit VID can authenticate services similar to an Aadhaar-based authentication.
• UIDAI issues one virtual ID at a time, which remains valid till midnight of a certain day. 
• However, you cannot retrieve your Aadhaar number from VID and no entity makes it mandatory to generate a VID. 
• Agencies need to ask for the user's consent to authenticate VID, which prevents any chances of unauthorised access.

Process of Aadhaar Virtual ID Generation Using mAadhaar

Downloaded by over 50 million Aadhaar cardholders in India, the mAadhaar app comes with a wide range of features and functionalities, including VID generation. Here are the steps to generate VID using the mAadhaar app:

Step 1: Log in to the app using valid user credentials.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Generate Virtual ID’ option.

Step 3: Fill in your Aadhaar number and security CAPTCHA and choose 'Request OTP'.

Step 4: Enter the OTP that you received on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number and click ‘Generate VID’ to complete the process.

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID Online?

This code remains valid for 1 day, and you can change it after midnight. Once you obtain a new VID, the previous one becomes invalid. Take note of the  following steps to generate Aadhaar VID online:

Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website and select 'Virtual ID (VID) Generator' under the ‘Aadhaar Services’ section, or click <a href="https://uidai.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

Step 2: The page will redirect you to a new VID Generation Page. Choose if you want to retrieve or regenerate a new VID.

Step 3: Fill in your 12-digit Aadhaar number and security code. Click on 'Send OTP' to receive it on your registered mobile number. Type in your OTP in the portal and click ‘Verify and Proceed’.

Step 4: You will receive a message mentioning ‘Your VID has been sent to your Aadhar-registered mobile number’.

Step 5: Check your phone for the 16-digit VID and the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number.

How to Generate Aadhar Virtual ID Via SMS? 

You can generate a VID by sending an SMS to 1947. Type GVID, the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar Card number and send it to the above-mentioned number from your registered mobile number.

Final Word

Aadhaar virtual ID is a 16-digit code that can be used as an alternative to an Aadhaar number. This prevents misuse of the Aadhaar number, ensuring data security. You can regenerate a new VID to render the previous one useless so that agencies cannot use it for other purposes. 

Notably, agencies cannot retrieve your Aadhaar number using the VID. Thus, you can seamlessly avoid data leakage. In addition, make sure to share your data only with trusted and reliable agencies.