Among many services, the UIDAI has unveiled ‘Aadhaar SMS services’ which enables this 12-digit biometric holders to avail various services like generating OTP, availing virtual ID, locking and unlocking the card and maintaining e-KYC norms. This service is generally meant for those who do not have access to internet, resident portal or m-Aadhaar etc. A citizen can avail the mentioned benefits by sending SMS from registered mobile number to 1947. Hence, if you are planning to carry any Aadhaar SMS services, here’s how you can do it, as per UIDAI. 

Virtual ID:

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This id is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped with your Aadhaar number. The service can be used in lieu of Aadhaar number whenever authentication or e-KYC services are performed. Authentication may be performed using Virtual ID in a manner similar to using Aadhaar number. It is not possible to derive Aadhaar number from Virtual ID. 

How to lock Aadhaar number: 

Send OTP request as -> GETOTPLAST 4 or 8 DIGITs of Aadhaar Number Then send Locking Request as -> LOCKUIDLast 4 or 8 DIGIT of Aadhaar Number6 DIGIT OTP.

You will get a confirmation message for your request. Once it is locked you will not be able to perform any form of Authentication (Biometric, Demographic or OTP) using your Aadhaar Number. However, you can still use your latest Virtual ID for performing Authentication.

Unlock Aadhaar number: 

Send OTP request with last 6 or 10 DIGITs of Virtual ID number as ->

GETOTPLAST 6 or 10 DIGITs Virtual ID

Then send Unlocking Request as -> UNLOCKUIDLAST 6 or 10 DIGIT Virtual ID 6 DIGIT OTP.

Here's how you can generate OTP using Aadhaar SMS service:

To get OTP send SMS -> GETOTPLAST 4 or 8 DIGITs of Aadhaar Number

Notably, OTP Authentication is must for Aadhaar Lock/unlock and Biometric Lock/unlock Function. You don’t need OTP for VID Generation & Retrieval function.