Aadhaar Card Tips: Don't want to share Aadhaar Number? Here's step by step guide to generate virtual ID

Aadhaar Card Tips: Aadhaar Card, a 12-digit random number issued by the UIDAI (“Authority”) to the residents of India after satisfying the verification process laid down by the Authority, is one of the mandatory KYC documents. It is used as the identity by every citizen of the country. Over the past decade, it has become the preferred ID for all. It is required for every important work these days. However, sharing the Aadhaar Number everywhere is a matter of concern as small negligence in this will lead to the leak of personal information.

UIDAI has also cautioned about the misuse of Aadhaar cards and suggested using masked Aadhaar, locked Aadhaar, or virtual Aadhaar for safety purposes.

What is Virtual ID?
"VID or Virtual ID is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped with your Aadhaar number. Virtual ID 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," the per UIDAI website said.

Here's the step-by-step guide on how to generate a virtual ID:

Step 1: Go to the official UIDAI website - http://uidai.gov.in/

Step 2: Select the "My Aadhaar option" available on the homepage.

Step 3: A dropdown menu will appear. Select the "Aadhaar Services option" in it.

Step 4: Now, click on the option saying 'Virtual ID generator'

Step 5: A new page will appear where VID generation will be done

Step 6: Enter the required details - Aadhaar number and then enter the Captcha

Step 7: Once done, click on the ‘Send OTP’ option. An OTP will be received on the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar.

Step 8: Now, enter the OTP to log in and select the option that says 'Generate VID'

Step 9: Once done, click on the option saying 'Verify and Proceed'

Step 10: Your VID has been created and sent to your registered mobile number

Step 11: Receive your Unique Aadhaar Virtual ID on the registered mobile number and use.