What is VID Number in Aadhaar Card?

What is VID and why it matters

VID stands for “Virtual ID” and is a 16-digit number mapped to your 12-digit Aadhaar number. You can use this instead of your Aadhaar number for services like bank KYC or identity check. It helps protect your real Aadhaar number.

Quick snapshot: key facts

• 16-digit number linked to your Aadhaar.
   
• Can be used for authentication instead of Aadhaar number.
   
• You generate it yourself (online, app, SMS) via your registered mobile.
   
• Your Aadhaar number cannot be derived from the VID.
   
• Only one VID is valid at a time; you can generate a new one and invalidate the old.  
   

Here’s an example

Let’s say Ravi wants to open a bank account. Instead of giving his 12-digit Aadhaar number, he uses his VID. The bank verifies his identity using the VID. Later, if he feels the VID might be exposed, he generates a new one. His old VID stops being valid. Simple, right?

How you generate and use VID
In short:

1. Make sure your mobile number is updated in your Aadhaar profile.
    
2. Visit the official UIDAI “Generate VID” page or open the mAadhaar app.
    
3. Enter your Aadhaar number + OTP sent to your mobile.
    
4. The 16-digit VID appears (and is sent to you via SMS).
    
5. Use that VID in place of your Aadhaar number when a service asks for it.
   
    

Quick tip: Use VID especially when you don’t want to expose your actual Aadhaar number—for instance at a store or for minor services.