Thus, as you saw how to generate virtual ID from the Aadhaar website, it is essential to analyse the purpose of VID. For most logins and e-KYC requirements, you must enter your Aadhaar details. As your Aadhaar is connected with all your data, the Government of India advises you to avoid using it for every online authentication.
Instead, one can use VID authentication in this regard. This process of authentication will remain the same. However, it is impossible to generate an Aadhaar number from your VID. Let us find out some of the unique features of VID.
- Aadhaar VID is basically a random 16-digit ID used to replace your Aadhaar number.
- The Aadhaar cardholder can only generate it.
- One VID is valid for about a day, and one can generate a new ID after its validity expires.
- VID provides limited KYC access to various agencies.
- It is not a mandate to generate VID.
- Agencies are not authorised to store either VID or Aadhaar card.
A significant benefit of VID is its attempt to avoid misuse of Aadhaar details. For instance, if you enter your Aadhaar number in an online portal while submitting e-KYC, it can check all your personal data linked to this number. However, when you use VID instead of Aadhaar number, your purpose of authentication is served, and the agency cannot find any personal data linked to your Aadhaar.
Hopefully, now you know what virtual id is. It is a temporary 16-digit ID to replace Aadhaar details while presenting e-KYC. The purpose is to avoid sharing personal information every time agencies authenticate your ID proofs. The cardholder can only generate this ID, and its validity expires within a day.