Don’t want to disclose your Aadhaar number? Use VID or Masked Aadhaar- Know how to download

You can use VID or Masked Aadhaar if you do not want to disclose your Aadhaar number. Here is how to get VID or Masked Aadhaar.

Know how you can get VID or Masked Aadhaar. (UIDAI Twitter)

For almost all your official works or places where you need to show an identity proof, you are required to show your Aadhaar and provide your Aadhaar number. However, not everyone is comfortable disclosing their unique 12 digit Aadhaar number. In such a situation you can use VID or Masked Aadhaar. Informing about the same, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) tweeted, "If you don't want to disclose your #Aadhaar number, then you can use VID or Masked Aadhaar. To get VID/masked Aadhaar, download Aadhaar from here: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricDownloadAadhaar."

#AadhaarInformation

If you don't want to disclose your #Aadhaar number, then you can use VID or Masked Aadhaar.

To get VID/masked Aadhaar, download Aadhaar from here: https://t.co/m1OT6goIIP pic.twitter.com/H50Si3cs37

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 22, 2022

Before we tell you further details, for the uninitiated, the Aadhaar card is one of the most important documents that is used to prove your identity and get official work done. Also, it is very important that all the details and information mentioned on it like your name, address, date of birth, among others should be correct. An Aadhaar card comprises the Aadhaar number which is issued by the UIDAI to the residents of India after satisfying the verification process laid down by the Authority.

Do you know what Masked Aadhaar or Virtual ID (VID) is? According to UIDAI, Mask Aadhaar option allows you to mask your Aadhaar number in your downloaded Aadhaar. It replaces the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number with characters like 'XXXX-XXXX' and only the last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number can be seen.

While VID is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped with the Aadhaar number. VID can be used in lieu of Aadhaar number whenever authentication or e-KYC services are performed. Authentication may be performed using VID in a manner similar to using Aadhaar number. It is not possible to derive Aadhaar number from VID.

How can you obtain VID?

Step 1:

VID can be generated only by the Aadhaar number holder. They can also replace (generate a new VID) their VID from time to time after UIDAI set minimum validity period (currently set as 1 calender day, i.e. a new VID be generated after 00:00 hrs on the next day) . At any given time only one VID will be valid for an Aadhaar number.

Step 2:

UIDAI will provide various options to Aadhaar number holders to generate their VID, retrieve their VID in case they forget, and replace their VID with a new number. These options will be made available via UIDAI’s resident portal, eAadhaar download, Aadhaar Enrolment centre, mAadhaar mobile application etc.

Step 3:

Presently, VID generation facility is available on UIDAI's resident portal. Whenever required, VID will be sent to residents via SMS on registered mobile number.

Step 4:

VID can also be generated by sending an SMS to the Aadhaar helpline number 1947. Resident will have to type “GVIDLast 4 digits of Aadhaar Number” and send it to 1947 through the registered Mobile Number, According to UIDAI.