Q.1 What is the expiry period of VID?
Ans. At this time there is no expiry period defined for VID. VID will be valid till the time a new VID is generated by the Aadhaar number holder.
Q.2 Will re-generation of VID lead to the same VID or a different VID?
Ans. After the minimum validity period (currently set as 1 calender day), on Aadhaar number holder requests regeneration, a new VID will be generated and the previous VID will be deactivated. In case resident opts for retrieval of VID, the last active VID will be sent to the Aadhaar number holder
Q.3 Can an agency store VID?
Ans. No. Since VID is temporary and can be changed by the Aadhaar number holder, storing VID has no value. Agencies should not store VID in any database or logs.
Q.4 In case of VID, do I need to provide consent for authentication?
Ans. Yes, Aadhaar number holder consent is necessary for VID based authentication. Agency is required to inform the Aadhaar number holder the purpose for authentication and collect explicit consent for performing authentication.
Q.5 Can VID be used for OTP or biometrics or demographics authentication?
Ans. Yes. VID can be used in lieu of Aadhaar number in Authentication API input. Various entities will update their Aadhaar authentication application by 31st May 2019 to accept VID as an input for authentication.
Q.6 What if an Aadhaar number holder forgets VID? Can he/she obtain again?
Ans. Yes, UIDAI will provide multiple ways to generate new and/or retrieve current VID. These options will be made available via UIDAI’s resident portal, eAadhaar, Aadhaar Enrolment centre, mAadhaar mobile application etc. Presently, VID generation facility is available on UIDAI’s resident portal. Whenever required, VID number will be sent to residents via SMS on registered mobile number.
VID can also be retrieved by sending an SMS to the Aadhaar helpline number 1947. Resident will have to type “RVIDLast 4 digits of Aadhaar Number” and send it to 1947 through the registered Mobile Number.
Q.7 Can anyone else generate VID for me?
Ans. No other entity like AUA/KUA can generate VID on behalf of Aadhaar number holder.
Q.8 How does a resident obtain VID?
Ans. 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. 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. 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.
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.
Q.9 What is Virtual ID (VID)?
Ans. 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.
