Virtual ID and UID token are now the same as your Aadhaar number

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Part of a fresh push to protect citizens' information and increase users' privacy, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has put out new guidelines to all enrolled user agencies: utilize the Virtual ID (VID) and Aadhaar tokens in precisely the same manner as the 12-digit Aadhaar number in authentication and verification processes.

This means that instead of asking people to produce or show their Aadhaar number for SIMs, bank accounts, or govt schemes, the agencies are now able to use the VID or UID token to get the job done—Aadhaar number not required.

What this change means for you

Virtual ID and UID tokens existed before, but until this time, most agencies continued to demand the Aadhaar number itself. That put users off, particularly because the Aadhaar number is permanent and, once disclosed, cannot be altered. Now that UIDAI has issued its new mandate, individuals can use a revocable, transient VID or a masked token created using UIDAI to safeguard their personal identity without compromising access to services.

For example, when registering for a new mobile number or when you are updating your bank KYC, you can generate a VID and show that in lieu of Aadhaar. The agency must handle the VID in the same way as they handle the Aadhaar number—no extra paperwork, no second thoughts.

The UID token does the same but is used largely for computerized systems. It's a system-generated code used to screen the actual Aadhaar number in back-end transactions. Both these stand-ins minimize the risk of misuse or data leakage.

A push towards greater privacy control

This move reflects UIDAI’s effort to encourage Aadhaar holders to avoid over-sharing their Aadhaar number and to shift towards safer alternatives. With growing concerns around data breaches and identity theft, giving people more control over how their Aadhaar is used is a necessary step.

Agencies themselves have been directed to make their systems easily accommodate these alternatives and not force users to provide their Aadhaar number if it is not required by law. The intention is to make services as frictionless—but much more secure.

FAQs

Q. What is a Virtual ID (VID) and how do I get it?

A VID is a 16-digit temporary number linked to your Aadhaar that you can generate at any time through UIDAI's website or the mAadhaar app. You may use it instead of your Aadhaar number for authentication purposes.

Q. Is UID token different from the VID?

Yes. A UID token is generated by the system and used behind the scenes by authorized agencies. The VID is generated by the user and sent manually by the Aadhaar holder.

Q. May agencies still ask me for my Aadhaar number?

Not if you display a valid VID or UID token. UIDAI has quite clearly stated that these must be accepted as much as the Aadhaar number for all practical purposes.