FAQs

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.

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.

Yes, mobile number should be registered to Aadhaar for using online services.

Aadhaar QR code can be used for verification of identity in offline mode. 'Aadhaar QR Code Scanner' app for smartphones and Windows based QR code scanning application  works in Offline mode and does not require internet for scanning purpose.

Public certificate for Digital signature validation can be downloaded from here.

After Locking UID if Aadhaar number holder forgot VID, Aadhaar number holder can make use of SMS service to Retrieve 16 digit VID. Aadhaar number holder will receive VID on his/her register mobile number.

Send SMS to 1947 from Aadhaar Register mobile number,
RVID Space last 4 or 8 digit of UID.

Ex:- RVID 1234

For Unlocking UID Aadhaar number holder should have latest 16 digit VID and if Aadhaar number holder forgot 16 digit VID he can retrieve latest VID through SMS services

RVID Space last 4 or 8 digit of UID. SMS to 1947. Ex- RVID 1234

To unlock UID, Aadhaar number holder may visit UIDAI website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock), select Unlock radio button, Enter Latest VID and security Code and click on send OTP or select TOTP and click on Submit. Your UID will be unlocked successfully.
Aadhaar number holder may also use Aadhaar lock or unlock service through mAadhaar app.

For Locking UID, Aadhaar number holder should have 16 digit VID number and it's a pre-requisite for locking. If Aadhaar number holder don't have VID can generate via SMS Service or UIDAI website (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in).

SMS Service. GVID space last 4 or 8 digit of UID. SMS to 1947. Ex- GVID 1234.

Aadhaar number holder may visit UIDAI website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock), Under My Aadhaar tab, Click on Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services. Select UID Lock Radio Button and enter UID Number, Full Name, and Pin Code as in latest details and enter Security code. Click on Send OTP or select TOTP and click on submit. Your UID will be locked successfully.

For an Aadhaar number holder, security and privacy of personal data is always a primary concern. To strengthen the security of his/her Aadhaar number and to provide control to the Aadhaar number holder, UIDAI provide a mechanism of locking and unlocking Aadhaar number (UID).

Aadhaar number holder can lock his or her Aadhaar (UID) via UIDAI website (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) or through mAadhaar app.

By doing this Aadhaar number holder cannot perform any sort of Authentication using UID, UID Token & VID for Biometrics, Demographic & OTP modality

If Aadhaar number holder wants to unlock UID he/she can do so by using latest VID, through UIDAI website or mAadhaar app.
After unlocking Aadhaar (UID), Aadhaar number holder can perform authentication using UID, UID Token & VID.

For Locking Aadhaar Number:

Send OTP request as -> GETOTPLAST 4 or 8 DIGITs of Aadhaar Number Then send Locking Request as -> LOCKUIDLast 4 or 8 DIGIT of Aadhaar Number6 DIGIT OTP

You will get a confirmation message for your request. Once it is locked you will not be able to perform any form of Authentication (Biometric, Demographic or OTP) using your Aadhaar Number. However, you can still use your latest Virtual ID for performing Authentication.

For Un-Locking Aadhaar Number you must have your latest Virtual ID.

Send OTP request with last 6 or 10 DIGITs of Virtual ID number as ->

GETOTPLAST 6 or 10 DIGITs Virtual ID

Then send Unlocking Request as -> UNLOCKUIDLAST 6 or 10 DIGIT Virtual ID 6 DIGIT OTP

Please check if your SMS service is working properly. In case of any issue with respect to the SMS not being sent, kindly contact your telecom service provider. It may be a case of bad network or non-functioning SMS service or low Balance etc

OTP Auhtentication is must for Aadhaar Lock/unlock and Biometric Lock/unlock Function. You don’t need OTP for VID Generation & Retrieval function.

To get OTP send SMS -> GETOTPLAST 4 or 8 DIGITs of Aadhaar Number

Example - GETOTP 1234.

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a service called “Aadhaar Services on SMS” which enables Aadhaar Number holders, who do not have access to internet/resident portal/m-Aadhaar etc. to use various Aadhaar services like Virtual ID generation/retrieval, Aadhaar lock/unlock etc. through SMS.

• Aadhaar Number holder can avail Aadhaar Service by sending SMS from Registered Mobile to 1947.
• Aadhaar Number holder can perform VID Generation/Retrieval, Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Number etc. by sending an SMS in the given format to 1947 from their registered mobile number.
• For More details on Virtual ID (VID) please visit: https://uidai.gov.in/contact-support/have-any-question/284-faqs/aadhaar-online-services/virtual-id-vid.html

Aadhaar letter is laminated paper based document issued to the Aadhaar number holders after enrolment or update.  Aadhaar PVC Card is PVC based durable and easy to carry card with multiple security features.  Aadhaar PVC card is equally valid. 

After receiving order for Aadhaar PVC Card from the Aadhaar number holder, UIDAI  hands over printed Aadhaar Card to DoP within 5 working days (excluding the date of request). Aadhaar PVC Card is delivered via SPEED POST Service of India Post in line with existing delivery norms to the address registered  in aadhaar database. An Aadhaar Number holder may track delivery status using DoP Tracking Services on https://www.indiapost.gov.in/_layouts/15/dop.portal.tracking/trackconsignment.aspx

Yes. 

The different forms of Aadhaar are Aadhaar Letter, Aadhaar PVC card, eAadhaar and mAadhaar. All forms of Aadhaar are equally valid and acceptable.

“Order Aadhaar PVC Card” is an online service launched by UIDAI which facilitates the Aadhaar holder to get their Aadhaar details printed on PVC card by paying nominal charges.

This card contains security features like:
1. Tamper proof QR Code
2. Hologram
3. Micro text
4. Ghost image
5. Issue Date & Print Date
6. Guilloche Pattern
7. Embossed Aadhaar Logo

Charges to be paid are Rs.50/- (Inclusive of GST & speed post charges).