Baal Aadhaar – Child Aadhaar Card Application & Update

Aadhaar enrolment is available for children of all ages, including newborns, and is free of cost. For children below 5 years, it’s often referred to as “Baal Aadhaar,” which is a blue-colored card without biometrics (except photo). For children aged 5-18 years, full biometrics are captured, similar to adults, but with parental involvement. Baal Aadhaar is linked with the parents’ Aadhaar and does not require biometric data at the time of enrolment.

The process involves visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (you can locate one via the UIDAI website). Enrolment can be document-based or Head of Family (HoF)-based, where a parent or guardian with a valid Aadhaar acts as HoF.

Features of Baal Aadhaar

Aadhaar for children incorporates several unique features tailored to their age and developmental needs, ensuring security, portability, and ease of use:

• Unique Identification Number: Every child receives a distinct 12-digit random number, valid for life, which serves as a foundational identity proof.
• Baal Aadhaar for Children Under 5: This blue-colored card is issued without capturing fingerprints or iris scans—only a photograph is required. It is linked to the parent’s or guardian’s Aadhaar for verification.
• Biometric Integration for Older Children: For ages 5-18, full biometrics (10 fingerprints, 2 iris scans, and photograph) are captured, similar to adults, with mandatory updates at ages 5 and 15 to account for physical growth.
• Portability and Nationwide Validity: Aadhaar is accepted across India, making it portable for families who relocate.
• Electronic Authentication and Self-Service: Supports online verification for services, with options for e-Aadhaar downloads and updates via the UIDAI portal or mAadhaar app.
• Security Measures: Data is encrypted and stored securely in the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR), with no sharing of personal information without consent.
• Inclusivity for Special Cases: Provisions for NRIs, orphans, and children in shelter homes, with simplified documentation.

Enrolment Process for Children Below 5 Years (Baal Aadhaar)

Children below 5 years can enrol via HoF-based or document-based methods, but HoF is common since young children often lack individual documents. The address is derived from the HoF’s Aadhaar.

• Locate and Visit an Enrolment Centre: Use the UIDAI portal to find a nearby centre. The child must be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian.

• Fill the Enrolment Form: Download the “Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Form (Child 0-5 years)” from the UIDAI website.
  • Provide mandatory details: child’s name, date of birth (DoB), gender, address (from HoF), and parent’s/guardian’s details.

• Parental Consent and Authentication: One or both parents/guardians must provide biometric authentication (fingerprint/iris) and sign the form for consent.
• Biometric Capture: Only the child’s photograph is taken; no fingerprints or iris scans.
• Submit Documents: Provide original supporting documents for verification (scanned by the operator).
• Receive Acknowledgement: Get an Enrolment ID (EID) slip. Aadhaar is generated after verification, usually within 30 days. Download e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website using the EID.

Special Notes:

• For children born after October 1, 2023, a birth certificate is mandatory.
• Orphans or children in shelter homes can use a UIDAI Standard Certificate from the institution head.
• The process is free; no fees apply.
• NRIs: Valid Indian passport is required as PoI. Email is mandatory, but the 182-day residency rule does not apply.

Required Documents for Children Below 5 Years

Enrolment relies heavily on HoF (parent/guardian with valid Aadhaar). Original documents must be presented.

Note: Full list available in UIDAI’s “List of Acceptable Documents.” Biometric authentication by at least one parent is required.

Enrolment Process for Children Aged 5-18 Years

For this age group, full biometrics are captured, similar to adults, but with parental consent. HoF-based is used if the child lacks PoI/PoA.

• Visit an Enrolment Centre: Accompanied by parents/guardians, fill the enrolment form (Form for Child 5-18 years).

• Submit Details: Mandatory demographics (name, DoB/age, gender, address) and optional (mobile, email). For HoF-based (if no PoI/PoA): Include parent/guardian details.
• Authentication and Consent: Parent/guardian provides biometric authentication and signs for consent.
• Biometric Capture: Full biometrics (photo, 10 fingerprints, 2 iris scans).
• Document Submission: Provide PoI, PoA, DoB, and PoR documents.
• Acknowledgement: Get EID slip; Aadhaar generated within 30 days.

Special Notes:

• Document-based if the child has PoI/PoA; otherwise, HoF-based.
• Birth certificate mandatory for births after October 1, 2023.
• NRIs (5-18 years): Valid Indian passport as PoI. If PoA is outside India, use a separate form. The process mirrors residents but requires parental authentication.
• The process is free of cost.

Required Documents for Children Aged 5-18 Years

Similar to adults, but PoR is key for HoF-based enrolment.

Note: Both parents’ Aadhaar numbers are mandatory for HoF-based enrolment, with authentication by one.

Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for Children

Children’s biometrics change with growth, so updates are required:

• First MBU (at Age 5): Update fingerprints, iris, and photograph between ages 5-7. Free if done by age 7; ₹100 fee after. Failure to update by age 7 may result in Aadhaar deactivation.
• Second MBU (at Age 15): Update again between ages 15-17.
• Process: Visit any enrolment centre with the child’s Aadhaar card. No additional documents needed beyond the card. UIDAI sends SMS reminders to registered mobiles.
• 2025 Updates: UIDAI is collaborating with schools via UDISE+ to identify pending updates and organize camps. This initiative addresses the 17 crore backlog and prevents issues with services.

Baal Aadhaar – FAQs