Child Aadhaar & Baal Aadhaar Guide
Children can get Aadhaar from birth, with mandatory free biometric updates at Age 5 and Age 15.
Child Aadhaar at a Glance
Under 5 Years (Baal Aadhaar)
Blue-colored Baal Aadhaar card. Only facial photograph is captured. No fingerprints or iris scans are taken. Linked to parent's Aadhaar.
Baal Aadhaar guide →Age 5 (First MBU)
Mandatory update capturing 10 fingerprints, dual iris scans, and a fresh face photograph as the child begins schooling.
Age 5 update guide →Age 15 (Second MBU)
Final mandatory childhood update converting the teenage record into a permanent adult biometric authentication profile.
Age 15 update guide →1. Enrolling Children Under 5 Years (Baal Aadhaar)
For children below 5 years of age, enrolment is linked to either the mother, father, or legal guardian:
- Biometric Exemption: Biometric data (fingerprints and iris) of children below 5 is not captured. Only the child's live facial photograph is taken.
- Parental Authentication: One parent (preferably the mother if both parents are alive) must undergo biometric authentication to authorize the child's enrolment.
- Required Proofs: Official Child Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths / Municipal Corporation / Tehsil, or Discharge Slip issued by a Government Hospital for birth + parent's Aadhaar.
2. First Mandatory Biometric Update (At Age 5)
When the child attains the age of 5 years, their Baal Aadhaar must undergo its first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU):
- The child's 10 fingerprints, both iris scans, and a fresh facial photograph are captured at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
- The 12-digit Aadhaar number remains exactly the same.
- This enables the child to use biometric authentication for school admissions, competitive exams, scholarship schemes, and PDS ration verification.
- Cost: 100% Free of Charge
3. Second Mandatory Biometric Update (At Age 15)
When the child attains the age of 15 years, their physical facial features, finger ridges, and iris dimensions have reached adult maturity:
- A final mandatory update captures adult-grade fingerprints, iris scans, and a mature photograph.
- After this update, the Aadhaar behaves like an adult record for all national authentication gateways, passport verification, bank accounts, and driving licences.
- Cost: 100% Free of Charge
4. 2-Year Grace Period & Deactivation Warning
- Age 5 Update: Complete between age 5 and 7.
- Age 15 Update: Complete between age 15 and 17.
5. Required Documents for Child Enrolment & Update
Accepted documents for children are detailed in List I (under 5 years) and List II (5–18 years):
- Birth Certificate: Issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act or Municipal Corporation (mandatory for minors).
- Parent's Active Aadhaar: Required for Head of Family authentication (parent's mobile will receive OTPs).
- School Identity Card: Recognized school photo ID or Bonafide Certificate with photograph for children aged 5–18.
- Proof of Relationship (PoR): Ration card, parent's Indian passport, or birth certificate showing parentage.
Mandatory Child Biometrics Are 100% Free
UIDAI regulations mandate that biometric updates for children at Age 5 and Age 15 are completely free of charge (₹0). View the official charges schedule to protect yourself against overcharging.