Is Aadhaar card mandatory for minors? How can children get enrolled for Aadhaar card? Check rules and procedures

Aadhaar Update for Children: Aadhaar is not mandatory for children, but enrolment helps access key services. Learn how to apply for Baal Aadhaar, required documents, and the mandatory biometric updates after 5 years.

Aadhaar Card for Minors: Check how to apply Aadhaar card for minors.

Aadhaar Update for Children: Nowadays, Aadhaar card is needed for almost any service that one avails. From new cellphone numbers to railway ticket bookings, Aadhaar has become indispensable. But is it mandatory for children? How to enroll your child for Aadhaar schemes?

Well first off, Aadhaar is NOT mandatory for minors. However, the government strongly encourages parents to enroll their children for Aadhaar for easy access to various government services and entitlements that may require its use. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) facilitates a streamlined process for the enrolment of children, with specific requirements and mandatory biometric updates at specified ages.

Parents may also use the mAadhaar app to manage their Aadhaar numbers of their children and other members of the family.

Also Read | How to update address in Aadhaar card online? Check step-by-step guide and last date for free update

Is Aadhaar Mandatory for children?

Aadhaar enrolment is available for children of all ages, including newborns, but there is no age restriction or mandatory requirement for minors to have an Aadhaar.

For certain government schemes and benefits, Aadhaar may be asked as an identification proof, but it is not mandatory by law for individuals below 18 years.

How to enrol children for Aadhaar?

Enrolment for children below 5 years for Baal Aadhaar (children’s Aadhaar). Parents or legal guardians need to take their child to an Aadhaar enrolment centre with the required documents.

Mandatory demographic details (name, date of birth, gender, address) and the child’s photograph are collected.
Fingerprints and iris scans are not taken for children below 5 years as these biometrics are not fully developed at this age.
Aadhaar authentication and consent by one or both parents/guardians are necessary for the enrolment process.
Parent/guardian’s Aadhaar number and the child’s birth certificate or proof of relationship documents are required.
The Aadhaar issued to children below 5 years is called ‘Baal Aadhaar’ and the card is blue in colour.

Aadhaar enrolment for children after 5 years

Once a child turns 5, a mandatory biometric update (MBU) is required. This can be done at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Permanent Enrolment Centre.

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The child’s fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph are collected during this update.
Another biometric update is required when the child turns 17 years, ensuring the biometric data remains current and accurate.
The mandatory biometric updates for children between the ages of 5 and 17 are free of cost as per the latest UIDAI directives.

You may download the Aadhaar enrollment form for minors aged 5-18 years here.

Rules and Procedures

Parents must authenticate and provide consent for minors’ enrolment by signing the necessary forms. One or both parents’ Aadhaar details are required for verification.

All original documents are returned immediately after verification, and an acknowledgment slip is provided.
Full date of birth is printed on the Aadhaar card in case of verified birth proof.
The address on the child’s Aadhaar will match the address on the parent’s Aadhaar in cases of HoF-based enrolment.
Downloadable enrolment/update forms and the list of accepted documents are available on the UIDAI official website.