What is Blue Aadhaar? and How to Apply for it?

The Aadhaar card is a vital identification document in India and is issued to children as well. This unique initiative by the Indian Government aims to provide children with a secure and universally recognised identity from an early age.

Read on to know more about the application process of the Baal Aadhaar card, its significance, eligibility criteria, etc.

 The Aadhaar card for a child will be issued free of cost. The difference here will be that:

  • There will be no biometric data captured in case of children below 5 years of age
  • A child's Unique Identification (UID) will be issued by taking into reference the demographic data and photos that are linked to the UID of the parents
  • However, it will be required for the child upon turning 5 years and 15 years to update his/her demographic data -biometrics of ten fingers, facial photo, and iris scan
  • If parents are applying for an Aadhaar card for their child who is below 5 years, it is required to furnish the details of the parent or guardian in the enrolment form.

Parents of children can use the mAadhaar app to carry their child's Aadhaar card on their smartphone by registering their mobile number with the child's Aadhaar card. Up to five Aadhaar cards can be added using this app. The mAadhaar app allows users to manage both their own and their children's Aadhaar cards. This service is available to parents of children under the age of five years, as well as those aged between five to 15 years.

Aadhaar Card for Children

Guidelines for Children’s Aadhaar Card (Below 5 Years of Age)

The following points must be noted for the Baal Aadhar card for children under the age of five years:

  • All children under five years, including newborns, are eligible for an Aadhaar card.
  • Aadhaar cards for children under five years of age are blue colored and are known as Baal Aadhaar cards.
  • In such cases, the biometrics of the child will not be taken. For recognition purposes, only the photograph of the child will be taken.
  • For the Baal Aadhaar card application, it is mandatory to submit the Aadhaar card of either parent. Parents who do not have an Aadhaar card must first finish the Aadhaar enrollment process.
  • Children can give biometric data for all ten fingers as well as an iris scan once they attain the age of five years.
  • When the child turns 15 years, the process must be done again.
  • There is no charge for any of the above services.

Guidelines for Children’s Aadhaar Card (Between 5 Years and 15 Years)

The following points must be noted for an Aadhaar card for children aged five years to 15 years are as follows:

  1. The enrollment procedure for Aadhaar cards for children is similar to that of adults, except for the type of documentation.
  2. When children reach the age of 15 years, they need to update their biometric information.
  3. For Baal Aadhaar card, the birth certificate/hospital discharge certificate is mandatory.
  4. If the biometrics fail to match in the future, they can be updated again by paying a fee.

The Aadhaar enrolment process for children is quite like that of adults, except for certain minor differences. For enrolling children, parents will have to go to the nearest enrolment centre and fill in the enrolment form.

How to Apply for Baal Aadhaar Card

The steps to apply for Baal Aadhaar card is as follows:

Step 1 - Visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. You can also locate one online.

Step 2 - Fill out the Aadhaar Enrolment Form, including your Aadhaar number.

Step 3 - For enrolling children under the age of five years, any one of the parents must give their Aadhaar card information.

Step 4 - The concerned officials will take a photograph of your child.

Step 5 - Fill in the address and other demographic information.

Step 6 - Submit a copy of your child's birth certificate or discharge certificate from the hospital.

Step 7 - You will receive an acknowledgement slip consisting the enrolment number. You can check the status of the Aadhaar card with this enrolment number.

Note: For children under the age of five years, Fingerprints and iris scans will not be taken. The Aadhaar card will be issued within 90 days.

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card for Children Aged 5 Years to 15 Years of Age?

Follow the steps given below to apply for Aadhaar card for children aged 5 years to 15 years of age:

Step 1 - Visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

Step 2 - Enter the requested details in the Aadhaar Enrolment Form.

Step 3 - If you do not have a valid address proof for your child, you can provide your Aadhaar card details.

Step 4 - Submit the form with supporting documents.

Step 5 - Your child's biometric information (10 fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph) will be taken.

Step 6 - Following the completion of the process, an acknowledgement slip is issued.

Step 7 - The acknowledgement slip includes the enrolment ID, which includes the enrolment number as well as the enrolment date and time. You can check the status of the Aadhaar card using this enrolment number.

The Aadhaar card is mailed to the applicant's address within 90 days after enrollment. Applicants must update biometric data in the UIDAI database after they attain the age of 15 years.

Documents Required for Baal Aadhaar Card

The below listed documents are required to apply for Baal Aadhaar card:

  1. Aadhaar card of either of the parent.
  2. Original birth certificate/hospital discharge certificate of the child

Note: Please keep in mind that original copies of both documents are required for verification.

Documents required for Aadhaar for children 5 to 15 years aged listed below:

The below listed documents are required to apply for Aadhaar card for children aged below 5 years up to 15 years:

Child’s birth certificate.

Any of the following can be used as address proof:

  • Aadhaar card of a parent.
  • In case of rural regions, address certificate issued by the Village Panchayat Head or a similar authority Address certificate provided on letterhead by MP or MLA/Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar including a photograph of the child.

Any of the following can be used as identity proof:

  • Aadhaar card of a parent.
  • School ID card.
  • Identity certificate issued on letterhead by the Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar, featuring the child's photograph.
  • Bonafide certificate on the institution's letterhead.

Children’s Aadhaar Card Fee Structure

The fees and charges associated with Aadhaar card for children are listed in the table below:

Service

Fee

Aadhaar enrolment

NIL

Colour printout on A4 sheet and download of e-Aadhaar

Rs.30

Demographic data update

Rs.50

Biometric update

NIL (for children aged five years to 15 years)Rs.100 (for other applicants)

Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. For more information please refer the link(s) provided above or visit https://uidai.gov.in/

FAQs on Baal Aadhaar

  • How often should the details on the Baal Aadhaar card be updated?

    The details on the Baal Aadhaar card should be updated when the child turns 5 years old to include biometric data and again at the age of 15 years.

  • Can parents track the status of their child's Baal Aadhaar card application?

    If your child is under the age of five years, a blue Baal Aadhaar will be issued. Children have to submit their biometrics after the attain the age of five years because the Baal Aadhaar will no longer be valid.

  • Is it mandatory for both parents to have an Aadhaar card to apply for a Baal Aadhaar card?

    No, it is not mandatory for both parents to have an Aadhaar card to apply for a Baal Aadhaar card. However, it is compulsory for at least one parent to have an Aadhaar card.

  • Will I be charged to apply for Baal Aadhaar card?

    No, you will not be charged to apply for Baal Aadhaar card.

  • Can I apply for the Baal Aadhaar card online?

    No, as of now, you cannot apply for the Baal Aadhaar card online.

  • Is it necessary for both parents to be present for the child's Aadhaar card?

      No, any one parent must be present for the child's Aadhaar card.  

  • Is it required to update the Aadhaar card after the child is 15 years old?

    Yes, it is mandatory to submit your child's biometrics and photograph after they are 15 years old. 

News about Baal Aadhaar

Parents Advised to Update Address in Child’s Aadhaar for Smooth KYC

Biometric upgrades are necessary after a child turns five, according to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). At that age, iris scans and fingerprints are not developed, therefore the card works just on an address, name, and photo. Children under the age of five are granted Baal Aadhaar, a blue-printed Aadhaar card. In India, there are reportedly still about 17 crore Aadhaar upgrades for youngsters pending. A fee (currently Rs. 100) must be paid by parents if a biometric update is missing.

2 September 2025

Aadhaar Update Now Mandatory for Children Aged Five and Above

UIDAI is set to launch a nationwide campaign to update Aadhaar biometrics for over seven crore children. The process will start within 45 to 60 days and firstly, it will begin in schools. Later, the drive will be extended to colleges for students who are turning 15. Children under the age of five can get Aadhaar without biometric data. But once they turn five, biometrics are important and must be updated at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or designated center before the age of seven. The cost of updating Aadhaar is free between five to seven years, and after that Rs.100 will be charged.

21 July 2025
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