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Aadhaar has become one of the most essential identity documents in India, required for everything from school admissions to accessing government welfare schemes. Naturally, many parents are concerned about how to get an Aadhaar card issued for young children, especially those below the age of five. To clear confusion and make the process parent-friendly, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has laid down clear and simple guidelines.

No Biometrics for Children Below 5 Years

One of the biggest reliefs for parents is that children below the age of five are not required to provide biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans. At this stage, a child’s Aadhaar—often referred to as Baal Aadhaar—is generated based entirely on parental details and birth records.

UIDAI has clarified that biometric data for children is unreliable at an early age, which is why it is collected later when the child turns five and again at fifteen.

Documents Required for Baal Aadhaar

To apply for Aadhaar for a child under five, parents need only a few basic documents:

• Birth certificate issued by the municipal authority or hospital

• Aadhaar card of either parent (preferably both)

• Mobile number linked to the parent’s Aadhaar for communication

The child’s Aadhaar is linked to one parent’s Aadhaar, establishing identity verification without any biometric input from the child.

Step-by-Step Aadhaar Application Process

The process of applying for Aadhaar for a child under five is straightforward and quick:

1. Parents must visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre

2. Carry the child’s birth certificate and parent’s Aadhaar card

3. The child’s photograph is taken at the centre

4. No fingerprints or iris scans are collected

5. Aadhaar enrolment is completed and acknowledged

Once the process is completed, the Aadhaar card is generated and delivered by post to the registered address.

Mandatory Biometric Updates at 5 and 15 Years

UIDAI has made it mandatory to update biometric details at two key stages:

• At 5 years: Fingerprints, iris scan, and updated photograph

• At 15 years: Final biometric update

These updates ensure that Aadhaar data remains accurate as the child grows. Importantly, both updates are completely free of cost and can be done at any Aadhaar centre.

Common Myths Around Children’s Aadhaar

Many parents believe that Aadhaar enrolment for infants is complicated or time-consuming. However, in reality, the process often takes just a few minutes. Parents can apply even for newborn babies, as long as a valid birth record is available.

This ease of enrolment ensures that children can be seamlessly included in government schemes, health benefits, school admissions, and identity verification processes.

Why Aadhaar for Children Matters

Having Aadhaar at an early age helps in creating a verified digital identity for children. It also simplifies access to benefits under schemes related to nutrition, education, healthcare, and scholarships.

UIDAI’s simplified approach reflects its broader goal of strengthening Digital India, ensuring that even the youngest citizens are securely connected to essential services without burdening parents with complex procedures.