The Aadhaar card has become one of the most important identity documents in India. However, when it comes to children, the rules are slightly different — and missing an important update could lead to the Aadhaar becoming inactive. If you have children between the ages of 5 and 15, this update is especially important.
According to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), completing the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children is compulsory. Parents who ignore this requirement may face difficulties in using their child’s Aadhaar for essential services.
Why Biometric Update Is Necessary for Children
In simple terms, a child’s fingerprints and iris patterns change as they grow. Because of these natural physical changes, biometric details collected at a very young age do not remain accurate over time.
Most children receive their first Aadhaar — often called Baala Aadhaar — before the age of five. At that stage, their biometrics are not fully developed, so the card is issued primarily using the child’s photograph and the parents’ Aadhaar details.
To maintain accuracy and reliability in the system, UIDAI requires biometric details to be updated at specific ages.
Two Mandatory Update Stages
As per the official guidelines, biometric updates for children must be completed twice:
First Update at Age 5
When a child turns five, their fingerprints and iris scans must be recorded in the Aadhaar database for the first time.
Second Update at Age 15
After the age of 15, biometric features become largely stable. Therefore, a final mandatory update is required at this stage to ensure long-term validity.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Failure to complete the biometric update on time can lead to the Aadhaar becoming inactive. This may create several practical problems for families.
Possible issues include:
- Difficulty during school admissions
- Problems applying for government scholarships
- Hurdles in opening bank accounts
- Delays in passport processing
- Trouble accessing government welfare schemes
To avoid these complications, parents are strongly advised to complete the update as soon as their child becomes eligible.
Is There Any Fee for the Update?
In a major relief for families, the government has made biometric updates completely free for children aged 5 to 17.
This fee waiver came into effect on October 1, 2025, and will remain valid until September 30, 2026. During this period, parents can update their child’s Aadhaar without paying any charges.
However, if the update is done after the free window or once the individual turns 17, a prescribed fee — typically around ₹125 — may apply.
How to Complete the Biometric Update
Since biometric capture requires fingerprint and iris scanning, the process cannot be completed online. Parents must visit an authorized Aadhaar center in person.
Step-by-step process:
- Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra, bank Aadhaar center, or post office Aadhaar facility.
- Carry the child’s original Aadhaar card and birth certificate.
- Fill out the biometric update form at the center.
- Provide the child’s fresh photograph, fingerprints, and iris scan.
- Collect the acknowledgement slip to track update status online.
Why Parents Should Act Early
Though the process is simple and free for now, delaying the update could lead to unnecessary disruptions in your child’s access to essential services.
A timely biometric update ensures that the Aadhaar remains valid, functional, and ready for future requirements such as education, banking, and government benefits.
Bottom line: This small but crucial update can help secure your child’s digital identity and prevent avoidable hassles later.
