Aadhaar has become one of the most essential identity documents in India, not only for adults but also for children. From school admissions and scholarships to government welfare schemes, Aadhaar plays a key role in ensuring access to services. In a major relief for parents, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that Baal Aadhaar Card updates can now be done completely free of cost.
This new facility simplifies the process for parents and ensures that a child’s Aadhaar remains active and valid at crucial stages of growth.
What Is a Baal Aadhaar Card?
Baal Aadhaar is a blue-coloured Aadhaar card issued to children below the age of 5 years. Unlike adult Aadhaar cards, Baal Aadhaar does not include biometric details such as fingerprints or iris scans. Instead, it is linked to the Aadhaar number of one of the parents.
However, UIDAI mandates that Baal Aadhaar must be updated twice:
- First mandatory update at age 5
- Second mandatory update at age 15
If these updates are not completed on time, the Aadhaar number may become inactive, which can create difficulties later.
Why Updating Baal Aadhaar Is Important
When a child turns 5 years old, their first biometric update becomes compulsory. This includes:
- Fingerprints
- Iris scan
- Latest photograph
The second update at 15 years of age ensures that Aadhaar data remains accurate as the child grows. If these updates are delayed or skipped, children may face problems during:
- School or college admissions
- Applying for scholarships
- Accessing government benefits and subsidies
- Verifying identity for exams or documents
To avoid such issues, UIDAI has made the update process simple, accessible, and completely free.
Free Update Facility: What Parents Should Know
According to UIDAI’s latest guidelines:
- No fee is charged for mandatory biometric updates at ages 5 and 15
- The process is designed to be quick and parent-friendly
- Aadhaar centres are equipped to handle child enrolments smoothly
- In many locations, special child Aadhaar update camps are also being organised
This initiative aims to ensure that no child’s Aadhaar becomes inactive due to lack of awareness or financial constraints.
Step-by-Step Process to Update Baal Aadhaar Card
Parents can follow these simple steps to update their child’s Aadhaar:
- Visit the Official UIDAI Website
Go to uidai.gov.in and select the option to find a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolment centre. - Book an Online Appointment
Choose a convenient centre and book an appointment by entering basic details such as:- Child’s name and date of birth
- Parent’s Aadhaar number
- Mobile number for communication
- Visit the Aadhaar Centre on Appointment Day
Take your child to the selected centre on the scheduled date. - Carry Required Documents
Usually required documents include:- Child’s birth certificate
- Aadhaar card of parent/guardian
- Address proof (if needed)
- Biometric Data Collection
At the centre, officials will capture the child’s:- Fingerprints
- Iris scan
- Photograph
This process is completely free of charge.
- Confirmation and Aadhaar Update
Once the update is completed, confirmation is sent via SMS. The updated Aadhaar can be downloaded online or received through email.
UIDAI Guidelines and Expert Advice
UIDAI advises parents not to delay the update process. Experts suggest completing the first biometric update as soon as the child turns 5 or 6 years old. Delays can lead to Aadhaar deactivation, which may require re-enrolment.
Many parents overlook this requirement until an urgent situation arises, such as school admission. With the free update facility now in place, UIDAI encourages timely compliance to avoid last-minute stress.
Why This Change Matters
Earlier, parents often had to pay for certain Aadhaar updates, which caused inconvenience. The new free update policy not only provides financial relief but also builds confidence among parents that their child’s identity records remain accurate and secure.
For example, parents applying for school admission often discover outdated photos or missing biometric data. With UIDAI’s simplified process, such issues can now be resolved easily and without cost.
Final Takeaway
The free Baal Aadhaar update facility is a significant step toward ensuring seamless identity management for children in India. Parents are strongly advised to book an appointment and complete the update on time to keep their child’s Aadhaar active and hassle-free.
A small step today can help secure your child’s access to education and government benefits in the future.
