Baal Aadhaar card biometric update mandatory: what is it, how to update

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has released a new guideline regarding children's Aadhaar card, Baal Aadhaar. The authority has issued mandatory guidelines to update biometric information in Aadhaar data for children attaining the age of 5 and 15 years.

The UIDAI took to Twitter and informed that updating the biometric details of children between 5-15 years is mandatory and the procedure is free of cost. Along with that, UIDAI also announced in another tweet that there will be no change in the child's Aadhaar number after updating biometrics. So, parents are asked to visit the nearest Aadhaar enrollment centre to fill the form and update the biometric data of their children.

UIDAI also informed in its official post that a child's Aadhaar needs two mandatory biometric updates. First biometric update should be done when a child reaches the age of5 and second at the age of 15.

What is Baal Aadhaar ?

UIDAI which administers and regulates 12-digit Aadhaar issues Baal Aadhaar Card to the children under 5 years of age. The card provides access to various welfare benefits and functions as a digital photo identity proof for children from birth.

Since biometrics like fingerprints are not developed in children under the age of five. Biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans are not included in a Baal Aadhaar card. So the government has made it mandatory for people to update the biometrics of children once they reach the age of five.

What is a Blue coloured Aadhaar card?

To differentiate Baal Aadhaar from normal Aadhaar, UIDAI issues blue coloured Aadhaar cards for children between 0-5 years of age. However, the blue coloured Baal Aadhaar becomes invalid once the child reaches the age of 5. So, to update the Aadhaar, parents need to update Aadhaar details with biometrics of their children once they attain the age of five.

How to apply for Baal Aadhaar Card?

• Visit UIDAI official website uidai.gov.in
• Click on the Aadhaar Card registration option.
• Fill in the mandatory information like the child's name, guardian/ parent's phone number, and other biometric information relating to the kid and guardian/ parent.
• Next fill up the demographic details including residential address, locality, state, and others.
• Review and submit all details
• Next click on the Appointment option.
• Find the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre, and schedule an appointment.
• You will need supporting documents like Identity Proof, Address Proof, Proof of Relationship, Date of Birth, and reference number. The Aadhaar executive will further complete the process and will provide an acknowledgment number to track the application process.
• Aadhaar card will be posted to your address within 60 days.

How to update Baal Aadhaar Card?

To update biometrics in your child's Aadhaar Visit uidai.gov.in and book an appointment to update your child Aadhaar card details.

• Visit Aadhaar enrolment centre with the birth certificate, proof of identity and address documents of your child.

Note: Parents also need to submit their Aadhaar card while registering or updating Baal Aadhaar card.

• The Aadhaar executive will add biometrics like facial image and fingerprints of the child .
• Save the acknowledgement slip given by the Aadhaar executive for future reference