Does A Minor Need An Aadhaar Card?How Do Kids Apply For An Aadhaar Card?

These days, having an Aadhaar card is essential for nearly every service you might need. So, is the Aadhaar card required for minors?

First off, Aadhaar is not a requirement for minors.

However, the government highly recommends that parents enroll their kids for Aadhaar to easily access various government services and benefits that might need it.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has made the process of enrolling children straightforward, with specific requirements and necessary biometric updates at certain ages.

Parents can also use the mAadhaar app to manage their children’s Aadhaar numbers and those of other family members.

Is Aadhaar necessary for kids?

While Aadhaar isn’t mandatory for children, getting them enrolled can help them access important services.

Find out how to apply for Baal Aadhaar, what documents you need, and the required biometric updates after 5 years.

Aadhaar enrollment is open for children of all ages, even newborns, but there’s no age limit or requirement for minors to have an Aadhaar card.

For some government schemes and benefits, Aadhaar might be requested as proof of identity, but legally, it’s not required for anyone under 18.

How can you enroll kids for Aadhaar?

To enroll children under 5 years for Baal Aadhaar (the children’s Aadhaar), parents or legal guardians must take their child to an Aadhaar enrollment center with the necessary documents.

They will collect essential demographic information (like name, date of birth, gender, and address) along with a photo of the child.

For kids under 5, fingerprints and iris scans aren’t taken since these biometrics aren’t fully developed yet.

It’s important to have Aadhaar authentication and consent from one or both parents or guardians during the enrollment process.

You’ll need the Aadhaar number of the parent or guardian and the child’s birth certificate or proof of relationship documents.

The Aadhaar issued to kids under 5 is known as ‘Baal Aadhaar’ and it comes in blue.

Enrolling children after they turn 5

Once a child reaches 5 years old, they need to undergo a mandatory biometric update (MBU).

This can be done at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Permanent Enrollment Centre.

During this update, the child’s fingerprints, iris scan, and photo will be taken.

Another biometric update is necessary when the child turns 17, to keep the biometric data up to date and accurate.

According to the latest UIDAI guidelines, these mandatory biometric updates for kids aged 5 to 17 are free.

You can download the Aadhaar enrollment form for minors aged 5-18 years here.