New Delhi: Parents and guardians of children with Aadhaar cards need to keep track of mandatory biometric updates as children grow. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) requires children to update their biometric information at specific ages so that their Aadhaar records reflect their physical development.
UIDAI currently provides a fee waiver for mandatory biometric updates for children aged 5 to 17 years until September 30, 2026. The authority has advised Aadhaar holders to complete the update within the applicable age window.
When does a child need to update Aadhaar biometrics?
Children below five years of age can enrol for Aadhaar without providing fingerprints and iris scans. Their Aadhaar record includes demographic details and a photograph.
When a child turns five, the first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) is required. At this stage, the child’s photograph, fingerprints and both iris scans are captured. The original Aadhaar number remains unchanged.
A second biometric update is required when the Aadhaar holder reaches the age of 15. This update captures the child’s mature biometric characteristics, including fingerprints, iris scans and a photograph.
UIDAI’s current rules specify that the first MBU is free when completed once between the ages of 5 and 7, while the second MBU is free when completed once between 15 and 17. In addition, a temporary waiver means MBU is free for children aged 7 to 15 until September 30, 2026.
September 30 deadline for free update
UIDAI’s website currently states that mandatory biometric updates are free of cost for children aged 5 to 17 years until September 30, 2026.
Parents whose children fall within the applicable age group can therefore use the waiver period to complete the biometric update without paying the usual charge.
The standard charge for a biometric update outside the specified free-age conditions is Rs 125. However, the first MBU carried out between ages 5 and 7 and the second MBU carried out between ages 15 and 17 are free under the applicable rules.
How to update a child’s Aadhaar biometrics
The mandatory biometric update has to be completed by visiting an Aadhaar enrolment centre. UIDAI specifically states that an Aadhaar number holder needs to visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre with the Aadhaar number for an MBU.
Parents or guardians should:
- Locate a nearby Aadhaar enrolment centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
- Take the child’s Aadhaar details or Aadhaar number.
- Take the child to the centre in person.
- Request the Mandatory Biometric Update.
- Provide the required information and complete biometric capture.
- Collect the acknowledgement for the update and track its status if required.
UIDAI’s Aadhaar Seva Kendras offer biometric updates, including mandatory updates for children reaching five and 15 years of age.
What biometric details are updated?
The MBU covers the child’s photograph, fingerprints and iris scans. UIDAI treats the update at age five as a process similar to a new enrolment for biometric purposes while retaining the existing Aadhaar number.
Parents should note that an MBU is a specific biometric-update service. UIDAI’s fee document states that a Mandatory Biometric Update is a stand-alone transaction and cannot be clubbed with another transaction.
Why the update matters
Children’s physical features change substantially as they grow. Updating Aadhaar biometrics helps ensure that the biometric information stored with the Aadhaar number corresponds more closely with the child’s current physical characteristics.
UIDAI has also highlighted the importance of updated biometrics for the smooth use of Aadhaar in services such as school admissions, entrance examinations, scholarships and Direct Benefit Transfer schemes, wherever Aadhaar is applicable.
Parents therefore need not wait until an institution asks for an updated Aadhaar record. Checking the child’s age and completing the applicable MBU within the prescribed period can help avoid last-minute requirements.
What is Baal Aadhaar?
Aadhaar issued to children below five years is commonly referred to as Baal Aadhaar and is represented by a blue-coloured card.
At this stage, fingerprints and iris biometrics are not captured because they are not considered mature enough for Aadhaar enrolment. The child’s demographic information and photograph are recorded, while biometric information is subsequently added through the mandatory update process after the child turns five.
The Aadhaar number itself continues to remain the same when the child’s biometric information is updated.
Parents can check Aadhaar-related services and locate an enrolment centre through the official UIDAI website. UIDAI also operates the Aadhaar helpline at 1947 for assistance.