Aadhaar for Children: What Parents Must Do After Their Child Turns 5 and 15 to Keep Aadhaar Valid

Most parents think that once a child has received an Aadhaar number, there is nothing more to do. But this is a common misconception. Children who get Aadhaar at the age of five should undergo mandatory biometric updates at certain stages of their growth.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) requires biometric updates when a child turns 5 years old and again after 15 years of age. If we get these updates right and on time, the Aadhaar will be accurate and can be fully used properly for school admissions, banking, government schemes, and other Aadhaar-based services.

What is Blue Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar)?

Children under five years of age are issued a Blue Aadhaar, also known as Baal Aadhaar.

At this stage:

1. Aadhaar is generated using the child's photograph and demographic information.
2. The child's Aadhaar is linked to one parent's Aadhaar number.
3. Fingerprints and iris scans are not collected because a young child's biometric features are still developing.

The Aadhaar number remains the same throughout the child's life, but biometric information must be updated as the child grows.

Mandatory Update After the Child Turns 5

When a child reaches the age of five, parents must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or an authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre to complete the first biometric update.

During this visit, officials will collect:

1. Fingerprints, iris scan, and the latest photograph.
2. These biometrics are then a key part of the child’s Aadhaar profile and can enhance authentication accuracy for future use.
3. UIDAI recommends this mandatory update for individuals between 5 and 7 years of age.

Another Mandatory Update after age 15

Children continue to grow during adolescence, and their biometric features also change.

Therefore, after the child turns 15 years old, UIDAI requires another mandatory biometric update.

During this update:

1. Fresh fingerprints are captured, iris scans are updated, and a new photograph is taken.
2. This makes the person’s adult biometric profile permanent and helps ensure accurate Aadhaar authentication throughout adulthood.

What happens if parents miss these updates?

The Aadhaar number itself does not expire or change.

However, failing to complete the mandatory biometric updates can lead to authentication failures when biometric verification is required.

This may cause difficulties while:

1. Availing government welfare schemes,
2. completing Aadhaar-based KYC,
3. opening bank accounts,
4. applying for scholarships, school, or college admissions,
5. employment verification,
6. accessing various Aadhaar-enabled services.

Biometrics are updated on time to avoid these inconveniences.

Is there any fee?

According to UIDAI:

The mandatory biometric update between ages 5 and 7 is free of cost. The mandatory biometric update after age 15 is also free as long as it is completed within the prescribed time.

If these mandatory updates are delayed beyond the specified period, a fee can be charged as per UIDAI's applicable rules.

How can parents complete the Aadhaar Biometric Update?

The process is simple:

1. Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre.
2. Take the child's Aadhaar number and any documents needed.
3. The operator will take: fingerprints, iris scan, and a latest photograph.
4. After the submission, UIDAI processes the update.
5. Parents can track the status of the update online using the acknowledgement receipt on the UIDAI portal.

Why Timely Updates Matter

Your child’s Aadhaar biometric information must be updated regularly to ensure authentication in all stages of life. Whether it is for education, banking, scholarships, government benefits, a job, or government work, accurate biometric records are the best way of preventing verification failure and unnecessary delays.

Parents should mark these two important milestones—age 5 and age 15—to ensure their child's Aadhaar remains fully functional and up to date.