Aadhaar has become an important identity document for people across India. It contains a unique 12-digit identification number along with personal and demographic information. Depending on the age of the Aadhaar holder, the enrolment and biometric requirements can be different.
UIDAI issues a blue Aadhaar card, commonly known as Baal Aadhaar, for children below five years of age. The blue colour helps distinguish it from the regular Aadhaar issued to older individuals.
However, the difference is not limited to the colour. The enrolment process, biometric requirements and subsequent updates are also different. Parents should understand these requirements to ensure that their child’s Aadhaar remains updated.
Blue Aadhaar vs Regular Aadhaar: What Is the Difference?
The most important difference between Baal Aadhaar and regular Aadhaar is related to biometric information.
For children below five years, biometric information such as fingerprints and iris scans is not captured during Aadhaar enrolment. Instead, the child’s photograph and demographic details are recorded, and the Aadhaar is linked to the Aadhaar number of a parent or legal guardian.
For individuals aged five years and above, biometric information is captured as part of the Aadhaar enrolment/update process as applicable.
| Feature | Blue Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar) | Regular Aadhaar |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Children below 5 years | Individuals aged 5 years and above |
| Colour | Blue | White |
| Fingerprints | Not collected at initial enrolment | Collected as applicable |
| Iris scan | Not collected at initial enrolment | Collected as applicable |
| Photograph | Required | Required |
| Parent’s Aadhaar | Linked for the child | Individual Aadhaar |
| Biometric update | Required after turning 5 | Further mandatory biometric update at age 15 |
Why Does a Child’s Aadhaar Not Include Biometrics?
Young children’s fingerprints and iris patterns are still developing. Therefore, biometric information is not captured when Aadhaar is initially enrolled for a child below five years of age.
Instead, the child’s Aadhaar is created using demographic information and a photograph, along with the Aadhaar details of a parent or legal guardian as prescribed.
Once the child reaches the applicable age, biometric details need to be updated.
When Should Baal Aadhaar Be Updated?
A child’s Aadhaar requires a biometric update after the child turns five years old. At this stage, the required biometric information is captured and updated in the Aadhaar record.
Another mandatory biometric update is required when the child reaches 15 years of age.
Parents should ensure that these updates are completed within the prescribed timelines so that the Aadhaar information remains current.
Is Baal Aadhaar a Separate Aadhaar Number?
No. Baal Aadhaar is not a different type of identification number. It is an Aadhaar issued to a child, with the enrolment process and biometric requirements differing because of the child’s age.
The child’s Aadhaar can initially be linked to a parent’s Aadhaar as part of the enrolment process. After the required biometric update, the Aadhaar record is updated with the child’s biometric information.
How to Apply for Baal Aadhaar?
Parents or guardians can enrol their child for Aadhaar by visiting an Aadhaar enrolment centre.
The basic process includes:
- Visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre or use the UIDAI appointment facility where available.
- Carry the child’s required birth or identity document.
- Carry the Aadhaar details of the parent or legal guardian, as applicable.
- Submit the child’s demographic details during enrolment.
- The child’s photograph will be captured at the enrolment centre.
- Complete the verification and enrolment process.
- Keep the acknowledgement slip safely to track the enrolment status.
Parents should check the latest UIDAI requirements before visiting the enrolment centre, as the documents required can depend on the child’s circumstances.
Is Baal Aadhaar Enrolment Free?
Yes, UIDAI provides Aadhaar enrolment for children and the mandatory biometric updates at the specified ages without an enrolment/update fee under the applicable rules.
Parents should nevertheless verify the latest fee and service requirements on the official UIDAI website before visiting an Aadhaar centre.
Why Is the Biometric Update Important?
The biometric update is important because a child’s biometric characteristics develop as they grow. Updating the Aadhaar record ensures that the biometric information associated with the Aadhaar reflects the child’s current details.
Parents should therefore keep track of the child’s age and complete the required biometric updates at the prescribed stages.
Key Points Parents Should Remember
- Blue Aadhaar is commonly known as Baal Aadhaar.
- It is issued for children below five years of age.
- Biometrics are not collected during the initial enrolment of a child below five.
- The child’s Aadhaar can be linked with a parent’s Aadhaar as prescribed.
- Biometric information needs to be updated after the child turns five.
- Another mandatory biometric update is required at the age of 15.
- Parents should keep the child’s Aadhaar details updated and follow the latest UIDAI instructions.
Understanding these differences can help parents complete their child’s Aadhaar enrolment and biometric updates at the right time and avoid problems caused by outdated information.
