Aadhaar card has now become one of the most important identity documents in India.
From school admissions and bank accounts to government welfare schemes, Aadhaar is required almost everywhere.
But many parents still wonder how to apply for an Aadhaar card for a newborn or small child.
The good news is that UIDAI also issues Aadhaar cards for children, known as “Baal Aadhaar.”
Here’s everything parents need to know about the Baal Aadhaar card process.
What Is A Baal Aadhaar Card?
Children below 5 years of age are issued a special Aadhaar card called “Baal Aadhaar.”
This Aadhaar card is blue in color and is linked with the Aadhaar details of one of the parents.
Unlike adult Aadhaar cards, biometric details such as fingerprints and iris scans are not collected from children below 5 years because these features are still developing.
Only the child’s photograph is taken during enrollment.
Who Is Eligible For Baal Aadhaar?
To apply for a Baal Aadhaar card, the child must be an Indian resident.
According to UIDAI rules, any child — including a newborn — who has stayed in India for at least 182 days in the last 12 months is eligible for Aadhaar enrollment.
Parents must also provide their Aadhaar details during the application process.
Documents Required For Child Aadhaar Card
Parents need to keep a few important documents ready before visiting the Aadhaar center.
Required documents include:
Child’s birth certificate or hospital discharge slip
Aadhaar card of either mother or father
Proof of local residence/address
Photograph of the child
The child’s Aadhaar is linked to the parent’s Aadhaar number, making parental verification mandatory.
Step-By-Step Process To Apply For Baal Aadhaar
Applying for a child’s Aadhaar card is a simple process.
Step 1: Visit UIDAI Website Or Aadhaar Seva Kendra
Parents can book an appointment through the official UIDAI website or directly visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Step 2: Fill The Enrollment Form
Enter the child’s details along with the Aadhaar number of either parent.
Step 3: Submit Documents
Submit the required documents including:
Birth certificate
Address proof
Parent’s Aadhaar
Child’s photograph
Step 4: Parent Biometric Verification
Since biometrics of children below 5 are not collected, the parent’s fingerprint or iris scan is used for verification.
Step 5: Collect Acknowledgement Slip
After enrollment, parents receive an acknowledgement slip with an enrollment ID that can be used to track Aadhaar status online.
Important Rules Parents Should Know
Biometric updates become mandatory after the child turns 5 years old.
At that stage, parents must visit an Aadhaar center again to update:
Fingerprints
Iris scan
Photograph
Another biometric update is required once the child turns 15 years old.
UIDAI has also clarified that Aadhaar enrollment and biometric updates for children are completely free.
Why Baal Aadhaar Is Important
A child’s Aadhaar card is useful for:
School admissions
Government schemes
Bank-related work
Scholarships and benefits
Identity verification
As Aadhaar usage continues to increase across India, getting a Baal Aadhaar early can help parents avoid future hassles.
