Aadhaar Card Alert: Free biometric update for kids aged 7–15 for one year; what parents need to know

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In a move aimed at speeding up Aadhaar corrections for children, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a one-year waiver on charges for the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU-I) for children aged 7 to 15 years. UIDAI issues Baal or Blue Aadhaar Card particularly for children.

Under Aadhaar rules, every Aadhaar number holder must update their biometric details twice — once at the age of 5 and again at 15. While biometric updates for children aged 5–7 years and 15–17 years were already free, the 7–15 age group previously had to pay a fee for MBU-I.

The change in fee is effective from October 1, 2025.

To reduce the large backlog of pending biometric updates in this category, UIDAI has now decided to make MBU-I completely free for all children aged 7–15 years for one year, starting 1 October 2025.

The authority said the decision has been taken in “mission mode” to encourage parents and guardians to complete the pending biometric updates without delay. The circular also mentions that the order has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.

Biometrics are not required at the time of enrollment; however, after the age of five, the child's Aadhaar becomes needed, and again at the age of 15, which is referred to as the second MBU.

It is important to note that while updating Aadhaar biometric, the child’s photo, fingerprints, and iris scans are updated in the system. The process of updating biometric can easily be done at the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra. Parents can check UIDAI website which provides information on the nearest centre.

For updating the information, the child’s Baal Aadhaar card, along with the parents’ or guardians’ Aadhaar card is required for verification.