Baal Aadhaar card: Minimum age and how to apply online for your child

Aadhaar for children made easy
The government has made Aadhaar enrolment for children of any age—even newborns. It is referred to as the Baal Aadhaar card, and it is blue in colour. It allows children to receive services like school admission, government schemes, and so on. It is simple to get an application done, and one can do it online or at an Aadhaar centre. Just follow the step-by-step procedure to get it easily done.

No age limit—newborns can get Baal Aadhaar
There is no minimum age criteria for issuing a Baal Aadhaar. You can apply for your child's Aadhaar at birth. Children below five years of age do not need biometrics. A facial photograph is captured and the card is linked to one of the parents' Aadhaar numbers. When the child turns five years of age, fingerprinting and iris scans biometrics need to be taken.

Book an online appointment through UIDAI
To initiate the process, go to the UIDAI website and click on the link "Book an Appointment" under the "My Aadhaar" tab. Select your city and Aadhaar Seva Kendra and select new Aadhaar enrolment for child option. When you enter your mobile number, you will be offered an OTP to confirm the appointment. Pick a date and time that is convenient for you to visit the centre.

Visit the Aadhaar centre with the required documents
On the day of appointment, visit the Aadhaar centre with the child and the required documents. The child's birth certificate and one parent's Aadhaar is required. At the Aadhaar centre, the parent gives biometric authentication and permission. The child's photograph is captured, and details are entered. As this is child enrolment, no fingerprints or iris scans are collected at this time.

Aadhaar card delivery and future biometric updates
You will be provided with an acknowledgement slip with an enrolment number when you register. The Aadhaar card is usually released within 60 to 90 days. Once your child attains the age of five, you have to return to an Aadhaar centre to update their biometrics. It is also updated at the age of fifteen. It is free and it is required for keeping the Aadhaar valid for life.

Start early and update in time
Getting a Baal Aadhaar card is an intelligent decision to provide your child with a verified identity right from the beginning. The procedure is easy, cost-free, and involves just some documents. Only remember to make the biometric updates at age five and fifteen to keep the card active and fully functional.