Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique random number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all Indian residents and is considered a new-age document which also serves as vital identity (ID) proof.

Aadhaar card has demographic and biometric information collected during the enrolment procedure and is issued free of cost. Enrolment is mandatory for all Indian citizens and this would imply children also come under its purview. The UIDAI has launched a drive to issue Aadhaar cards for kids, which will be known as Baal Aadhaar Cards. For the first time in India, even a newborn baby is eligible for an Aadhaar card.

The Aadhaar enrolment process for children is similar to that of adults. Parents will have to go to the nearest enrolment centre and fill in the form with the requisite details. The Aadhaar card for a child will be issued free of cost and there will be no biometric data captured for children below 5 years of age. However, the Aadhaar Card of the child will need to be updated with his/her demographic data — biometrics of ten fingers, facial photo, and iris scan when they turn 5 and again at 15.

Guidelines for Children’s Aadhaar Card (Below 5 Years of Age):

  • Visit the official website of UIDAI www.uidai.gov.in
  • Click on the Aadhaar Card registration link
  • Enter all the personal information required, such as the name of the child, the parent’s phone number, and e-mail address among others. You will also need to fill out the Aadhaar Enrolment Form
  • The next step is to add demographic details that include residential address, locality, district/town, state and so on
  • Click on the appointment button and schedule the date of registration for the Aadhaar Card
  • The applicant/parent/guardian can choose the nearest centre to proceed further with the enrolment process
  • Visit the enrolment centre on the date of the appointment along with all the necessary documents — the child’s birth certificate, parent/s Aadhaar card photocopies and others. Also, take a reference number along with the documents
  • The Aadhaar officer will verify all the documents and if the child is aged 5 years, then the biometric information will be obtained, and it will be linked to the Aadhaar card. In case the child is below five years, only a photograph will be taken, and no biometric data will be required
  • Post confirmation/verification process, the applicant will be given an acknowledgement number which can be used to track the status of the application
  • The applicant will receive a notification via SMS on the registered mobile number within 60 days
  • After the completion of the enrolment process, you will receive the Baal Aadhaar card within 90 days

Guidelines for Baal Aadhaar Card:

  • Visit the nearest Aadhaar Card Enrollment Centre with the required documents
  • Inform the concerned official about the enrolment of Aadhaar cards for children and get a form
  • Fill in all the requisite information and submit the same to the officials with supporting documents
  • The parent’s Aadhaar card details and mobile number must be provided at the time of submission of the enrolment form
  • After the verification process, a photograph of the child will be taken. Biometrics will not be collected from children up to the age of five
  • If the age of the child is five years or above, then photograph and biometric information such as an iris scan and fingerprints will be collected
  • Post confirmation, collect the acknowledgement slip given at the centre for further reference
  • After completion of the above process, you will receive an SMS within 60 days, and the Baal Aadhaar will be issued within 60 days after receiving the SMS.

The documents required for Aadhaar for children aged five years to 15 years are listed below:

  • Child’s birth certificate

Any of the following can be used as address proof:

  • Aadhaar card of a parent
  • In the case of rural regions, an address certificate issued by the Village Panchayat Head or a similar authority Address certificate provided on a letterhead by the MP or MLA/Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar including a photograph of the child

Any of the following can be used as identity proof:

  • Aadhaar card of a parent
  • School ID card
  • Identity certificate issued on a letterhead by the Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar, featuring the child’s photograph
  • Bonafide certificate on the institution’s letterhead