👶 Complete Guide: Baal Aadhaar for Children
Step-by-Step Process to Get Aadhaar for Newborns, Babies & Kids (0-18 Years)
✓ Updated December 2025 | Verified Solutions | Expert ApprovedWhy Your Child Needs Aadhaar in 2026
📋 Critical Information
Aadhaar is now MANDATORY for school admissions, government benefits, and bank account openings for children. Schools ask for Aadhaar during admission. Government schemes require Aadhaar for scholarship, insurance, and welfare benefits. Getting your child\’s Aadhaar early (even as newborn) saves months of trouble later.
Did you know? Over 40 million Indian children still don\’t have Aadhaar, missing out on government scholarships, health benefits, and proper identification. Aadhaar is completely FREE for children and takes just 5-10 minutes to apply.
🎯 Benefits of Child Aadhaar
- ✓ School Admissions: Most schools now require Aadhaar for registration
- ✓ Government Scholarships: Cannot claim scholarships without Aadhaar
- ✓ Health Insurance: PM-JAY Ayushman Bharat insurance uses Aadhaar as ID
- ✓ Bank Accounts: Opening minor\’s bank account requires Aadhaar
- ✓ Passport/Travel: Aadhaar speeds up passport processing for children
- ✓ Government Benefits: Nutrition programs, welfare schemes use Aadhaar verification
- ✓ Legal Identity: Official proof of identity and citizenship
🚀 Get Your Child\’s Aadhaar in 5 Minutes
Don\’t delay. School season requires Aadhaar. Apply online, visit center once, done. Complete process takes less time than school admission forms.
Start Aadhaar Application for Your Child NowTypes of Aadhaar for Children (Explained)
What is Baal Aadhaar?
Baal Aadhaar is a special Aadhaar card ONLY for children below 5 years. \”Baal\” means \”child\” in Hindi. It\’s blue in color (regular Aadhaar is white) so you can instantly see it\’s for a child. Baal Aadhaar is linked to parent\’s Aadhaar number, meaning the child\’s identity is connected to the parent\’s ID in the UIDAI system.
Baal Aadhaar (Blue Card)
Age: Below 5 years (0-4 years)
Color: Blue
Biometrics: NO fingerprints or iris scan
What\’s Captured: Only photo + demographic details
Fee: Completely FREE
Processing: 60-90 days
Parent\’s Role: MANDATORY—parent visits center
Regular Aadhaar (White Card)
Age: 5-15 years
Color: White
Biometrics: YES—10 fingerprints + iris scan
What\’s Captured: Photo + all biometrics
Fee: Completely FREE
Processing: 60-90 days
Update at Age 5: Upgrade from Baal to Regular Aadhaar (add biometrics)
Teen Aadhaar (Re-enrollment)
Age: 15 years (mandatory update)
Color: White (same card)
Biometrics: YES—recapture fingerprints + iris
Why Needed: Biometrics change during puberty
Fee: Completely FREE
Processing: 60-90 days
Automatic Notification: UIDAI sends SMS when child turns 15
Age-Based Timeline for Child Aadhaar
| Child\’s Age | Aadhaar Type | Biometrics? | Card Color | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn to 5 years | Baal Aadhaar | NO (Photo only) | 🔵 Blue | Linked to parent\’s Aadhaar. Parent must visit center. |
| 5 years (turning 5) | Regular Aadhaar | YES (First time) | ⚪ White | Upgrade from Baal Aadhaar. Child + parent visit center for biometrics. |
| 5-15 years | Regular Aadhaar | YES (Already done) | ⚪ White | Can be updated for name/address change. Re-enrollment NOT needed unless expired. |
| 15 years (turning 15) | Same Card | YES (Recapture) | ⚪ White | Biometrics updated again (mandatory). UIDAI sends automatic SMS. Visit center once. |
| 18+ years | Adult Aadhaar | YES (unchanged) | ⚪ White | Automatically upgraded when turns 18. No action needed. Same Aadhaar for life. |
How to Get Baal Aadhaar (Children Below 5 Years)
✓ Easy Process: No Biometrics Needed
For children below 5, biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan) is NOT collected. Only child\’s photo + parent\’s biometrics are taken. This makes process fast and hassle-free for babies and toddlers.
Documents Required (Below 5 Years)
- ✓ Child\’s Birth Certificate (or hospital discharge slip if born recently)
- ✓ Parent\’s Aadhaar Card (at least ONE parent must have Aadhaar; if not, parent must get Aadhaar first)
- ✓ Parent\’s Mobile Number (for OTP during enrollment)
- ✓ Proof of Address (can use parent\’s Aadhaar itself)
- ✓ Passport-Size Photo of Child (optional—ASK can click photo at center)
✅ Step-by-Step: Get Baal Aadhaar Online
Book Appointment Online at UIDAI
Visit www.uidai.gov.in → Click \”Book an Appointment\” under \”My Aadhaar\” section. Enter your mobile number → Get OTP → Select your state, district, and nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK). Pick a date and time slot. You\’ll receive confirmation SMS with enrollment details.
Gather All Documents
Prepare: 1) Original birth certificate or hospital discharge slip 2) Parent\’s original Aadhaar card 3) Photocopy of parent\’s Aadhaar (optional) 4) Passport-size photo of child (if not clicking at center). Keep all documents handy.
Visit ASK on Appointment Date
Visit your booked Aadhaar Seva Kendra with child and all documents. Arrive on time (early by 10 min is better). Check-in at reception. Staff will call you for enrollment. Bring your appointment confirmation SMS.
Fill Enrollment Form at Center
ASK staff provides \”Baal Aadhaar Enrollment Form\” (also called \”Minor Enrollment Form\”). Parent fills: Child\’s name, date of birth, gender, address. Staff will verify all details match birth certificate exactly.
Parent Provides Biometric Authentication
PARENT MUST BE PRESENT. Parent (whose Aadhaar is being linked) provides: 1) Fingerprints of all 10 fingers on biometric scanner 2) Iris scan of both eyes 3) Photo verification. Child does NOT provide any biometrics at this stage.
Child\’s Photo is Captured
ASK operator takes child\’s digital photo (child is clicked on spot). Staff may ask child to smile or look straight at camera for good photo. Photo is attached to Baal Aadhaar. You don\’t need to bring separate passport photo.
Verify Documents & Consent
Parent reviews all information on screen/form to ensure it matches birth certificate. Parent signs consent form confirming: 1) Child belongs to the parent 2) Information is correct 3) Agreeing to link child\’s Aadhaar to parent\’s Aadhaar.
Receive Acknowledgment Slip
ASK operator prints \”Acknowledgment Slip\” showing: 1) 14-digit Enrollment ID (EID) 2) Application date 3) Estimated delivery date. SAVE THIS SLIP. You\’ll need EID to track Baal Aadhaar status and check when it arrives.
Track Baal Aadhaar Generation Status
Visit www.uidai.gov.in → \”Check Status\” → Enter Enrollment ID + date → You\’ll see status updates: \”Under Process\” → \”Processed\” → \”Generated\” → \”Dispatched\”. Check every 10 days.
Receive Baal Aadhaar by Mail
Once generated (usually 60-90 days), Baal Aadhaar will be mailed to your address (address used during enrollment). You\’ll receive SMS notification with postal tracking number. Physical blue card arrives 1-2 weeks after generation notification.
⚡ Fast-Track Tips: Get Baal Aadhaar Faster
- 💡 Book Early Morning Appointments (6-9 AM): Zero queues, faster processing, more staff attention
- 💡 Ensure Birth Certificate is Clear: Photocopy should be 100% readable. Blurry copies cause rejection
- 💡 Parent Must Have Valid Aadhaar: Check parent\’s Aadhaar status on UIDAI portal BEFORE visiting. If expired/inactive, won\’t work
- 💡 Keep Mobile Number Active: Parent\’s Aadhaar-linked mobile should be ON during enrollment (OTP will be sent)
- 💡 Don\’t Update Details Later: Avoid updating baby\’s name/address right after enrollment. Wait 3 months for first application to settle
👶 Apply for Baal Aadhaar Today
No fee, completely free for all children. Appointments available online. Choose morning slot, visit once, done.
Book Baal Aadhaar Appointment NowHow to Get Aadhaar for Children 5-15 Years (With Biometrics)
ℹ️ Big Change at Age 5
When your child turns 5 years old, BIOMETRIC DATA IS NOW MANDATORY. This is a legal requirement. Child\’s fingerprints and iris scan are captured for verification. If child already has Baal Aadhaar, you must upgrade to regular Aadhaar by visiting ASK for biometric enrollment.
Documents Required (5-15 Years)
- ✓ Child\’s Birth Certificate
- ✓ Parent\’s Aadhaar Card (at least ONE parent)
- ✓ School ID Card (with photo and date of birth)
- ✓ Passport or Voter ID (if child has any)
- ✓ Parent\’s ID Proof (for verification of parent-child relationship)
✅ Process: Regular Aadhaar for 5-15 Year Old
Book Appointment for Child\’s Aadhaar
Visit www.uidai.gov.in → \”Book Appointment\” → Select \”New Aadhaar Enrollment\” → Choose your location and time slot. For children 5+, regular enrollment process (same as adults) but child\’s biometrics are collected.
Prepare Documents & Child for Biometrics
Before visiting ASK: 1) Ensure child\’s hands are clean and dry (moisture affects fingerprint scanner) 2) Eyes rested (helps with iris scan) 3) Have all documents ready 4) Arrive 10 min early
Visit ASK with Child & Parent
BOTH child and parent visit the center. Parent is present for verification of relationship and consent. Fill enrollment form with child\’s correct information.
Child Provides Biometric Data
Fingerprints: All 10 fingers scanned on biometric device. Child places each finger firmly on scanner. Takes 2-3 minutes. Iris Scan: Child looks at iris scanner, blinks once, opens eyes fully. Both eyes scanned. Photo: Digital photo of child taken.
Parent Authentication & Verification
Parent verifies child\’s details are correct. Parent provides consent by signing enrollment form. Parent\’s Aadhaar details are linked as Head of Family for the child.
Receive Acknowledgment & Track Status
Same as Baal Aadhaar process. Get Enrollment ID, track on UIDAI portal, receive regular (white) Aadhaar by mail in 60-90 days.
Special Case: If Child Already Has Baal Aadhaar
Turning 5 years old? Your child\’s blue Baal Aadhaar automatically needs upgrade. Action needed: Visit ASK to enroll child\’s biometrics (same process as above). UIDAI will issue new WHITE regular Aadhaar card with biometric data added. Old blue Baal Aadhaar becomes inactive.
⚠️ At Age 15: Biometric Update Required
When child turns 15, biometric data MUST be recaptured. UIDAI sends automatic SMS notification. Visit ASK, provide fingerprints and iris scan again (biometrics change during puberty). Process is FREE and takes 10 minutes. New Aadhaar card issued with updated biometrics.
Complete Documents Checklist for Child Aadhaar
For Baal Aadhaar (Below 5 Years): MINIMUM Documents
- Child\’s birth certificate (MANDATORY)
- Hospital discharge slip (if birth certificate not issued yet)
- ONE parent\’s Aadhaar card (parent must have active Aadhaar)
- Parent\’s mobile number (for OTP)
- Address proof (parent\’s Aadhaar serves as proof)
For Regular Aadhaar (5-15 Years): ADDITIONAL Documents
- Child\’s birth certificate
- School identity card (with photo and DOB)
- ONE parent\’s Aadhaar card
- Parent\’s ID proof (PAN, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License)
- Any government-issued identity of child (Passport, if applicable)
Acceptable Documents Listed by UIDAI
| Document Type | Acceptable For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity (PoI) | For child\’s identity verification | Birth certificate, School ID, Passport, Discharge slip |
| Proof of Address (PoA) | For child\’s residential address | Parent\’s Aadhaar, School ID, Passport, Parent\’s address proof |
| Proof of Relationship (PoR) | To verify parent-child relationship | Birth certificate (with parent\’s name), Marriage certificate, Family entitlement document |
| Proof of Date of Birth (DoB) | For child\’s DOB verification | Birth certificate (BEST), School certificate, Discharge slip, Passport |
⚠️ Documents That WON\’T Work (Common Mistakes)
- ❌ Blurry or illegible birth certificate
- ❌ Birth certificate in regional language (must be in English or Hindi)
- ❌ Expired or cancelled parent\’s Aadhaar
- ❌ Parent\’s Aadhaar card that doesn\’t match child\’s name/address
- ❌ School ID without date of birth
- ❌ Handwritten or self-created documents
- ❌ Attestation letters without official seal (for alternative documents)
Online vs Offline: Which Method is Best?
Online Method (RECOMMENDED) – Book Appointment
- ✅ No waiting time at center
- ✅ Guaranteed appointment slot
- ✅ Faster processing during appointment
- ✅ Can choose convenient date/time
- ✅ SMS reminders sent automatically
How: Visit www.uidai.gov.in → Book appointment online → Get SMS confirmation → Visit on scheduled date.
Offline Method – Walk-In to ASK
- ✗ Long waiting time (2-4 hours)
- ✗ No guaranteed appointment slot
- ✗ May be turned away if center is full
- ✓ Immediate processing if slot available
How: Find nearest ASK → Visit directly during working hours → Fill form on-spot → Get served on queue basis.
VERDICT: Online method saves 3-4 hours of waiting. Highly recommended for families with small kids (infants get restless in queues).
Common Errors During Process & Solutions
Problem: \”Biometric Capture Failed\”
Reason: Child\’s fingers wet/dirty, iris too close/far from scanner, child moved during capture.
Solution: Wash hands with dry towel before biometric. For iris, keep eyes steady, don\’t blink during scan. Ask staff to retry (they allow 2-3 attempts).
Problem: \”Birth Certificate Not Readable\”
Reason: Photocopy is blurry, faded, or missing text.
Solution: Make new clear photocopy. Test print quality before going to center. Original certificate must be legible.
Problem: \”Parent\’s Aadhaar Invalid/Inactive\”
Reason: Parent\’s Aadhaar was cancelled, suspended, or not active.
Solution: Check parent\’s Aadhaar status on UIDAI portal BEFORE visiting center. If inactive, reactivate parent\’s Aadhaar first (takes 2-3 days). Then apply for child\’s Aadhaar.
FAQs: Google\’s Most Searched Child Aadhaar Questions
Based on Google search trends and common questions asked on government forums, here are answers to questions people ask most:
▼ Q1: At what age can I apply for Aadhaar for my child?
A: AADHAAR CAN BE APPLIED AT ANY AGE—EVEN FOR NEWBORNS (within days of birth). There is NO minimum age. If you\’ve just had a baby, you can apply for Baal Aadhaar immediately using hospital discharge slip instead of birth certificate (until formal certificate is issued). Many parents apply within first week of baby\’s birth.
▼ Q2: What if my child doesn\’t have a birth certificate yet?
A: You can use HOSPITAL DISCHARGE SLIP (issued by hospital during delivery) as proof of identity. Once birth certificate is issued by municipal corporation (usually within 1-2 months), you can update it. For Baal Aadhaar, discharge slip is fully acceptable.
▼ Q3: Do both parents need to be present for child\’s Aadhaar?
A: NO. Only ONE parent needs to be present (parent whose Aadhaar is being linked). If child is with single parent or legal guardian, that person alone can complete the process. Both parents\’ Aadhaar numbers may be needed IF both are in child\’s name on birth certificate, but only ONE parent needs to physically visit the center.
▼ Q4: Is Aadhaar for children mandatory or optional?
A: Currently NOT mandatory by law, BUT practically essential because: 1) Schools require it for admission 2) Government scholarships need it 3) Health insurance (PM-JAY) uses it as ID 4) Opening bank accounts for children requires it. So while not technically mandatory, it\’s necessary for practical purposes.
▼ Q5: How long does it take to get child\’s Aadhaar?
A: Processing takes 60-90 days from date of enrollment. However, you can download e-Aadhaar (digital version) immediately once status shows \”Generated\” (without waiting for physical card by mail). You can use e-Aadhaar instantly for school admission, banks, etc. Physical card arrives 1-2 weeks after generation.
▼ Q6: Can I get Baal Aadhaar for child born outside India (NRI child)?
A: YES. If child is born outside India but parents are Indian residents, child can get Aadhaar as NRI child. Will need: 1) Passport of child 2) Parent\’s Aadhaar 3) Proof that family resided in India for 182+ days in last 12 months. Process is similar but \”NRI Child\” option is selected during enrollment.
▼ Q7: What happens at age 5? Do I need new Aadhaar?
A: YES, biometric update is mandatory when child turns 5. Old blue Baal Aadhaar becomes outdated. Must visit ASK to add child\’s biometric data (fingerprints + iris scan). New WHITE regular Aadhaar card will be issued. UIDAI sends SMS notification when child is about to turn 5 and again after. Process is free.
▼ Q8: My child is above 5 but doesn\’t have Aadhaar. Can I still apply?
A: Absolutely YES. Aadhaar is available for children of ALL ages. You\’ll apply as \”New Enrollment\” (not upgrade from Baal Aadhaar). Biometric data will be captured immediately. Processing same as regular Aadhaar (60-90 days). Fee is completely free.
▼ Q9: How much does child\’s Aadhaar cost?
A: COMPLETELY FREE FOR CHILDREN. There is zero fee for Baal Aadhaar, regular Aadhaar, or any biometric updates for children. Some private agencies may charge ₹500-1000 for \”assistance\” but this is optional. Direct UIDAI enrollment is 100% free.
▼ Q10: Can child use e-Aadhaar instead of physical card?
A: YES, e-Aadhaar is 100% valid. Once Aadhaar is \”Generated\”, download e-Aadhaar (PDF) from www.uidai.gov.in/myaadhar → Enter Aadhaar number → Get OTP → Download digital copy. Physical card arrives later, but e-Aadhaar works immediately for schools, banks, scholarships—everything. You don\’t HAVE to wait for physical card.
Complete Your Child\’s Aadhaar Application Today
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Complete Readiness Checklist: Before You Visit ASK
- Birth certificate (original + 1 photocopy) ready
- Parent\’s Aadhaar card (original + 1 photocopy) ready
- Parent\’s mobile number is active (for OTP)
- Online appointment booked on www.uidai.gov.in
- SMS confirmation received with appointment details
- Child\’s hands will be clean and dry (for biometric)
- Child will be well-rested before appointment
- Arriving 10-15 minutes early to center
- Pen ready to fill enrollment form at center
- Noted down ASK address and phone number
- All family members\’ Aadhaar numbers noted
- Downloaded this guide for reference
✅ You\’re Ready!
If you\’ve checked all items, you\’re 100% prepared for smooth child Aadhaar enrollment. No complications, no rejections, instant processing. Follow this guide exactly and your child\’s Baal Aadhaar will arrive within 60-90 days.