Aadhaar, a unique 12-digit number, is issued by the UIDAI-Unique Identification Authority of India to the residents of India (irrespective of gender and age). Though the Aadhaar card is primarily useful to adults, children above and below 5 years can also opt for the same. 

They can enroll for the Aadhaar card by filling up the Aadhaar card application form for the child.

Wondering how the whole process works? Read to form a detailed idea of the same.

The Aadhaar card enrollment process for children is similar to that of adults. Parents willing to enroll for an Aadhaar card for children have to go to a nearby Aadhaar enrollment centre and fill in the Aadhaar card application form for the child. 

For children below 5 years, either the mother or the father has to authenticate for the child and give consent for the enrollment by signing the enrollment form. The same process is followed for children between 5-18 years.

At any rate, you would need to acquire a new Aadhaar card application form for your child to initiate this process.

However, if the minor has no document by his/her name, any valid proof of relationship document (e.g., birth certificate) can be utilised for enrolling under the head of the family. On the other hand, if the minor has valid proof of address or proof of identity, like a school ID card, it can be used as an enrollment document.  

While filling out an Aadhaar enrollment form for a child below 5 years, you must know that it does not include biometric data collection. The UID will be processed as per the facial photographs and demographic information that are linked with the parents’ UID.

However, while enrolling for an Aadhaar card for children above 5 years old, the biometric data is collected. Further, the process demands updating the demographic data-biometrics of ten fingers, facial photo, and iris scan when children reach their 15 years threshold. 

An Aadhaar card for a child under 5 is known as a Baal Aadhaar card. It is blue to differentiate it from the unique identity card for adults

Online Method

You can register for children's Aadhaar cards either online or in person. The online method is discussed below in these steps:

Step 1: Log on to the official UIDAI website.

Step 2: Choose your preferred language for viewing the website.

Step 3: In the 'My Aadhaar' tab, click 'Book an Appointment'.

Step 4: Click on the option 'Book an appointment at a UIDAI-run Aadhaar Seva Kendra '. On the next page, click 'Select your City from Below' and tap 'Proceed to Book Appointment'.

Step 5: On the next page, input your mobile number and enter the CAPTCHA code given below. Tap the 'Get OTP' option.

Step 6: Enter the OTP that has arrived on your mobile.

Step 7: Choose the appointment date.

Step 8: On your appointment date, visit the Aadhaar centre.

Step 9: The parent linking the Aadhaar card to the Baal Aadhaar card must provide their biometrics along with the Aadhaar card details at the centre.

Step 10: Submit all the necessary documents along with the application form.

Offline Method

However, if you are willing to take the offline route to enroll for the Aadhaar number for children below 5 years, you must follow the steps below.

Step 1: Visit a nearby Aadhaar Enrollment Centre. (You can also apply for an Aadhaar card online for your child)

Step 2: Fill out the Aadhaar enrollment form and mention your Aadhaar number. 

Step 3: The mother or the father must provide their Aadhaar-related information to enrol their child who is less than five years old.

Step 4: The photograph of your child will be clicked.

Step 5: The address and other demographic information will be collected from the parent’s Aadhaar card. 

Step 6: Provide your child's birth certificate.

Step 7: The Aadhaar executive officer will provide you with the acknowledgement slip containing your child's enrollment number.

Step 8: The enrollment number will help you to check the status of the Aadhaar generation. 

Remember, fingerprints and iris scan data will not be collected when enrolling a child under 5 years in the Aadhaar number. 

After completing this process, you can get the Aadhaar card within 90 days.

The required documents for Aadhaar card enrollment for a child below 5 years are listed below-

• Birth certificate of the child (both original and photocopy)

• Aadhaar card, address proof, identity proof of the child’s parents.

To enroll for the  Aadhaar card for children above 5 years old, you have to follow the mentioned process below.

• Step- 1 - Visit a nearby Aadhaar enrollment centre.
• Step- 2 - Fill in the Aadhaar card application form with all the necessary details.
• Step- 3 - Provide your Aadhaar card number and details in case you do not have any valid proof of address of your child.
• Step- 4 - Submit the form along with other important documents. 
• Step- 5 - The executive will collect the biometric data of your child (10 fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph)
• Step- 6 - After completing the process, an acknowledgement slip will be generated containing the enrollment ID and time and date of enrollment. 
• Step- 7 - Check the status of the Aadhaar with the enrollment ID. 

Note: 

• The Aadhaar card is issued and delivered to the applicant’s address within 90 days.
• When the child reaches the age of 15, he/she has to update the information in the UIDAI database. 

Here is a list of documents required for children's Aadhaar cards that parents must submit while enrolling for the Aadhaar card for their children between 5 and 15 years old. 

• Birth certificate

• Letterhead of the institution containing a bonafide certificate

• School identity proof 

• Mother or father’s Aadhaar card

• Identity certificate issued by a Tehsildar/Gazetted Officer on the letterhead, which must contain the child’s photograph

In addition to the documents mentioned above, parents must furnish any of the documents mentioned below as Proof of Address.

• Either one of the parent's Aadhaar cards.

• The address certificate issued by the Village Panchayat (Head) or anyone having similar authority. 

• The book online appointment MLA/ Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on the letterhead issued the address certificate containing the child's photograph.

Online Method

To update your children’s Aadhaar Card, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Visiting the official website of UIDAI.

Step 2: Click "Update Aadhaar" and "Update Your Aadhaar" to log in with your Aadhaar number and OTP.

Step 3: Choose which details you want to update, like your address or mobile number.

Step 4: Scan the necessary documents related to the update and upload them for verification

Step 5: Verify the information and then submit your request for an update.

Step 6: Receive the URN tracking ID

Step 7: Check the status of your update request on the UIDAI website using the URN.

Offline Method

Here is the alternative offline process to update the Aadhaar Card for children:

Step 1: Schedule an appointment to the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre using the UIDAI portal.

Step 2: Take your child to the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

Step 3: Obtain the Aadhaar Update Form at the centre and fill it out with the necessary details.

Step 4: Submit the filled out Aadhaar Card Update Form

Step 5: Furnish the original documents of the child, such as ID proof, address proof, proof of relationship, date of birth, etc., along with the documents of parents, if required.

Once the biometric process is completed, you will receive the Acknowledgment Slip containing the URN to track the Aadhaar update status.

The Government of India has made Aadhaar enrolment for children free of cost. It involves enrolling and collecting biometric data on children aged 5 to 15. However, a nominal fee of ₹30 applies if the demographic details are updated later. Similarly, updating biometric details at a later stage attracts a fee of ₹30.

To track if your child’s Aadhaar card is generated or updated, keep the Enrollment ID (EID) handy and simply follow the steps mentioned below.

• Visit the official website of UIDAI.
• Click on ‘My Aadhaar.’
• Enter the EID and time and date of enrollment as per the acknowledgment slip.
• Verify the Captcha code.
• Tap on ‘Check Status.’

mAdhaar app facilitates parents to register their mobile number with the child’s Aadhaar card. This app is devised in such a way that it can link up to 3 Aadhaar cards. Parents of such child applicants can access the relevant details any time at any place from their smartphone. These details can be utilised both as a proof of identity and address. 

Now that the parents know how to use the Aadhaar card application form for their child, they can easily complete the enrollment process.

Therefore, enroll for the Aadhaar number of your child immediately and provide him/her with a unique identity number!