Children under 5 years of age will not have their biometrics captured. UIDs are generated based on demographic information and facial photographs linked to their parents' UIDs. On their fifth and fifteenth birthdays, these children will be required to update their biometrics, which include ten fingers, an iris, and a photograph of their face.

Overview

In 2009, the government of India set up the UIDAI or the Unique Identification Authority of India, to bring to the fore a system that allocated unique identification numbers to every citizen of India solely for identification. Until then, most Indians used other government documents such as PAN cards, passports, Driving Licences and Voter IDs as ID cards. The Aadhaar card is solely for identification and is linked to all the other documents issued by the government to the citizens. 

Given that the Aadhaar registrations began only in 2017, most people from this generation and above got their Aadhaar cards well into adulthood. And the next generation will be allotted an Aadhaar number as soon as they are born. But what about the generation dependent and minors when the Aadhaar system was rolled out? How do we apply for an Aadhaar card for them?

In this article, we will cover the process and requirements for getting an Aadhaar card for children.

Aadhar Card For Children Below Five

This category is for those children who can be classified as toddlers. Here is a look at the salient features of Aadhaar enrolment for children below the age of five in India;

Children below the age of five and as young as newly born are eligible for Aadhaar enrolment.

In such cases, biometric data is not mandatory as the child is very young. As a result, the Aadhaar contains the child’s photo as proof of identity. As verification, one of the parents will have to provide their valid Aadhaar cards. If both parents don’t have a valid Aadhaar, they will have to enrol before issuing one for their child.

Let us first take a look at the documents that need to be kept in handy while making the application

• Original birth certificate
• Either parent’s Aadhaar card’s original 

Here’s a look at how you can apply for an Aadhaar if your child is less than five years old

1. Go to your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra. 
2. To locate the nearest centre, you can use the UIDAI database.
3. Request for an Aadhaar enrolment form from the officials there.
4. Fill out the Enrollment Form, and mention the Aadhaar number you use as validation for the request.
5. Since either parent has to provide their Aadhaar details for enrollment, get yourself enrolled first if neither parent has a valid Aadhaar.
6. Next, the officials will take a photo of your child.
7. The parent’s Aadhaar will help with the other demographic details, such as address. 
8. In most cases, the officials ask for the child’s birth certificate. 
9. There is no need for fingerprint and iris scans for children under five.
10. After all this, the officials will provide an acknowledgement slip with a URN that helps you track your Aadhaar card status.

Aadhaar Card For Children Between Five And Fifteen

The Aadhar card enrolment for children between the ages of 5 and 15 years works the same way as that of adults in India. This is because the UIDAI needs to differentiate between children of these ages and adults regarding Aadhaar enrolment. Here is a quick look at the salient features parents need to be aware of regarding Aadhaar card enrolment for children between five and fifteen;

The Aadhaar card enrollment process closely resembles that followed for adults. The main difference between the two approaches is the documents that must be submitted.

Children between these ages must submit biometric data, including scans of all fingers and irises. They also have to update their photograph when they hit fifteen. The child must submit their birth certificate as proof of identity in all cases. If the biometrics do not match, later on, the data can be maintained and updated as required.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card for Child

• Birth certificate 
• Identity Proof:
• School ID card
• Bonafide certificate from the educational institute
• Either parent’s Aadhaar card
• ID certificate with a photo issued by a Gazetted Officer, or Tehsildar
• Proof of Address:
• Either parent’s Aadhaar card
• Address certificate by an MP/MLA/Tehsildar/Gazetted Officer/Village Panchayat Head 

Aadhaar if Your Child Is Between the Ages of Five and Fifteen

1. Go to your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Seva Kendra to apply for the card. 
2. Request for an Aadhaar enrollment form from the officials there.
3. Fill out the Enrolment Form, and mention all the required details. 
4. If you do not have another valid address proof, either parent can use their Aadhaar as Address proof.
5. Submit the duly filled form with all the required supporting documents.
6. Next, the officials will take a photo of your child.
7. Afterwards, they will take the child’s biometrics, including fingerprints and iris.
8. After all this, the officials will provide an acknowledgement slip with a URN and date of enrolment that helps you track your Aadhaar card status.
9. In most cases, the Aadhaar card will reach the address provided within 90 days.
10. As and when the child reaches the age of fifteen, they will have to get their biometric details updated.

Things To Know About Aadhaar Enrolment For Children

• Parents also have the option to register their mobile number with the child’s Aadhaar.
• The mAadhaar (aadhaar app) helps parents store and carry their children’s Aadhaar cards as the application has enough space to store three cards.
• mAadhaar also helps parents manage their ward’s cards and access them anywhere to serve as proof of age, identity or address.
• Such facilities are available for parents whose children are below five or between the ages of five and fifteen.
• Parents should compulsorily update the Aadhaar card of their children after they cross the age of fifteen, and the process only takes minutes. 
• Children below five have a unique blue-coloured Aadhaar called the Baal Aadhaar. However, this is only valid for children over the age of five. 
• The Baal Aadhaar also takes 90 days to reach the recipient at their prescribed address. 

Check Track Status of Baal Aadhaar Card

You can use the acknowledgment number To check the application’s status. Follow the steps below to monitor your request:

• Step 1: Visit the official portal and select the ‘Check Aadhaar Status’ link located within the ‘Check Aadhaar Status’ section
• Step 2: Input the 28-digit SRN code you received on your mobile phone via SMS
• Step 3: Enter the UID number

Step 4: Provide the security code and proceed by clicking the ‘Submit’ button

Conclusion

As far as government registrations and certifications are concerned, everything is simple. The forms themselves can be lengthy and confusing. Upon that, the process from the initiation stage to the registration stage can be harrowing. So it is always best to seek the guidance of an expert or a professional who knows the nuances of the procedures and the documentation. 

Contact us today if you have any further queries regarding your Aadhaar Card or require legal assistance. We will ensure you are connected to our team of experienced professionals to help you with your requirements.

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