Many Indians are familiar with the standard white Aadhaar card, but a lesser-known blue version exists specifically for young children. This 'Baal Aadhaar' serves as a crucial identity document for those under five, with specific enrollment and update requirements that parents need to understand.
Understanding Baal Aadhaar for Young Children
The blue-colored Aadhaar card, officially termed Baal Aadhaar, is issued by the UIDAI to children who have not yet reached their fifth birthday. Its distinct color helps differentiate it from the regular Aadhaar cards held by older individuals.
Key Differences and Enrollment Process
The primary distinction of Baal Aadhaar lies in its enrollment process. For children below five years of age, the UIDAI does not collect biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans. Instead, the enrollment focuses on capturing the child's demographic details and a photograph. A parent or legal guardian must be present to authenticate the enrollment and provide consent on behalf of the child.
- Details recorded: Name, date of birth, gender, address, and photograph.
- Biometrics: Not collected for children under five.
- Parental involvement: Essential for authentication and consent.
Mandatory Biometric Updates at Ages 5 and 15
The Baal Aadhaar is not a permanent solution without further action. As a child grows, their biometrics change significantly. To ensure the Aadhaar remains a valid and reliable identification tool, two mandatory biometric updates (MBUs) are required:
First Update at Age Five
When a child with a Baal Aadhaar turns five, they must undergo their first MBU. During this update, the child's fingerprints, both iris scans, and a new photograph are captured. It's important to note that the child's Aadhaar number remains unchanged throughout this process.
Second Update at Age Fifteen
Another critical biometric update is mandated when the Aadhaar holder reaches 15 years of age. At this stage, the photograph, fingerprints, and iris scans are updated again to reflect the individual's adult biometrics.
Parents should remember these two crucial ages: five and fifteen, for mandatory biometric updates to keep their child's Aadhaar record current and valid.
Is 'White Aadhaar' an Official Category?
While people commonly refer to the standard Aadhaar letter printed on white paper as 'white Aadhaar,' the UIDAI does not officially categorize it as such. The real difference between the blue card and the regular one is not merely color but pertains to the age of the holder and the biometric information recorded.
Cost of Updates and Waivers
The mandatory biometric updates for children are typically free of charge if completed within specific age windows. The first update is free when done once between the ages of 5 and 7 years. Similarly, the second update is free when completed once between 15 and 17 years. There have also been temporary waivers for children who missed the initial update window, which parents should check with UIDAI for current applicability.
Aadhaar for Newborns
Aadhaar enrollment is available even for newborns. For children born on or after October 1, 2023, a birth certificate is a mandatory document for Aadhaar enrollment. The process for newborns and infants under five follows the Baal Aadhaar guidelines, where only demographic details and a photograph are captured, with parental authentication.
Ultimately, the blue Baal Aadhaar simplifies early enrollment for children, but parents must stay vigilant about the mandatory biometric updates at ages five and fifteen to ensure the card's continued validity and utility for their child's future identification needs.