Aadhaar card latest update: Want to apply Aadhaar for your newborn baby? Check online and offline step-by-step-guide

The Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Government of India to every resident of India.

The Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Government of India to every resident of India. The Aadhaar number is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).  It can be used as a verified proof of identity. It is linked to a person’s biometric data, such as fingerprints, along with other demographic information such as photograph, address, and date of birth. Over the years, Aadhaar has been recognised as one of the most important documents for every Indian, not only for identity proof but as a gateway to a myriad of services. Nowadays, in a digitally driven and fast-paced environment, an Aadhaar card is a necessary document for almost any type of official work, including opening a bank account, applying for government schemes, completing KYC verification for monetary transactions, and operating online.

A special version of Aadhaar is issued for newborns, or Baal Aadhaar (Child Aadhaar). Child Aadhaar contains the child’s name, photo, date of birth and gender and is linked to the Aadhaar number of one of the parents. No biometric details (fingerprints or an iris scan) are needed for children of this age group.

Aadhaar must be linked to many other identity documents, such as pan card. If you are planning to travel internationally, then getting a Baal Aadhaar for your infant is even more relevant. Below we describe all the documentation required and the complete process of obtaining a Baal Aadhaar in a step-by-step manner, so it can be easy.

How to Apply for Baal Aadhaar for Children Under 5 Years?

It is to be noted that Baal Aadhaar can be applied either through online mode or offline method.

Online Method (Booking an Appointment) for Baal Aadhaar

• First, you must visit the UIDAI official website.
• Then you go to ‘My Aadhaar’, and then click on ‘Book an Appointment’.
• You will need to enter your city name and your mobile number.
• You will get an OTP on your mobile number to verify.
• You will next select the date and time to visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra or the enrollment centre.
• Biometric verification and Aadhaar details must be provided by the parent whose Aadhaar details will be linked.
• You would then need to submit the child’s documents along with the application form.
• The Baal Aadhaar card will be mailed to your address after proper processing.
• You can also check or download it from the UIDAI website.

Offline process for applying for Baal Aadhaar

• To apply for Baal Aadhaar in an offline manner, the first step is to go to the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in your area.
• In the Enrolment Centre, you will be required to fill out the form, submit the child’s documents. The parent will provide their biometric and Aadhaar data.
• Once this is completed, you will receive an acknowledgement slip with the enrolment ID. Store this slip, as it can be used to track the status of your child’s Baal Aadhaar.
• Your child’s Baal Aadhaar will be sent via post, generally within 60 to 90 days.

What documents are necessary for getting Baal Aadhaar?

You will need the following documents:

• The child’s birth certificate or hospital discharge slip
• The Aadhaar card of either the mother or the father (because the child’s Aadhaar is linked to only one of the two parents):
• Address proof (which can be the parent’s Aadhaar card, or a certificate issued by the local authority).

What to do when the child becomes 5 years old or above?

After the child turns 5 years old or above, biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan and photograph) will be collected for Aadhaar to be updated. If Aadhaar was issued to the child when they were below 5 years of age, then the biometric data must be updated once the child turns 5. When the child turns 15, Aadhaar must be updated (re-enrolment of biometrics and photograph). If you want to update any details between the ages of 5 and 15, you can visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and have it updated for the applicable fee.