Free Biometric Update for Childrens Aadhaar Until 2027

New Delhi, November 14: Aadhaar Card is one of the most essential documents for Indians. Whether it’s for school admissions or availing government benefits, Aadhaar is required everywhere. For children, a small blue card is issued, known as the Bal Aadhaar. This card serves as the child’s first official identity when they are born or under five years old. The Bal Aadhaar card contains only the Aadhaar number and a photo, without fingerprints or iris scans. As children grow, their faces change and their fingers grow, making the old card inadequate. This is when the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) becomes necessary.

This Service is Free Until September 30, 2027

On the occasion of Children’s Day, UIDAI has appealed to parents through a video posted on social media platform X to get their children’s biometric updates done immediately. The institution wrote on X, “This Children’s Day, take care of your child’s digital identity along with their bright future! Ensure that your child gets a Bal Aadhaar and completes the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) when they turn 5 and 15 years old. Remember! The MBU service is available free of charge for children aged 5 to 17 until September 30, 2027. Resolve to update your child’s Aadhaar on time this Children’s Day!” A video was also shared along with this message.

Why is Biometric Update Necessary?

Children undergo physical changes over time. It is mandatory to update biometrics (photo, fingerprints, and iris scan) at the ages of 5 and 15. Failure to do so may lead to difficulties in verifying identity for school admissions, scholarships, exams (like NEET, JEE), government schemes, banks, or other places. Updated biometrics ensure accurate identification, allowing the child’s Aadhaar to function smoothly throughout their life. The Aadhaar number remains the same; only the biometric information is updated.

Where is it Useful?

As mentioned, Aadhaar is one of the most crucial documents for Indians. It is used for school and college admissions, obtaining scholarships and government benefits, verifying identity during exams, opening bank accounts, acquiring SIM cards, and applying for passports or driving licenses. Timely updates prevent future complications.

• Inform the operator that you need to update the child’s biometrics.
• A new photo will be taken, along with fingerprints from all 10 fingers and an iris scan from both eyes.

Keep the slip and track the status:

• Make sure to keep the update slip/URN number.
• Check the status on the myAadhaar portal or UIDAI website. Updates typically occur within a few days to a few weeks. Later, you can download the new e-Aadhaar from home.

How Many Times Should Biometric Updates be Done Throughout Life?

According to UIDAI regulations, there is no fixed maximum limit for biometric updates (photo, fingerprints, and iris scan). This means you can update as many times as needed. However, it is mandatory to do this update twice: once when the child turns 5 and again when they turn 15.