Apply Aadhar Card Online For Child

Table of Contents

A Complete Guide to Applying for an Aadhaar Card for Your Child Online (2025-26)

Introduction: Why Your Child Needs Aadhaar

Apply Aadhar Card Online For Child In today’s digitally driven India, the Aadhaar card has evolved from being a voluntary identity proof to a crucial document that integrates citizens with essential services. For a child, an Aadhaar (orBaal Aadhaar, issued for children below 5 years) is more than just a 12-digit number.

It is a foundational identity that simplifies access to a multitude of benefits—from school admissions and availing government subsidies like mid-day meals to opening a bank account, purchasing a life insurance policy, or claiming airline and railway concessions. The government has made the process significantly more parent-friendly by enabling online application and management. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of applying for your child’s Aadhaar card online, clarifying procedures, documents required, and addressing common parental concerns.

Part 1: Understanding Baal Aadhaar vs. Regular Child Aadhaar

First, it’s vital to distinguish between the two types of Aadhaar for minors:

Baal Aadhaar (For children below 5 years):
- Colour:It isbluein colour, unlike the standard white adult Aadhaar.
- Biometrics:No biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan) of the child is captured at this stage. The child’s uniqueness is established throughbiometric authentication of the parent/guardian(usually the mother or father whose details are linked).
- A mandatoryBiometric Updateis required upon turning 5 to re-validate the Aadhaar with the child’s own biometrics.
Regular Aadhaar (For children between 5 and 18 years):
- Colour:Standardwhitecard.
- Biometrics:The child’s own biometrics (all ten fingerprints and both iris scans) are captured during enrolment. Parent/guardian authentication is still required for the process.
- Status:The child remains a minor in the Aadhaar system until age 18, but the Aadhaar is functionally active for most purposes.
- Mandatory Update:At the age of 15, aMandatory Biometric Update (MBU)is required to update the child’s biometrics into adult standards.

The Online Process: While the core biometric capture must happen physically at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, the application process begins online. This involves filling the form, booking an appointment, and gathering the correct documents—all of which can be done from home to ensure a swift, single-visit enrolment.

Part 2: Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Step 1: Pre-requisites and Document Preparation

Before you click “Apply,” ensure you have the following documents ready in scanned/clear photo format:

Proof of Relationship (PoR):This is the most critical document. It establishes the link between the child and the parent/guardian applying. Acceptable documents include:
- SSC/SSLC Certificate with parent’s name
- Central/State government issued family card
- Pension card with family members’ names
Proof of Identity (PoI) for the Child (if available):For older children, a school ID card, passport, or birth certificate can serve as PoI.
Proof of Address (PoA):Any document showing the residential address. This could be in the parent’s name. Examples: Passport, Bank Statement, Voter ID, Utility Bill (not older than 3 months), Ration Card.
Parent’s Aadhaar Card:The Aadhaar of the parent/guardian who will accompany the child for biometrics. This parent’s biometrics will be used for authentication for children under 5.

Step 2: Booking an Appointment Online

Visit the- official –
UIDAI website:
[https://uidai.gov.in/](https://uidai.gov.in/)
or theAadhaar Enrolment & Update Appointment Portal:[https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/](https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/).
Click on “Book an Appointment.”
Select your location (State, District, Sub-district) to find the nearestAadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK). These are larger, dedicated centres with online appointments, ensuring minimal wait times.Note: You can also walk into any permanent enrolment centre, but an appointment guarantees service.
Choose a convenient date and time slot from the available options.
Enter your (parent’s) mobile number—this is mandatoryas all communication and OTPs will be sent here.
You will receive an appointment confirmation slip (with an Appointment ID) via SMS and email. Save or print this.

Step 3: Visiting the Aadhaar Seva Kendra

On the appointment day, visit the centre with:

The child.
Original documents (for verification) and one set of self-attested photocopies.
Appointment confirmation.
The parent whose Aadhaar is being linked for authentication.

The Process at the Centre:

The executive will verify your documents.
For a childbelow 5: The child’s photograph will be taken. The linked parent will provide their fingerprint/iris for authentication. The child’s biometrics arenottaken.
For a childabove 5: The child’s photograph, all ten fingerprints, and iris scans will be captured. Parental authentication is still recorded.
You will be given anAcknowledgement Slipcontaining a 14-digitEnrolment ID (EID)and the date of enrolment.Guard this slip carefully.It is the only way to track the status and download the e-Aadhaar before the physical card arrives.

Step 4: Tracking Status and Downloading e-Aadhaar

Track Status:Go to[https://resident.uidai.gov.in/check-aadhaar-status](https://resident.uidai.gov.in/check-aadhaar-status)and enter the 14-digit EID and the captcha. It will show whether the card is “Generated,” “Under Process,” or if there is a “Rejection” (with reason).
Download e-Aadhaar:Once status shows “Generated,” you can download the electronic, password-protected PDF (e-Aadhaar) from[https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/](https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/). The password is thefirst 4 letters of your child’s name in CAPITALS and the year of birth (YYYY).Example: For RAM KUMAR born in 2020, the password is RAMK2020.
- Important:The e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical card for all purposes.

Step 5: Receiving the Physical Aadhaar Card

The physical card is dispatched by India Post to the registered address within 60 to 90 days of enrolment. You can track the postal delivery using the “Postal Track & Trace” service on the UIDAI website with your EID or Aadhaar number.

Part 3: Crucial Post-Enrolment Updates

Mandatory Biometric Update at Age 5:Youmusttake your child to an Aadhaar centre within 6 months of them turning 5. The old blue Baal Aadhaar is cancelled, and a new white Aadhaar with the child’s biometrics is issued. The Aadhaar numberremains the same. Update is free of cost.
Mandatory Biometric Update at Age 15:This updates the child’s biometrics from juvenile to adult standards. Also free of cost.
Updating Child’s Details Online:Using the parent’s registered mobile number, you can log in to the UIDAI portal and update the child’s address, photograph, or other demographic details online. Biometric updates, however, require a physical visit.
Linking Child’s Aadhaar with Bank Accounts, etc.:Use the e-Aadhaar or physical card to link it to the child’s bank account (minor account), school records, or insurance policies for seamless service delivery.

Part 4: Common Challenges and Solutions

Both Parents Work/Guardian Enrolment:A guardian (like a grandparent) can enrol the child if they have a valid Proof of Relationship document (e.g., a birth certificate naming them or a court guardianship order) and their own Aadhaar.
Document Mismatch in Names:Ensure the child’s name is consistent across documents. If the birth certificate has “Baby of XYZ,” but the school ID has the child’s actual name, carry both documents and a declaration. The enrolling officer will guide you.
No Proof of Address in Parent’s Name:UIDAI allows ahead of family(HoF) to introduce family members. If you live with a relative who has a valid PoA, they can accompany you with their Aadhaar and PoA, and fill a declaration form (HoF form) at the centre.
Lost EID Acknowledgement Slip:Use the “Retrieve Lost UID/EID” service on the UIDAI website using the child’s name, mobile number, and other details.

Part 5: 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Applying for a Child’s Aadhaar Online

FAQ 1: Can I complete my child’s entire Aadhaar application from home without visiting any centre?

Answer:No, aphysical visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolment centre is absolutely mandatory. The crucial steps ofdocument verification, photograph capture, and biometric capture/authenticationmust be done in person by authorised UIDAI operators. This ensures the integrity and security of the identity process.

FAQ 2: What is the cost of applying for a child’s Aadhaar card?

Answer: The enrolment for a child’s Aadhaar (for the first time) is completely free of cost. You should not be charged anything at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra for the initial enrolment. However, if you later request a reprint of the Aadhaar card or need to update certain demographic details at a centre (not online), a nominal fee of ₹50 (inclusive of GST) may be applicable. The mandatory biometric updates at ages 5 and 15 are also free.

FAQ 3: My child is an NRI/OCI cardholder and lives abroad. Can we apply for an Aadhaar?

Answer: Yes, but only if the child resides in India for at least 182 days (over 6 months) in the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application. As per UIDAI regulations, Aadhaar is an identity document for residents of India. You must declare the child’s Indian residence status and provide a valid Indian address proof. A foreign passport and OCI card can be used as Proof of Identity and Address if supported by the Indian visa/residency stay proof.

FAQ 4: What happens if I miss the mandatory biometric update when my child turns 5 or 15?

Answer: The child’s Aadhaar number will not be deactivated immediately, but it may lead to authentication failures when used for services. The UIDAI strongly advises completing the update within the stipulated timeframe to keep the biometric data current and ensure uninterrupted service. The Aadhaar remains valid, but its usability for biometric-based services (like certain bank verifications) may be affected until the update is done.

FAQ 5: Can I use my mobile number for multiple children’s Aadhaar registrations?

Answer: Yes, absolutely. One parent’s mobile number can be linked to the Aadhaar records of all their children. This is standard practice and is actually convenient for the parent, as they will receive all OTPs and status updates for all children on a single number. Ensure you provide the same, active mobile number during each child’s enrolment process.

Conclusion

Applying for your child’s Aadhaar online is a streamlined process designed for parental convenience in its preparatory stages. By understanding the difference between Baal Aadhaar and regular child Aadhaar, preparing the correct documents, and using the online appointment system, you can ensure a hassle-free single-visit enrolment. Remember, the Aadhaar is a lifelong identity that will anchor your child’s interaction with the state and private services.

Proactively managing it—through mandatory updates and timely corrections—is a small but significant step in securing their digital future in India. Always rely on the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) for the most accurate and up-to-date information, and safeguard the enrolled mobile number, as it is the key to all future online services related to your child’s Aadhaar.