Child Aadhaar Card Online Application: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Introduction

Child Aadhar Card Online Apply In today’s digital India, the Aadhaar card has become an essential identity document for citizens of all ages, including children. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has streamlined the process for obtaining an Aadhaar card for minors through both online and offline channels. This comprehensive guide will walk parents through the entire process of applying for a Child Aadhaar Card (Bal Aadhaar) online, addressing common concerns, and providing practical tips for a smooth application experience.

Understanding Child Aadhaar (Bal Aadhaar)

Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to understand what a Child Aadhaar card is and how it differs from a regular Aadhaar card.

What is Bal Aadhaar?
Bal Aadhaar is a unique identity document issued to children below the age of 5 years. It features the child’s photograph along with the parent’s or guardian’s details. Unlike standard Aadhaar cards, Bal Aadhaar is issued in blue color to distinguish it as a child’s document.

Key Features:

• Blue-colored card indicating it’s for children under 5
• Linked to one parent’s Aadhaar number
• No biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan) collected for children under 5
• Requires mandatory biometric update when the child turns 5 and again at 15

Why is Child Aadhaar Important?

1. Identity Proof:Serves as valid identity proof for various purposes
2. Government Schemes:Essential for availing government benefits and subsidies
3. School Admissions:Increasingly required for school enrollments
4. Bank Accounts:Needed for opening bank accounts for minors
5. Passport Application:Required for obtaining a passport for children

Eligibility Criteria for Child Aadhaar

Before beginning the application process, ensure your child meets these eligibility requirements:

1. Age:The child must be below 18 years of age
2. Citizenship:The child must be an Indian citizen
4. Supporting Documents:Valid birth certificate and relationship proof documents

Special Cases:

• Orphans:Can be enrolled by the head of the orphanage
• Adopted Children:Adoptive parents can apply with relevant documents
• Children with Single Parents:Single parents can apply with appropriate documentation

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

While the complete enrollment with biometrics must be done at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, the online process helps with appointment booking and document preparation.

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Documents Required:

1. Proof of Relationship:
   • Birth certificate issued by Registrar of Births and Deaths
   • Or any government-issued document showing relationship
2. Parent’s Identity Proof:
   • Parent’s Aadhaar card (whose Aadhaar will be linked)
   • PAN card, passport, or other valid ID
3. Address Proof:
   • Parent’s Aadhaar (if address is current)
   • Passport, utility bills, bank statements not older than 3 months
4. Child’s Photograph:
   • Recent passport-sized color photograph
   • Clear facial visibility with plain background

Tip: Visit the UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) to download the complete list of acceptable documents.

Step 2: Locate the Nearest Enrollment Center

1. Visit the official UIDAI website
3. Enter your state, district, and locality details
4. Note down the address and working hours of the nearest center

Step 3: Book an Appointment (Online)

While walk-ins are accepted, booking an appointment saves time:

1. Some Aadhaar centers offer online appointment booking
3. Alternatively, use the “Book an Appointment” feature if available in your city

Step 4: Visit the Aadhaar Enrollment Center

What to Expect During the Visit:

1. Document Submission:Submit all prepared documents
2. Demographic Data Entry:Child’s name, date of birth, gender, and parent’s details
3. Photograph:The operator will take the child’s photograph
4. Biometric Data:For children above 5 years, fingerprints and iris scan will be taken
5. Acknowledgement Slip:You’ll receive an acknowledgement slip with enrollment ID

Important Notes for Children Under 5:

• No biometrics are collected
• Only photograph is taken
• Mandatory biometric update required after the child turns 5

Step 5: Track Application Status

After enrollment, track your application:

1. Visituidai.gov.in
2. Click on “Check Aadhaar Status” under “Get Aadhaar”
3. Enter the enrollment ID and date/time from your acknowledgement slip
4. Alternatively, use the enrollment ID to check status via SMS

Step 6: Receive and Download Aadhaar

Once processed:

1. Aadhaar letter will be delivered to your registered address within 60-90 days
2. Download e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website using enrollment ID
3. e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical copy

Biometric Update for Growing Children

Mandatory Updates:

1. At Age 5:Update photograph and capture biometrics (10 fingerprints and both irises)
2. At Age 15:Update biometrics as the child’s features mature

Process for Biometric Update:

1. Visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra
2. Carry the child’s existing Aadhaar and original documents
3. No fee for the first update at age 5 and 15

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Uncooperative Child During Photograph/Biometrics

• Solution:Visit during the child’s happy hours, bring familiar toys, choose child-friendly centers

Challenge 2: Missing Documents

• Solution:Apply for duplicate birth certificate, use alternative documents from UIDAI’s approved list

Challenge 3: Address Mismatch Between Documents

• Solution:Update parent’s Aadhaar address first, or use other valid address proof documents

Challenge 4: Long Wait Times at Centers

• Solution:Book appointments, visit during weekdays, avoid month-ends

Security and Privacy Considerations

UIDAI ensures several security measures:

1. Data Protection:Information is stored in encrypted, secure databases
2. Limited Authentication:Child Aadhaar has restricted authentication features
3. Parental Consent:Required for any authentication using child’s Aadhaar
4. Voluntary:While useful, Aadhaar enrollment for children remains voluntary for most services

Benefits of Child Aadhaar Registration

1. Streamlined Services:Simplifies access to healthcare, education, and travel documents
2. Financial Inclusion:Enables opening of bank accounts and investments in child’s name
3. Government Benefits:Direct transfer of scholarships, subsidies, and nutritional support
4. Future Ready:Eliminates need for re-verification when child applies for adult Aadhaar
5. Digital India Integration:Essential for various digital services and initiatives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: What is the difference between Baal Aadhaar and regular Aadhaar?

Answer: Baal Aadhaar is specifically designed for children below 5 years and comes in blue color to distinguish it from regular Aadhaar. The most significant difference is that Baal Aadhaar doesn’t collect biometric information (fingerprints and iris scans) from children under 5, while regular Aadhaar requires full biometric data. Instead, Baal Aadhaar is linked to one parent’s Aadhaar number. When the child turns 5, they must update their biometrics at an Aadhaar center, and the blue card is replaced with a standard Aadhaar.

FAQ 2: Can I apply for my child’s Aadhaar completely online without visiting a center?

Answer: No, a complete online application without visiting an enrollment center is not currently possible. While you can begin the process online by locating centers, checking documents required, and booking appointments (where available), the physical visit is mandatory for document verification, photograph capture, and biometric collection (for children above 5). The UIDAI is working on making the process more digital, but currently, at least one visit to an authorized Aadhaar Seva Kendra is necessary.

FAQ 3: What documents are required if the child’s birth certificate has the parents’ old address?

Answer: If the address on the birth certificate differs from your current address, you can still apply for your child’s Aadhaar. Provide your current address proof (such as your Aadhaar with updated address, passport, utility bills, or bank statement) along with the birth certificate. The parent’s Aadhaar with current address serves as primary proof. If your Aadhaar also has the old address, update it first through the UIDAI website or visit a center before applying for your child’s Aadhaar to avoid complications.

FAQ 4: Is there any fee for enrolling a child for Aadhaar?

Answer: The enrollment for children is free of cost at all Aadhaar Seva Kendras. This includes the initial enrollment for Baal Aadhaar (under 5 years) and the mandatory biometric updates at ages 5 and 15. However, if you request a reprinted Aadhaar card or need to update information other than the mandatory biometric updates, normal service charges may apply. Always confirm with the enrollment center about any potential charges before proceeding with the service.

FAQ 5: What should I do if my child’s Aadhaar card is lost or damaged?

Answer: If your child’s Aadhaar card is lost or damaged, you can easily download an e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website using the enrollment ID or Aadhaar number. The e-Aadhaar is equally valid as the physical copy. If you need a physical reprint, you can:

1. Order a reprinted Aadhaar online through the UIDAI website for a fee of ₹50
2. Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to request a reprint
3. Use the mAadhaar mobile app for digital access
   Remember to keep the enrollment number safe as it helps in retrieving Aadhaar details in case the card is lost before delivery.

Conclusion

Applying for a Child Aadhaar card is a straightforward process that offers long-term benefits for your child’s documentation needs. While the process requires a physical visit to an enrollment center, the online resources provided by UIDAI make preparation and tracking convenient. By following this guide, preparing documents in advance, and understanding the specific requirements for children’s Aadhaar enrollment, parents can ensure a smooth experience.

Remember that Aadhaar for children is designed with their privacy and security in mind, with appropriate safeguards and mandatory updates as they grow. As India continues to digitize services, having this foundational identity document will help your child access various facilities and opportunities seamlessly throughout their childhood and beyond.

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance based on UIDAI procedures as of the publication date. Always check the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) for the most current information, as policies and procedures may change. For specific cases or legal advice, consult with UIDAI authorities or legal experts.

Please leave this field empty

Oh hi there
It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive awesome content in your inbox, every month.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.