How To Update Aadhaar For Child Online

Yogesh

2 weeks ago

A Complete Guide: How to Update Your Child’s Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar) Online Easily

How To Update Aadhaar For Child Online As a parent in India, securing your child’s identity from an early age is not just prudent—it’s essential. The Aadhaar card, a unique 12-digit identification number, has become a cornerstone for accessing a multitude of services, from school admissions and government schemes to banking and healthcare. For children, this is issued as Baal Aadhaar, a blue-colored card valid until they turn 15.

But children grow fast, and their details change. The photograph taken at infancy becomes unrecognizable in a few years, or you might move to a new city. Keeping your child’s Aadhaar updated is crucial to ensure seamless service delivery and to avoid last-minute hassles. While many parents know about Aadhaar updates for adults, the process for children often seems shrouded in confusion.

This comprehensive guide will demystify the entire process, focusing on the convenient online method to update your child’s Aadhaar details. We’ll walk you through every step, clarify what can and cannot be updated online, and answer all your pressing questions.

Understanding Baal Aadhaar: The Foundation

Before diving into the update process, it’s vital to understand the two stages of a child’s Aadhaar:

Baal Aadhaar (For children below 5 years): This is issued without biometrics (fingerprints and iris scan). Only a photograph is captured. The child’s Aadhaar is linked to the parent/guardian’s Aadhaar for authentication. This card is mandatory to update when the child turns 5.
Aadhaar for Children (5 to 15 years): Upon reaching 5, the child must mandatorily update their biometrics (photograph, fingerprints, and iris). This process is free. After 15, a similar mandatory update is required to convert the child’s Aadhaar into an adult Aadhaar.

The most common updates required for a child’s Aadhaar are:

Update of Photograph: The most frequent update, especially after age 5.
Update of Address: When the family relocates.
Update of Guardian’s Details: If there’s a change in legal guardianship.

What Can You Update Online in Your Child’s Aadhaar?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has streamlined the process, but not all updates for children can be done purely online from your home. Here’s the breakdown:

✅ Updates Possible via the Self-Service Online Portal (SSUP):

Address Update: This is the only major update you can complete fully online using documents like a parent’s passport, bank statement, or utility bill. The address proof can be in the parent’s name.

⚠️ Updates that Require a Visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra:

Biometric Update (Photograph, Fingerprints, Iris): This is mandatory at ages 5 and 15. It cannot be done online. You must book an appointment and visit a centre.
Update of Child’s Name or Date of Birth: Requires supporting documents like a birth certificate or school affidavit. While you can start the process by booking online, a physical visit is mandatory.
Updating Gender: Also requires a visit with a supporting document.
Updating Parent/Guardian’s Linked Aadhaar: If you need to link the child’s Aadhaar to a different parent or guardian, a visit is necessary.

🚫 Updates Not Allowed:

You cannot change the Child’s Aadhaar Number. It is permanent for life.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Online Address Update for Your Child

Since the address update is the most common fully online procedure, here is a detailed, step-by-step guide.

Prerequisites:

Your child’s Aadhaar Number (and the registered mobile number linked to it).
An address proof document (PDF/JPEG, max size 2MB) in the name of the parent/guardian or the child. Acceptable documents include Passport, Bank Statement, Utility Bill, Ration Card, etc.

Step 1: Log in to the My Aadhaar Portal

Visit the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/
Click on ‘My Aadhaar’ in the top menu and select ‘Login’.
Enter your child’s 12-digit Aadhaar Number and the security captcha.
Click on ‘Send OTP’. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with your child’s Aadhaar.

Step 2: Initiate the Update Request

After logging in, go to the ‘My Aadhaar’ dashboard and select ‘Update Demographics Data and Check Status’.
Click on ‘Update Aadhaar’ (the blue button). You will be redirected to the SSUP (Self-Service Update Portal) page.
Here, you will see your child’s current details masked for privacy.

Step 3: Choose the Address Update Option

On the update page, you will see a form with fields like Name, Address, Gender, etc. The fields that are updatable online will be editable.
Click on the ‘Address’ field. This will open up a text box for you to enter the new address.
Carefully type in the new address details. You can also use the ‘Update Address via Address Proof’ option for accuracy.

Step 4: Upload the Address Proof Document

Select the document type from the dropdown menu (e.g., Passport, Voter ID, Bank Statement).
Click on ‘Browse’ to upload a clear, scanned copy or a photo of the address proof document.
Ensure the document is legible and within the size limit (2MB).

Step 5: Review, Submit, and Note the URN

Double-check all the entered details, especially the new address. You cannot edit the request once submitted.
Tick the declaration box.
Click on ‘Submit’.
Upon successful submission, a 14-digit Update Request Number (URN) will be generated. Note this down carefully. You will need it to track the status of your request. It will also be sent via SMS to the registered mobile number.

Step 6: Track the Status and Download the Updated e-Aadhaar

The update request goes through a verification process at UIDAI, which typically takes up to 30 days.
You can track the status anytime by visiting the ‘Check Status’ section on the My Aadhaar portal and entering the URN.
Once approved, you will receive an SMS notification. You can then download the updated e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website using the URN or your child’s Aadhaar number. The physical card will be dispatched to the new address and usually arrives within a few weeks.

The Hybrid Process: Booking an Appointment Online for Other Updates

For updates that require a visit (like photo/biometric update at age 5), you can use the online portal to book an appointment, saving you waiting time at the centre.

Visit the ‘My Aadhaar’ portal and click on ‘Book an Appointment’.
Enter your location (Pin Code or City/State) to find the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) offering appointment slots.
Select a convenient date and time.
Enter your child’s Aadhaar Number and other required details to confirm the booking.
You will receive an appointment confirmation with details on the documents to carry (Child’s Aadhaar, Birth Certificate, Parent’s Aadhaar, and relevant proof documents).

Crucial Points to Remember

Registered Mobile Number is Key: All OTPs and notifications are sent to the mobile number linked with the child’s Aadhaar. Ensure it is active and accessible.
No Fees for Online Updates: Updating address or other demographics online is completely free of charge. Beware of third-party websites that charge money.
Mandatory Biometric Updates: Do not neglect the mandatory biometric updates at ages 5 and 15. Failure to do so may lead to authentication failures in the future.
Use Official Websites Only: Always use uidai.gov.in or the mAadhaar app for any Aadhaar-related work to avoid phishing scams.
Carry Original Documents: For any offline visit, carry the original supporting documents along with their photocopies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. My child just turned 5. Can I update their photograph and fingerprints online?
No, you cannot. The mandatory biometric update (photograph, fingerprints, iris) at age 5 and 15 requires a physical visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. You can, however, book this appointment online via the UIDAI website to save time.

2. What documents do I need to carry for the mandatory biometric update at age 5?
You should carry:

The child’s Baal Aadhaar card (if available).
The child’s birth certificate.
The Aadhaar card of one of the parents/guardians.
A recent passport-sized photograph of the child (though a fresh photograph will be taken at the centre).

3. I’ve moved to a new city. Can I update my child’s address online with my new address proof?
Yes, absolutely. The address update is the simplest online procedure. You can use an address proof document (like a electricity bill, bank statement, or passport) in your (the parent’s) name. You do not need an address proof in the child’s name.

4. How long does it take to get the updated Aadhaar card after an online request?
The verification process by UIDAI usually takes up to 30 days. Once approved, you can immediately download the updated e-Aadhaar. The physical Aadhaar letter is dispatched to the updated address via India Post and can take an additional 2-3 weeks to arrive.

5. The mobile number linked to my child’s Aadhaar is no longer active. How can I update it?
This is a common issue. You cannot update the mobile number online if you have lost access to the old number. Carry your child’s Aadhaar, your Aadhaar, and proof of relationship. At the centre, you can update the mobile number after biometric authentication. It is strongly advised to keep the registered mobile number active.

Conclusion: Empowerment Through Digital Identity

Updating your child’s Aadhaar is a straightforward process designed to keep their digital identity current and functional. By leveraging the online portal for address updates and appointment bookings, you can manage most tasks from the comfort of your home, only visiting a centre when absolutely necessary.

Proactive management of your child’s Baal Aadhaar—especially adhering to the mandatory biometric updates—ensures that this critical identity document remains valid and functional. It smoothens their access to education, health benefits, and financial inclusion as they grow, laying a secure foundation for their future in a digitally empowered India.

Start the process today. Log on to uidai.gov.in and ensure your child’s identity is always up-to-date.