Minor Aadhar Card Online Registration

Table of Contents

The Complete Guide to Minor Aadhaar Card Online Registration: A 2026 Handbook for Parents

Introduction: The Digital Identity for India’s Future

Minor Aadhar Card Online Registration In an increasingly digital India, the Aadhaar card has evolved from a mere identity document to a foundational pillar for accessing essential services, from school admissions and government scholarships to healthcare benefits and banking facilities. For children, or “minors” in legal parlance, possessing an Aadhaar card—officially known asBaal Aadhaar—is no longer optional but a critical enabler for their rights and opportunities. As of 2024, over 3.5 crore Baal Aadhaar cards have been issued, reflecting its widespread adoption.

The process of obtaining an Aadhaar for a child, however, is distinct from that for adults, governed by specific rules and safeguards to protect the child’s identity and interests. This comprehensive guide demystifies the entire process of Minor Aadhaar Card Online Registration, walking you through every step, legal requirement, and best practice to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience for parents and guardians.

Part 1: Understanding Baal Aadhaar – Concept and Legal Framework

What is a Baal Aadhaar?

A Baal Aadhaar is a uniquely designed Aadhaar card for children below the age of 5 years. It is distinguishable by its blue colour, as opposed to the white Aadhaar for adults. This card is issued without biometric authentication (fingerprints and iris scan) at the time of enrollment, as a child’s biometrics are not stable until the age of 5. Instead, it is linked to the UIDAI database using the biometrics of the child’s parent or guardian.

The Two-Stage Lifecycle of a Minor’s Aadhaar

For Children Below 5 Years (Blue Baal Aadhaar):This is abiometric-freeenrollment. The child’s demographic details and photograph are captured and linked to the parent/guardian’s Aadhaar. No fingerprints or iris scans of the child are taken.
Mandatory Biometric Update at Age 5:Upon the child attaining 5 years of age, theBaal Aadhaar becomes invalid. The parent must take the child to an Aadhaar Enrollment Centre for amandatory biometric update. This process captures the child’s fingerprints, iris scan, and an updated photograph. This secures the child’s identity with their own biometrics.
Second Mandatory Update at Age 15:A final biometric update is required at 15 years of age to refresh adult-level biometric data. Post this, the Aadhaar is valid for a lifetime.

Legal Prerequisites and Documents Required

The enrollment of a minor is always done with the consent and physical presence of a parent or legal guardian.

Essential Documents Checklist:

Proof of Birth Date:Any one of the following:
- Birth Certificate (Issued by Municipal Corporation/GRAM Panchayat)
- Hospital Discharge Slip
- Vaccination Card/Letter from a recognized medical institution.
Proof of Relationship:Any one of the following linking the child to the enrolling parent/guardian:
- Parent’s Aadhaar Card (Most commonly used)
- Birth Certificate (which contains parents’ names)
- Central/State Government issued family card.
Proof of Address:Any one of the following (can be of the parent):
- Passport
- Bank Statement/Passbook
- Ration Card
- Voter ID
- Utility Bill (not older than 3 months)
Mobile Number:A working mobile numbermustbe registered during enrollment. This is crucial for OTP-based authentication and status tracking.

Part 2: Step-by-Step Online Registration and Appointment Booking

While the core enrollment must be done physically at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or a Permanent Enrollment Centre, the entire process is initiated and managed online for convenience.

Step 1: Locate the Nearest Enrollment Centre

Visit the official UIDAI website:https://uidai.gov.in/
Click on ‘Locate an Enrollment Centre’ under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab.
Enter your State, District, and Sub-district, or simply use your Pin Code.
The system will display a list of all nearby centers with addresses and often, working hours. You can choose a center that is convenient for you.

Step 2: Book an Online Appointment (Highly Recommended)

To avoid long queues, especially with a young child, use the online appointment system.

On the UIDAI website, navigate to ‘Book an Appointment’ under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab.
Select your city and the preferred enrollment centre from the list generated in Step 1.
Choose an available date and time slot.
Enter theparent’s Aadhaar number(not the child’s, as they don’t have one yet).
You will receive a confirmation on the screen and an SMS on your registered mobile number with the appointment details.Note:Carry a printout or a screenshot of this appointment confirmation.

Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Enrollment Form

Although the form can be filled at the centre, save time by doing it beforehand.

Download theAadhaar Enrollment/Correction Formfrom the UIDAI website.
Fill in all details of the childaccurately:
- Full Name (as per birth certificate)
- Gender
- Date of Birth
- Parent/Guardian Name and Aadhaar Number.
- Address details.
Do not sign the declaration box.This must be signed in the presence of the operator at the enrolment centre.

Part 3: The In-Person Enrollment Procedure

On the day of the appointment, visit the centre with the child and the required documents.

Process at the Centre:

Document Submission:Submit the filled form and original documents for verification. The operator will return the originals after taking photocopies or scans.
Data Entry:The operator will enter the child’s demographic details into the UIDAI software.
Photograph:A photograph of the child will be captured by the centre’s camera.
Biometric of Parent/Guardian:Thefingerprints of the enrolling parent/guardian(whose Aadhaar is provided as proof of relationship) will be captured. This forms the vital link.
Acknowledgement Slip:Upon completion, you will receive anAcknowledgment Slipcontaining a 14-digitEnrollment Number (EID)and a date/time stamp.This slip is extremely important.It is your only proof of enrollment and is needed to download the e-Aadhaar later.

Important Note for Newborns: Many government and private hospitals are now equipped with Aadhaar Enrollment Stations for newborns. Parents can avail this facility before discharge, linking the child’s Aadhaar at the very beginning of their life.

Part 4: Post-Enrollment – Tracking and Downloading

Check Aadhaar Status:
- Go to the UIDAI website’s ‘Check Aadhaar Status’ page.
- Enter the 14-digit EID number from your acknowledgment slip and the captcha code.
- The status will show:Under Process, Generated, or Dispatched.
Download e-Aadhaar (Digital Version):
- Once status shows “Generated”, you can download the digital Baal Aadhaar.
- Click on ‘Download Aadhaar’ on the website.
- You will need the EID or the Aadhaar Number (if generated) and the registered mobile number for an OTP.
- The downloaded PDF is password-protected. The password is thefirst 4 letters of your child’s name (in CAPS) and the Year of Birth(e.g., for ROHAN born in 2022, password is R O H A 2 0 2 2).
Receiving the Physical Card:
- The physical blue Baal Aadhaar card is dispatched by India Post to the registered address.
- This can take60 to 90 daysfrom the date of enrollment.
- You can track the postal delivery on the India Post website using the postal receipt number or via SMS service provided by UIDAI.

Part 5: Mandatory Biometric Updates at Age 5 and 15

The responsibility to update the child’s biometrics rests with the parent/guardian.

Process for Biometric Update:

Locate an Aadhaar Enrollment Centre (Update services are available at all centres).
A fresh photograph, all ten fingerprints, and both iris scans of the child will be captured.
An acknowledgment slip is provided. The updated Aadhaar will be dispatched to the registered address. There isno feefor the first biometric update at age 5.

Consequences of Non-Update: If not updated, the Baal Aadhaar will remain in a “Biometric Lock” state, potentially causing authentication failures when used for services, effectively rendering it invalid for many purposes.

Part 6: Special Scenarios and Troubleshooting

For Orphans/Children Under Guardianship:The legal guardian must provide valid court guardianship documents as Proof of Relationship.
If Parent Doesn’t Have Aadhaar:The enrollment of a minor is still possible. The enrolling parent/guardian must undergo Aadhaar enrollment simultaneously with the child, providing valid documents for themselves.
Lost Enrollment Slip (EID):Without the EID, tracking is difficult. Visit the enrollment centre where you applied with the child’s details and your original ID. The operator may be able to retrieve the details.
Error in Child’s Details on Generated Aadhaar:Use the“Update Aadhaar Details”service online or at an enrollment centre. For children, demographic updates are free up to a certain limit. Biometric updates are only for the mandated ages or in case of medical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum age for a child to get an Aadhaar card?
There is no minimum age. A newborn can be enrolled for Aadhaar immediately after birth, provided they have a birth certificate or a discharge slip from the hospital. Many hospitals now offer enrollment facilities for newborns.

2. Can I complete my child’s entire Aadhaar registration online without visiting a centre?
No, you cannot. The online process is for appointment booking, form downloading, and status tracking only. The physical presence of both the child and the parent/guardian is mandatory at an Aadhaar Enrollment Centre for photograph capture, document verification, and capturing the parent’s biometrics.

3. Is the blue Baal Aadhaar valid for school admissions and availing government schemes?
Yes, absolutely. The blue Baal Aadhaar is a fully valid proof of identity and date of birth. It is widely accepted for school admissions, opening bank accounts for minors, and availing of government welfare schemes like scholarships and mid-day meals. Its validity is conditional on the mandatory biometric update at age 5.

4. What happens if I miss the mandatory biometric update when my child turns 5?
The Baal Aadhaar card will not be automatically cancelled, but its authentication functionality may be restricted. It is strongly advised to complete the update at the earliest after the child turns 5 to ensure uninterrupted use of Aadhaar-based services. The update is free of charge.

5. My child is above 5 years old and has never had an Aadhaar. What is the process?
For a child above 5 years enrolling for the first time, the process is similar to that of an adult. The child’s own biometrics (fingerprints and iris scan) will be captured during the first enrollment itself, along with the photograph and demographic details. The parent/guardian’s Aadhaar is still required for relationship proof and consent. The card issued will be the standard white Aadhaar, not the blue one.

Conclusion: Securing Your Child’s Digital Future

The Minor Aadhaar Card Online Registration process, while involving a necessary physical step, is a streamlined and parent-friendly system designed to protect the child’s identity. By following this guide, parents can navigate the procedure with confidence, ensuring their child is integrated into India’s digital ecosystem from an early age. Proactive management, especially of the critical biometric updates at ages 5 and 15, is key to maintaining the card’s validity. In doing so, you are not just obtaining an identity document, but unlocking a world of opportunities and securing the rightful benefits for your child in a digital nation.

Disclaimer: The processes and guidelines are based on UIDAI regulations as of 2024. Always refer to the official UIDAI website (https://uidai.gov.in/) or visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for the most current and authoritative information.