The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has clarified that children’s Aadhaar numbers issued under the name Baal Aadhaar may face deactivation if not updated after they turn five. This update isn’t just a formality; it’s mandatory. While adults are familiar with biometric updates, many guardians seem unaware that a similar rule applies to young Aadhaar holders too. The move comes as part of UIDAI’s broader effort to ensure accuracy in identification databases, especially when it comes to biometric authentication.
Parents who obtained Aadhaar for their children under the age of five; which originally does not require biometrics, must now complete a biometric update when the child crosses the age of five. Failure to do so could result in the deactivation of the Aadhaar number altogether.
Why Biometric Updates Are Compulsory at Age Five
According to UIDAI, Aadhaar enrolment for children below five is done based on facial photographs and demographic details only, no fingerprints or iris scans are collected at this stage. Once a child turns five, it is mandatory to update their Aadhaar with biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans, to keep the ID valid.
The UIDAI explains this process as crucial to maintaining the integrity of the Aadhaar ecosystem. The aim is to align biometric data with the child’s growing identity, ensuring better verification in the future. If this step is skipped, the child’s Aadhaar will be marked as invalid until updated.
How to Check If Your Child’s Aadhaar Is Still Active
Parents can verify the status of their child’s Aadhaar through the official UIDAI website. If the update has not been completed, it will likely be reflected in the system as inactive.
The advisory encourages parents to visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra to complete the biometric update. The process is free of charge and must be done even if the child’s Aadhaar is not being actively used.
What UIDAI Is Advising Parents to Do Now
“Children, on attaining the age of five years, have to mandatorily furnish all biometric information,” UIDAI has said in its recent advisory. The authority further reminded users that even if an Aadhaar is not in current use for services like school admission or government schemes, the update must still be completed.
The UIDAI also plans to continue public awareness campaigns to alert guardians about the importance of timely Aadhaar updates for children.
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