The 12-digit number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) also known as the Aadhaar Card. Firstly only adults and children were eligible for Aadhaar but now newborns are also eligible for Baal Aadhaar (or child Aadhaar) . This is a special version for kids under five which are linked with parents Aadhaar without the need of fingerprints of the child. Passports, bank accounts, travel documents. This post contains information about the Baal Aadhaar who is eligible, how to apply (both online and offline), what documents you need important links etc.
Who Can Apply & Key Eligibility
The eligibility criteria set for the Baal Aadhaar Card are given below:
- The child can be of any age and there is no minimum age.
- The child must be a citizen of India which means child should be born in India.
- At least one parent or guardian must have a Aadhaar card already to link the child’s Aadhaar Card with the parents or guardians.
- Children’s under 5 don’t need biometric data.
Documents Required:
- Child’s birth certificate or hospital discharge slip available
- Parent’s Aadhaar number (at least one)
- Parent’s address proof (which can be their Aadhaar)
Steps To Apply:
Parents can Apply for the Aadhaar card in two ways: online appointment booking + visit to centre, or purely offline (direct visit). Below are given steps you must follow to apply:
Online appointment method:
Step1: Visit official website uidai.gov.in.
Step2: Enter your mobile number and verify using OTP.
Step3: Choose the type of enrolment and select city Centre date time for the appointment.
Step4: On the scheduled day, one parent (whose Aadhaar is being linked) visits the Aadhaar Seva Kendra (or enrolment centre) with the child and required documents.
Step5: After the formalities you will receive a slip and Baal Aadhaar will be sent to your given address and you can also download it online.
Offline direct method:
Step1: Visit Aadhaar Centre nearby you.
Step2: Fill in the form for the child fill up all the asked details.
Step3: Submit all the required documents
Step4: You will receive a slip and the Baal Aadhaar card will get delivered once the card is ready and you can also download it from the website.
Application Process
| Method | Key Steps | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Online Booking | Schedule appointment → visit centre with documents → parent biometric | 1 appointment + up to 90 days |
| Offline Visit | Direct walk-in to centre → fill form → parent biometric → acknowledge | Up to ~60–90 days |
What Happens After: Biometric Updates & Validity
Follow the given below steps after getting your child Baal Aadhaar:
Validity for the younger age group
- Children under age 5 get the Baal Aadhaar without needing full biometrics but the card must be updated once the child reaches the required age for the update.
Mandatory update at age 5
- Once the child turns 5, biometric data must be collected like fingerprints, iris scan and photograph.
Further update at age 15
- Another biometric update is needed with photograph for the child when the child turns 15.
Important Links:
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Official Website | UIDAI Main Website (UIDAI) |