As we know, the Aadhaar card is an essential ID proof in India. Now, Aadhaar cards are also available for newborns and children below the age of 5. They are known as Baal Aadhaar cards (बाल आधार) or blue-coloured Aadhaar letters (not a plastic card unless printed separately). This Aadhaar card has a 12-digit unique identifying number code issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It has to be linked to one of the parents (Mother/Father/Legal Guardian). Let us learn more about this “Blue Aadhaar Card”, who is eligible, and what the process is for registering for one through this page.
The Baal Aadhaar Card is a special version of the Aadhaar issued by UIDAI for children below 5 years of age. It acts as an identity proof for the child and helps access various government schemes and services. Here are the key details about the Baal Aadhaar Card:
Note: While the physical Aadhaar letter for children is blue, the e-Aadhaar PDF has the standard format and is not blue.
To enrol a child below 5 years of age for a Baal Aadhaar Card, parents or guardians must visit an authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre with the child or online at https://uidai.gov.in/ and submit the required documents along with the filled enrolment form. The process is slightly different for resident Indian and NRI children. Here are the documents required:
After submission, the operator scans the documents and provides an acknowledgement slip confirming the successful enrolment. The entire process is free of charge for new enrolments.
You can apply for a Baal Aadhaar card registration online and offline through enrolment centres by following these simple steps:
Follow these steps to download the Baal Aadhaar card online through the UIDAI website:
Baal Aadhaar card is available for children below the age of 5, which includes newborn babies. It is important to note that once you receive the Blue Aadhaar card, that card is active and valid across the country, until the next biometric update, i.e, when the child is 5 years old. Once the child is 5 years old, they need to be taken to an enrolment centre for their biometric update. This process is repeated when the child turns 15.
The Baal Aadhaar card offers several benefits for young children and their parents:
Here’s a quick guide to common mistakes parents make while applying for a Baal Aadhaar card — and how to avoid them:
| Common Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Entering the wrong date of birth on the enrolment form | Double-check the child’s birth certificate before submission and ensure the same date appears on all supporting documents. |
| Duplicate enrolment due to submitting multiple applications | Wait for the first enrolment to be processed before reapplying; use the acknowledgement slip to track the status online. |
| Not linking the parents’ Aadhaar with the child’s Baal Aadhaar | Ensure that at least one parent’s Aadhaar number is mentioned and authenticated during enrolment. |
| Ignoring the mandatory update after age 5 | Once the child turns 5, visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update biometric data and convert the Baal Aadhaar to a regular Aadhaar card. |
| Providing incomplete or mismatched address details | Verify that the address on the parents’ Aadhaar and the enrolment form are identical to avoid rejection. |
| Using an unlinked or inactive mobile number | Ensure the mobile number linked to the parent’s Aadhaar is active, as OTP-based verification is required for downloading and future updates. |
The Baal Aadhaar card differs from a regular adult Aadhaar mainly because it is designed for children below five years of age who cannot provide biometric data yet. Hence, a distinct blue-coloured card is issued for easy identification and must be updated once the child turns five.
| Parameter | Baal Aadhaar (Child Aadhaar) | Adult Aadhaar |
|---|---|---|
| Age Group | Issued to children below 5 years | Issued to individuals aged 5 years and above |
| Biometric Requirement | No biometrics collected; only a photograph taken | Biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph) required |
| Document Requirement | Birth certificate (mandatory for children born on or after 1 Oct 2023) + one parent’s Aadhaar for authentication and address proof | Valid identity and address proof of the applicant |
| Card Colour | Blue | Standard white |
| Validity & Update Schedule | Must be updated after age 5 and again after 15 when biometrics are captured | No fixed validity; updates required only for changes in data or biometrics |
| Purpose | Acts as an identity and address proof for children; linked with parents’ Aadhaar | Serves as a standalone identity and address proof for adults |
Here’s a handy checklist for parents to ensure a smooth Baal Aadhaar enrolment and update process:
A Baal Aadhaar card is a blue-coloured Aadhaar issued to children below 5 years of age, serving as their identity proof until biometrics are collected after age 5.
It is meant for children from birth up to 5 years old. After turning 5, the child’s biometrics must be updated for a regular Aadhaar.
Parents can visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with the child’s birth certificate and one parent’s Aadhaar for verification and enrolment.
While not mandatory, having an Aadhaar helps in availing government schemes, healthcare, and school admissions.
It is not compulsory but strongly recommended, as it acts as an official ID for various child-related services and benefits.
No, you can only book an appointment online. The actual enrolment must be done in person at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
No, duplicate enrollment is not allowed. Each child can have only one Aadhaar number for life.
No, new Baal Aadhaar enrolment is completely free of charge.
It is issued in a distinctive blue colour to differentiate it from regular Aadhaar cards.
Yes, it is accepted as a valid proof of identity, age, and address for school admissions.
It serves as an official identity proof for children, helps in linking records with parents, and is required for several government schemes.
The address on the parents’ Aadhaar card is used as the proof of address for the child’s Baal Aadhaar.
It typically takes 2–4 weeks, but may take up to 90 days in some regions.
Yes. UIDAI allows “Baby of
You can request a correction at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra using the child’s birth certificate and the parent’s Aadhaar.
