Parents must update Aadhaar biometrics for children after age 7, says govt

Parents have been urged to update their child’s Aadhaar biometrics once the child turns seven, as per the existing guidelines under the Aadhaar framework. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has reiterated the need to complete the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children who have not yet undergone the update. The Ministry of Electronics and IT clarified that the process can be completed at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or designated Aadhaar centre.

The Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Indian government to its citizens. It is a document that is often used as identification purpose and is required for various purposes such as availing government schemes and subsidies, opening bank accounts, and getting a passport.

While the Aadhaar card is primarily meant for adults, minors too can get their own Aadhaar card. Here is the process of applying for a minor Aadhaar card.

Step 1: Collect the Required Documents

To apply for a minor Aadhaar card, you will need the following documents:

• The child’s birth certificate or school certificate.
• The parent’s Aadhaar card or any other valid government ID proof such as PAN card, passport, or driving license.
• The parent’s address proof such as electricity bill, water bill, or telephone bill.
• A passport-sized photograph of the child.

Step 2: Locate the Nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre

Once you have collected all the required documents, you will need to locate the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center. You can find the nearest enrolment center by visiting the official UIDAI website – https://uidai.gov.in. On the website, click on “Locate an Enrolment Center” and enter your state and city details. The website will display a list of enrolment centers in your area along with their address and contact details.

Step 3: Visit the Enrolment Centre

After you have located the nearest enrolment center, visit it with the child and all the required documents. You will be required to fill out an enrolment form that will ask for personal details of the child such as name, date of birth, and address.

Step 4: Data Collection

After filling out the enrolment form, the child’s photograph is taken. Fingerprints and iris scans are not captured while enrolling the children below 5 years of age. Once the child attains the age of 5, biometrics need to be updated mandatorily.If a child is below 5 years, one of the parents or guardians has to authenticate on behalf of the child and also give consent for enrolment of the minor by signing the enrolment form, according to UIDAI.

UIDAI said that if the child is an NRI, then a valid Indian passport of the child is mandatory as Proof of Identity (PoI). It also said that if the child is an Indian resident, then any valid proof of relationship documents such as a birth certificate, along with the Aadhaar of the parent or guardian can be used for enrolment.

Step 5: Acknowledgement Slip

After the biometric data has been collected, an acknowledgement slip will be provided to you. This slip contains the enrolment ID which can be used to track the status of the Aadhaar card application.

Step 6: Wait for the Aadhaar Card to be Issued

After completing the enrolment process, the Aadhaar card will be generated and sent to the address mentioned in the application form. The Aadhaar card is usually issued within 90 days of the enrolment.