Children’s biometric details change with age. Their iris pattern and fingerprints change significantly with time. That’s why the Unique Identification Authority of India made it compulsory to do biometric at the ages of 5 and 15. Timely biometric updation ensures that the Aadhaar card of children remains valid and active. The UIDAI has waived the biometric fee for children and teenagers for one year.
Aadhaar Biometric Update for Free for Children
This is the overview of the UIDAI biometric update age 5-7,15-17 and adults
- Below 5 years: Children below the age of 5 don’t have to undergo the biometric updates. They just need demographic information and a photo.
- Children aged between 5 to 7 years: Children above the age of 5 need to undergo a biometric update. It is a free of cost service and mandatory.
- For the individual age range between 15 to 17 years: It is a mandatory requirement for and free of service.
- For Individuals 18+: Regular biometric update only if required.
Why are Biometric Updates Required for Children?
The children’s irises and fingerprints change with their age. That’s why UIDAI has made biometric update mandatory at a specific age because an updated biometric is required for:
- School Admissions
- Health insurance and e-KYC
- Government Scholarship Schemes
- Travel ID, Passport, and documentation
- Avoiding Aadhaar Authentication failures in the future
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How to Update Child Aadhaar Biometrics?
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to update child Aadhaar Biometrics:
Step 1: Book an Appointment
- Visit the UIDAI appointment portal
- Click on Aadhaar Update
- Select the nearest enrolment Centre
Step 2: Carry Required Documents
- Child’s existing Aadhaar
- Parent’s Aadhaar
- Birth Certificates
Step 3: At the Enrollment Centre
- Child’s fingerprints and iris scan captured
- Parents’ biometrics used for authentication
- Acknowledgement slip issued for tracking
Step 4: Check Status
You can check the status from the myAadhaar Portal.
How long does the Aadhaar Update Take?
The processing time for Aadhaar updates depends on the type of update:
Biometric Aadhaar update usually takes 7-15 days. The overall timeframe for Aadhaar updates could vary between 30 and 90 days.
- Biometric Update for Children (Age 5 to 15): The biometric updates take 3 to 5 days for updation. However, it can take up to 15 days to be seen after checking the update status.
- Demographic Update: Online demographic updates take around 3 days to 7 days. Offline demographic update at the centre takes 5 to 10 days.
- Rejection or Correction Cases: If UIDAI finds any mismatch, you will receive a resubmission request, or the processing time can extend up to 30 days.
How to Check Aadhaar Update Status (Step-by-Step Guide)?
Here is how you can check the Aadhaar Update Online through the myAadhaar portal. You just need the Enrolment ID (EID) or the Aadhaar Number.
Through Enrolment ID
If you updated Aadhaar at an enrolment centre. You will receive an acknowledgement slip containing 28 digit EID.
- Visit the myAadhaar Portal
- Click on “Check Aadhaar Update Status”
- Enter the 28-digit EID (14-digit enrolment number + 14-digit timestamp)
- Fill the captcha and click on submit.
Through Aadhaar Number
If your child already has an Aadhaar number of the child, you can check the update status.
- Visit the myAadhaar Portal.
- Click on Check the Aadhaar Update Status.
- Enter the 12-digit Aadhaar Number.
- Click on Submit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Child Aadhaar Update
These are the common mistakes often seen:
Incorrect Spelling in the Child’s Name
A small spelling error can cause issues during school admissions, DigiLocker verification, passport applications, and scholarships KYC. Keep the name the same on each document; any discrepancies can lead to rejection.
Uploading Invalid or Unacceptable Documents
Parents often upload documents that UIDAI does not accept, such as a hospital discharge slip or a vaccination card. You should only submit the accepted Proof of Address and Proof of Identity, such as the child’s birth certificate and parents’ Aadhaar.
Ignoring Mandatory Biometric Update
Many parents forget that the biometric updates at age 5 and age 15 are mandatory. Ignoring important updates deactivates the child’s Aadhaar card. It is problematic while taking admission at school and applying for government benefits.
Conclusion
The UIDAI has waived the biometric fee for children (5 – 7) and teenagers’ biometric updates (15 – 17). The update is temporary, which will be valid for a year starting on the 1st of October 2025. Children’s fingerprints and irises alter as they get older and develop, so it is essential to regularly update biometrics beginning at age five to record biometrics. The second update on biometrics will be as they grow older. Simply visit your closest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. The Aadhaar Biometric Update Free for Children encourages parents to update biometric.
FAQs
Ques: Is a biometric update for Children mandatory?
Ans: Yes, it is mandatory at age 5 and at age 15.
Ques: Is there any fee for the child’s biometric update?
Ans: No, UIDAI has waived the biometric fee for the age groups 5 to 7 and 15 to 17.
Ques: Can I update my child’s biometric online?
Ans: No, you can’t update a child’s biometric online.
Ques: Do infants (below 5 years) need biometrics?
Ans: No, for children below 5 years, only:
- Photo
- Demographic details
Ques: What is the biometric update fee for adults?
Ans: The biometric fee for adults is 125.
