How to update children's Aadhaar biometrics for free? Find out the deadline and the complete process..

While a person's core biometric patterns—such as fingerprints and iris structures—remain constant throughout their life, the physical size of these features increases as children grow rapidly. Additionally, fingerprints and iris scans are not recorded for children under the age of five. For this reason, the Government of India mandates two biometric updates for children: first when the child turns five, and again at the age of fifteen. Failure to update these biometrics in the Aadhaar record can lead to difficulties with school admissions, scholarships, and exam registrations. Fortunately, parents can currently update their child's Aadhaar biometric information free of charge. But who is eligible, what is the deadline, and which documents are required? Here are the details regarding the Aadhaar biometric update, the deadline, and the entire process.

Aadhaar Biometric Free Update: Deadline
Parents can update their children's fingerprints and biometrics in their Aadhaar records for free; this facility is available until September 30, 2026. Please note that once the deadline passes, the standard applicable fees will apply.

Important Points to Remember
Before learning how to apply, keep the following points in mind:

This update includes fingerprints, an iris scan, and a new photograph.
This update is not mandatory for children under five, as their physical features are still changing.
Biometric updates cannot be done online; a visit to an Aadhaar center is mandatory.
Ensure you have the child's Aadhaar number and the parents' Aadhaar cards with you.
A birth certificate or school ID card may be requested as proof.

How to Book an Online Appointment?
Follow these simple steps to book an appointment online:

Visit the official website for booking Aadhaar appointments.
Select your city and the nearest center.
Choose 'Aadhaar Update' as the service. Select a date and time that is convenient for you.
Enter all the necessary details regarding the child and complete the booking process.
Take a printout of the appointment slip.

On the scheduled day, visit the center with your child and the required documents. The staff there will capture fingerprints, an iris scan, and a photograph directly into the system. This step cannot be skipped, as the child's physical presence is mandatory for the biometric process. Once the process is complete, you will receive a receipt; you can use the number on it to track the status of the update. Typically, the status is updated within a few days, although in some cases, it may take slightly longer.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.