Aadhaar Alert: Update Your Child’s Aadhaar by Age 7 or Risk Deactivation, Says UIDAI

New Delhi, August 29, 2025 – Aadhaar has become one of the most essential identity documents for every individual in India, regardless of age. From school admissions to availing government benefits, an Aadhaar number is now mandatory in most aspects of life. But in a recent directive, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued an important warning for parents: if a child’s Aadhaar was created before the age of five and the biometric update is not completed by the age of seven, the Aadhaar could be deactivated.

This rule has been made compulsory to ensure the authenticity of biometric data, as children’s fingerprints and iris patterns are not fully developed before the age of five. To address this, UIDAI has mandated biometric updates at two crucial stages of a child’s life: at age 5 and again at age 15.

Why This Update Is Crucial

When Aadhaar is issued to children below five years of age, it is generated only using basic details like name, date of birth, address, and a photograph. Since biometrics at that age are unreliable, UIDAI requires parents to complete mandatory biometric updates once the child turns five, and again at fifteen.

Failure to update the Aadhaar in time can lead to serious consequences. Without an active Aadhaar, children may face difficulties in school admissions, board exam registrations, scholarship applications, and access to government schemes.

170 Million Aadhaar Updates Still Pending

According to UIDAI, nearly 17 crore children across the country still need to update their Aadhaar details. To fast-track this process, UIDAI has launched several initiatives:

• School Aadhaar Update Camps: Special camps are being set up in schools to make the update process more accessible.

• Integration with UDISE+ Platform: UIDAI is preparing detailed lists of children whose Aadhaar needs updating.

• SMS Reminders to Parents: Continuous reminders are being sent to registered mobile numbers linked with Aadhaar to encourage timely action.

These steps are aimed at ensuring no child is left without a valid Aadhaar in the coming years.

Free Update Window for Parents

One major relief for parents is that the biometric update for children between ages 5 and 7 is completely free of cost. Parents can get their child’s Aadhaar updated at no charge during this window.

However, if the update is delayed beyond the age of seven, a ₹100 fee will be applicable. Therefore, parents are advised to complete the process within the free update period to avoid additional costs.

If the facility is not available in schools, parents can visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or any registered enrolment center to get the biometric update done.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Update

To complete the update, parents need to carry the following documents:

• Child’s Birth Certificate, School ID, or any valid proof of identity

• Parent’s Aadhaar Card (as a supporting document)

At the enrolment center, the child’s photograph, fingerprints, and iris scan will be captured, and the Aadhaar will be updated accordingly.

Why Parents Must Act Now

UIDAI’s move is aimed at preventing potential problems children may face in the future. An inactive Aadhaar could block access to essential services like school enrollments, scholarships, and government welfare schemes. By updating Aadhaar on time, parents can ensure their children face no disruption in education or access to benefits.

With nearly 170 million Aadhaar updates still pending, UIDAI’s directive comes as a reminder to parents to prioritize this task. The process is simple, free until the age of seven, and ensures a child’s identity remains valid and active throughout life.

Bottom Line

UIDAI’s new directive emphasizes the importance of keeping children’s Aadhaar details updated. Parents should treat this as a high-priority task to secure their child’s future in education, exams, scholarships, and government benefits.

In summary:

• Children must undergo biometric updates at ages 5 and 15.

• Aadhaar created before age 5 must be updated by age 7.

• The update is free until age 7, after which a ₹100 fee applies.

• Without an update, Aadhaar may be deactivated, blocking access to essential services.

Parents are strongly advised to take timely action and complete their child’s Aadhaar update well before the deadline.