Baal Aadhaar Card: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Aadhaar for Children Below 5 Years and Its Benefits

In India, Aadhaar has become the most important identity document, essential for availing government schemes, opening bank accounts, and even for school admissions. To ensure that children are not left out of these services, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues a special version of Aadhaar known as Baal Aadhaar. This card is designed specifically for children below the age of five and serves as a valid proof of identity and address.

If you are a parent wondering how to apply for a Baal Aadhaar card for your child, here’s a complete guide covering the process, required documents, and key benefits.

What is Baal Aadhaar?

Baal Aadhaar is an Aadhaar card issued to children under five years of age. Unlike the standard Aadhaar, it does not capture biometric details such as fingerprints or iris scans, since these are not stable at such a young age. Instead, the card contains the child’s photograph, name, date of birth, gender, and is linked to one parent’s Aadhaar number.

This card is widely accepted as an identity and address proof for children and is often necessary for school admissions, health services, and government benefits.

Where Can You Apply for Baal Aadhaar?

Parents can apply for a Baal Aadhaar card at any authorized Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrollment center. In many hospitals, Aadhaar enrollment facilities are also available at the time of birth, allowing parents to register their child’s Aadhaar card along with the birth certificate.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply

Baal Aadhaar enrollment can be done through both online appointment booking and offline enrollment.

Online Process (for appointment booking):

1. Visit the official UIDAI website.

2. Go to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section and select ‘Book an Appointment’.

3. Enter your city and mobile number. Verify using the OTP sent to your phone.

4. Choose the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra and select a convenient date and time.

5. Visit the center with your child and required documents on the scheduled date.

At the center, the parent’s Aadhaar details and biometric verification are required. Once the process is completed, the Baal Aadhaar card will be delivered to your registered address. Parents can also check or download the status from the UIDAI portal.

Offline Process:

1. Visit the nearest Aadhaar enrollment center.

2. Fill out the application form and submit your child’s documents.

3. Provide one parent’s Aadhaar details and biometric verification.

4. Collect the acknowledgment slip containing the enrollment ID for tracking.

5. The Baal Aadhaar card is usually delivered within 60 to 90 days.

Documents Required for Baal Aadhaar

• Child’s birth certificate or hospital discharge slip.

• One parent’s Aadhaar card, since the child’s Aadhaar will be linked to it.

• Proof of address, which can be taken from the parent’s Aadhaar or a certificate issued by a local authority.

Is There Any Fee?

Baal Aadhaar enrollment for children under five years is completely free of cost. No charges are taken for either the application or the initial process. Even biometric updates at the age of five are free of cost.

Benefits of Baal Aadhaar

1. Identity Proof: Serves as a valid ID and address proof for children.

2. Government Schemes: Helps children access subsidies, welfare programs, and other benefits.

3. School Admissions: Useful for admission procedures, scholarships, and exam registrations.

4. Healthcare: Can be used for hospital records, vaccination tracking, and health insurance.

5. Future Updates: When the child turns five and fifteen, biometric details can be updated to keep the Aadhaar valid.

What Happens When the Child Turns 5 or 15?

When a child turns five years old, biometric details such as fingerprints, iris scans, and a fresh photograph must be updated at an Aadhaar center. This process is free and mandatory.

Again, at fifteen years, another biometric update is required to ensure the Aadhaar card remains valid with accurate details. Between these ages, parents can also update any changes in address or other information at a minimal cost.

Final Takeaway

The Baal Aadhaar card ensures that children below five years are included in India’s identification system from an early age. It is essential not only for availing government benefits but also for school admissions, healthcare, and future financial services. The process is simple, free of cost, and can be completed online or offline with minimal documents.

As your child grows, don’t forget to update biometric details at the ages of 5 and 15 to keep the Aadhaar valid for a lifetime.