UIDAI introduced the Baal Aadhaar Card initiative specifically designed for children under the age of five. This program generates a 12-digit identification number that includes the child’s personal and demographic information. Obtaining a Baal Aadhaar number is highly essential, and this is exemplified by the fact that even newborn babies are eligible to have an Aadhaar card. Notably, the application process for minors or newborns does not involve biometric verification. When applying for an Aadhaar card for a newborn baby, the process involves processing the baby’s UID based on their demographic details and linking their facial picture with the UID of the parents. 

However, it’s important to note that the baby’s 10-finger biometrics will only be collected once they reach the age of 5 years. Similarly, the baby’s facial photography will be taken at the age of 15. Therefore, parents who are applying for their newborn’s Aadhaar card need to keep in mind that they will have to arrange for the 10-finger biometric collection when the child turns 5 and the facial photography when the child turns 15.

HOW TO APPLY FOR BAAL AADHAAR ONLINE:

1. First, visit the official UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/en/ 

2. Click on the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab and select ‘Book an Appointment’ from the available options.

3. You will be redirected to a new page with two options: ‘Book an Appointment at UIDAI run Aadhaar Seva Kendra’ and ‘Book an Appointment at Registrar run Aadhaar Seva Kendra.’ Choose one of these options.

4. Enter your contact number to receive an OTP (One-Time Password).

5. Input the OTP and select the desired date for your appointment.

6. After completing the above steps, a confirmation notification will be sent to your contact number.

7. On the scheduled date, visit the Aadhaar center to proceed with the application procedure.

8. Within 60 days, you will receive your Aadhaar card at your postal address, or alternatively, you can download your Baal Aadhaar card online.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BAAL AADHAAR (BELOW 5 YEARS):

• Birth certificate of the child (both original and photocopy).
• Aadhaar card, address proof, identity proof of the child’s parents.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR BAAL AADHAAR (BELOW 5 YEARS):

1. Visit a nearby Aadhaar Enrollment Centre or apply online for your child’s Aadhaar card by following the process given above. 

2. Fill up the Aadhaar Enrollment Form and include your Aadhaar number as well.

3. Either the mother or the father has to provide their Aadhaar-related information to enroll their child who is less than 5 years old.

4. The photograph of your child will be taken during the enrollment.

5. The address and other demographic information will be collected from the parent’s Aadhaar card.

6. Provide the birth certificate of your child.

7. The Aadhaar executive officer will provide you with an acknowledgement slip containing the enrollment number of your child.

8. The enrollment number will help you check the status of the Aadhaar generation. To learn more about how to check Aadhaar Status, CLICK HERE.

9. For enrolling the Aadhaar number for a child younger than 5 years, fingerprints and iris scan data will not be collected.

10. After completing this process, you can expect to receive the Aadhaar card within 90 days.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BAAL AADHAAR (ABOVE 5 YEARS):

• Birth certificate.
• Bonafide certificate on the institution’s letterhead.
• School identity proof.
• Mother or father’s Aadhaar card.
• Identity certificate with the child’s photograph issued by a Tehsildar/Gazetted Officer on their letterhead.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR BAAL AADHAAR (ABOVE 5 YEARS):

1. Visit a nearby Aadhaar enrollment centre.

2. Fill in the Aadhaar card application form with all the necessary details.

3. Provide your Aadhaar card number and details if you lack valid proof of your child’s address.

4. Submit the form along with other essential documents.

5. The executive will collect the biometric data of your child, including 10 fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph.

6. Receive an acknowledgement slip with the enrollment ID, time, and date of enrollment upon completion.

7. Check Aadhaar Status using the enrollment ID.

8. The Aadhaar card will be issued and delivered to the applicant’s address within 90 days.

9. When the child reaches the age of 15, updating the information in the UIDAI database is required.

BAAL AADHAAR ENROLMENT FEES: 

• Enrolling for an Aadhaar number for children is free of charge, provided by the Government. 
• For children aged between 5 to 15 years, there is also no fee for biometric data collection. 
• However, if applicants wish to update any demographic data, a fee of Rs. 30 is applicable. 
• Similarly, a fee of Rs. 30 is required for updating biometric details in the future.

HOW TO TRACK STATUS OF BAAL AADHAAR CARD:

1. Go to the official website of UIDAI.

2. Click on the ‘My Aadhaar’ option.

3. Enter the Enrollment ID (EID) and the date and time of enrollment as mentioned in the acknowledgment slip.

4. Verify the Captcha code.

5. Click on ‘Check Status.’

6. Now, you can track the generation or update status of your child’s Aadhaar card.

BENEFITS OF BAAL AADHAAR FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS / GUARDIANS: 

1. Unique Identification: Children receive a distinctive 12-digit ID number from an early age.

2. Access to Government Services: Baal Aadhaar grants access to various government services and schemes requiring Aadhaar authentication.

3. Subsidies and Benefits: Eligibility for government subsidies, scholarships, and welfare benefits linked to Aadhaar.

4. Easy School Admissions: Simplified school admission process with Baal Aadhaar as a valid proof of identity and address.

5. Healthcare Services: Facilitates access to medical treatments and vaccination programs.

6. Financial Inclusion: Enables financial services like bank account opening when children reach the appropriate age.

7. Identity Fraud Prevention: Unique Aadhaar number helps safeguard against identity fraud.

8. Biometric Data Collection at 5 Years: Strengthened identification with the addition of 10-finger biometrics at the age of 5.

9. Facial Photography at 15 Years: Ensures an updated record of appearance.

10. Overall Secure Identity Platform: Baal Aadhaar aims to protect children’s personal information and privacy while offering various services and opportunities.

MORE INFORMATION RELATED TO BAAL AADHAAR APPLICATION:

• Parents or guardians interested in obtaining an Aadhaar card for their children must visit a nearby Aadhaar enrollment center and fill out the application form for the child. For children below 5 years, either the mother or father needs to provide authentication and consent by signing the enrollment form. The same procedure applies to children aged between 5 and 18 years.
• If the minor lacks any documents in their name, you can use a valid proof of relationship document, such as a birth certificate, for enrollment under the head of the family. Alternatively, if the child holds valid proof of address or identity, like a school ID card, you can utilize it as an enrollment document.
• When filling out the Aadhaar enrollment form for a child below 5 years old, biometric data collection is not included. Instead, the UID is generated based on facial photographs and demographic information linked with the parents’ UID.
• On the other hand, authorities collect biometric data when enrolling children above 5 years old for an Aadhaar card. Additionally, when they reach 15 years of age, the enrollment process requires updating demographic data along with biometrics, including ten fingerprints, facial photograph, and iris scan.
• UIDAI differentiates this card from other citizens’ Aadhaar cards by issuing it in a distinct blue color. 
• M-Aadhaar is a mobile app capable of storing up to five Aadhaar cards, enabling individuals to manage both their own and their children’s Aadhaar cards conveniently. This service is accessible 24/7 and from any location, catering to parents of children under the age of five, as well as those aged five to fifteen.