Aadhaar, a unique 12-digit number, is issued by the UIDAI-Unique Identification Authority of India to the residents of India (irrespective of gender and age). Though the Aadhaar card is primarily useful to adults, children above and below 5 years can also opt for the same. 

They can enroll for the Aadhaar card by filling up the Aadhaar card application form for the child.

Wondering how the whole process works? Read to form a detailed idea of the same.

The Aadhaar card enrollment process for children is similar to that of adults. Parents willing to enroll for an Aadhaar card for children have to go to a nearby Aadhaar enrollment centre and fill in the Aadhaar card application form for the child. 

For children below 5 years, either the mother or the father has to authenticate for the child and give consent for the enrollment by signing the enrollment form. The same process is followed for children between 5-18 years.

At any rate, you would need to acquire a new Aadhaar card application form for your child to initiate this process.

However, if the minor has no document by his/her name, any valid proof of relationship document (e.g., birth certificate) can be utilised for enrolling under the head of the family. On the other hand, if the minor has valid proof of address or proof of identity, like a school ID card, it can be used as an enrollment document.  

While filling out an Aadhaar enrollment form for a child below 5 years, you must know that it does not include biometric data collection.

However, while enrolling for an Aadhaar card for children above 5 years old, the biometric data is collected. Further, the process demands updating the demographic data-biometrics of ten fingers, facial photo, and iris scan when children reach their 15 years threshold. 

An Aadhaar card for a child below 5 years old is known as a Baal Aadhaar card. To differentiate it from the unique identity card for adults, it comes in blue colour. 

Aadhaar card enrollment for children can be done both in online and offline mode. Following the online method would require setting an appointment by visiting the official website of UIDAI (which will be discussed later).

However, if you are willing to take the offline route to enroll for the Aadhaar number for children below 5 years, you have to follow the steps mentioned below.

• Step-1 - Visit a nearby Aadhaar Enrollment Centre. (You can also apply for an Aadhaar card online for your child)
• Step-2 - Fill up the Aadhaar enrollment form and mention your Aadhaar number as well. 
• Step-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.
• Step-4 - The photograph of your child will be clicked.
• Step-5 - The address and other demographic information will be collected from the parent’s Aadhaar card. 
• Step-6 - Provide the birth certificate of your child.
• Step-7 - The Aadhaar executive officer will provide you with the acknowledgement slip containing the enrollment number of your child.
• Step-8 - The enrollment number will help you to check the status of the Aadhaar generation. 

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

After completion of this process, you can get the Aadhaar card within 90 days.

Documents required to submit for Aadhaar application when the age of the child is below 5 years

The required documents for Aadhaar card enrollment for a child below 5 years are listed below-

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

To enroll for the  Aadhaar card for children above 5 years old, you have to follow the mentioned process below.

• Step- 1 - Visit a nearby Aadhaar enrollment centre.
• Step- 2 - Fill in the Aadhaar card application form with all the necessary details.
• Step- 3 - Provide your Aadhaar card number and details in case you do not have any valid proof of address of your child.
• Step- 4 - Submit the form along with other important documents. 
• Step- 5 - The executive will collect the biometric data of your child (10 fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph)
• Step- 6 - After completing the process, an acknowledgement slip will be generated containing the enrollment ID and time and date of enrollment. 
• Step- 7 - Check the status of the Aadhaar with the enrollment ID. 

Note: 

• The Aadhaar card is issued and delivered to the applicant’s address within 90 days.
• When the child reaches the age of 15, he/she has to update the information in the UIDAI database. 

Documents required for Aadhaar card for a child above 5 years

Here is a list of documents required for children's Aadhaar cards that parents have to submit while enrolling for the Aadhaar card for their children between 5-15 years. 

• Birth certificate
• Letterhead of the institution containing a bonafide certificate
• School identity proof 
• Mother or father’s Aadhaar card
• Identity certificate issued by a Tehsildar/Gazetted Officer on the letterhead, which must contain the child’s photograph

Besides the documents mentioned above, parents have to furnish any of the documents mentioned below as Proof of Address.

• Either one of the parent's Aadhaar cards.
• The address certificate issued by the Village Panchayat (Head) or anyone having similar authority. 
• Address certificate issued by the book online appointment MLA/ Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on the letterhead containing the child’s photograph.

• Applicants need not pay any charges for enrolling as it will be provided by the Government.
• For children between 5-15 years, there is no charge for the biometric data collection as well.
• However, applicants have to pay Rs. 30 if they wish to update any demographic data.
• Similarly, if applicants want to update their biometric details in the future, they have to pay a fee of Rs. 30. 

Till now, we have discussed the offline process of different age groups (as the process slightly differs) and about the necessary documents for the child’s Aadhaar card.

Next, we will focus on the online procedure, which is similar for both cases.

• Visit the official website of UIDAI.
• Click on ‘My Aadhaar.’
• Select ‘Book An Appointment’ from the drop-down list. (You will be redirected to a new page.)
• Select your preferred City/Location.
• Next, click on Proceed to ‘Book An Appointment.’
• The landing page will show three options, select New Aadhaar.
• After that, provide your mobile number and enter the Captcha code.
• Click on ‘Generate OTP.’
• Provide the required details and book an appointment.

To track if your child’s Aadhaar card is generated or updated, keep the Enrollment ID (EID) handy and simply follow the steps mentioned below.

• Visit the official website of UIDAI.
• Click on ‘My Aadhaar.’
• Enter the EID and time and date of enrollment as per the acknowledgment slip.
• Verify the Captcha code.
• Tap on ‘Check Status.’

mAdhaar app facilitates parents to register their mobile number with the child’s Aadhaar card. This app is devised in such a way that it can link up to 3 Aadhaar cards. Parents of such child applicants can access the relevant details any time at any place from their smartphone. These details can be utilised both as a proof of identity and address. 

Now that the parents know how to use the Aadhaar card application form for their child, they can easily complete the enrollment process.

Therefore, enroll for the Aadhaar number of your child immediately and provide him/her with a unique identity number!