Aadhaar Card for Newborn & Minor (0–18 Years): Complete Enrolment Procedure for Resident Indian & NRI Children
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Enrolling a child for Aadhaar is no longer a future consideration—it has become a foundational documentation step for school admissions, passports, banking, government benefits, and identity verification.
While the process appears straightforward, the enrolment rules in 2026 have become stricter regarding residential status, document types, and mandatory biometric updates. This guide explains the official procedure defined by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), updated with the latest 2026 compliance rules.
Understanding Aadhaar Categories for Children
Aadhaar enrolment for minors is divided into three critical stages. Note: In 2026, UIDAI has introduced the mascot "Udai" to help parents identify child-friendly enrolment kiosks at authorized centers.
| Age Group | Biometric Required | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 Years | No biometrics (photo only) | Blue Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar) issued. |
| 5–15 Years | Biometrics mandatory | First Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) required. |
| 15–18 Years | Re-capture mandatory | Second MBU to validate adult identity. |
Critical Alert: Failure to complete MBUs within the "Grace Period" (age 5–7 and 15–17) may lead to the deactivation of the Aadhaar card under the 2026 security guidelines.
Enrolment Procedure for Children Below 5 Years (Resident Indian)
Children below five years are issued a Blue Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar) without fingerprint or iris capture.
Step 1: Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
Enrolment must be done physically at an authorized Aadhaar Seva Kendra. Online self-enrolment is not permitted.
Nearest centre can be located through:
Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal
Step 2: Submission of Enrolment Form
The parent or legal guardian must submit:
- Aadhaar Enrolment & Update Form
- Valid supporting documents
Form download:
Aadhaar Enrolment & Update Form
Step 3: Information Captured During Enrolment
Mandatory Demographic Details:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Address
Optional Demographic Details:
- Mobile number
- Email ID
Parent / Legal Guardian Details:
- Aadhaar number of mother and/or father
- Authentication by parent/guardian
- Consent signature on enrolment form
Biometric Data:
- Only photograph of the child
Mandatory Document Requirement (Post 01-10-2023 Rule)
For children born after 1 October 2023:
Birth Certificate is mandatory.
This document is scanned and digitally stored.
After completion:
- All original documents are returned.
- An acknowledgement slip is issued.
- New enrolment is free of charge.
Enrolment Procedure for NRI Child (Below 5 Years)
For NRI children, the procedure is similar but includes additional identity verification requirements.
Mandatory Demographic Details:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Address
Optional:
- Mobile number
Parent/Guardian Authentication:
- Aadhaar number of parent/legal guardian
- Consent and signature
Biometric:
- Child photograph
Mandatory Document for NRI Child:
- Valid Indian Passport of the child (Proof of Identity – PoI)
Head of Family (HoF) Based Enrolment – Updated Process
When a child does not possess an independent Proof of Address, Aadhaar enrolment can be completed through the Head of Family (HoF) based validation mechanism.
Who Can Act as Head of Family (HoF)?
- Mother
- Father
- Legal Guardian
No other relative is permitted to authenticate on behalf of a child for fresh enrolment.
Documents Required for Minor Aadhaar
Proof of Identity (Child)
- Birth Certificate
- Indian Passport (for NRI)
Proof of Relationship
- Birth Certificate
- Family ID
- Passport
Proof of Address
- Parent Aadhaar
- Utility bill
- Passport
- Ration Card
Processing Time
- Aadhaar generation: 30–60 days
- e-Aadhaar download available online after approval
- SMS notification sent to registered mobile
Biometric Update Rules: The 2026 "Grace Period"
- At Age 5 (First MBU): Must be done between age 5 and 7.
- At Age 15 (Second MBU): Must be done between age 15 and 17.
Cost: MBUs are FREE if done within these windows. If done after age 7 or 17, a fee of ₹125 is applicable.
Common Reasons for Minor Aadhaar Rejection
- Name mismatch between birth certificate and parent Aadhaar
- Incorrect date of birth entry
- Wrong parent Aadhaar linked
- Unverified Proof of Relationship
- Biometric update not completed at required age
Before applying for passport or PAN, ensure all records are aligned.
Note: If you want to correct name in Aadhaar, explore Aadhaar Name Change & Correction Service in Bangalore.
If you need to correct date of birth, visit Aadhaar Date of Birth Correction Service.
How DocuPro Assists in Minor Aadhaar Documentation
While the enrolment itself is free, the cost of a rejected application is high. DocuPro provides:
- Pre-enrolment Document Audit
- NRI-Specific Support
- MBU Scheduling
- Passport Synchronization
For assistance, contact DocuPro.
Conclusion
Aadhaar is the digital anchor for your child’s future. By aligning their Birth Certificate and Passport data early and utilizing the new 2026 digital tracking tools, you can ensure a seamless experience for school admissions and beyond.
Would you like DocuPro to review your child's birth certificate and parent Aadhaar for any potential mismatches before you visit the enrolment center?