Quick answer: UIDAI is offering free Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for children aged 5–17 until 30 September 2027. A child's biometrics are normally updated twice: once when the child turns 5 and again when they turn 15. The update captures the child's photograph, fingerprints and iris scans so that the Aadhaar record reflects their growing biometric features. The Aadhaar number remains the same. Children must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorised Aadhaar enrolment and update centre in person for the biometric update.

What Is the Latest UIDAI Update?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is offering free Mandatory Biometric Updates for children aged 5 to 17 years until 30 September 2027.

The facility helps children complete their mandatory Aadhaar biometric updates without paying the applicable update charge during this period.

This is particularly useful for children whose biometrics were due at age 5 or 15, as well as children in the 7–15 age group who may have missed an earlier update.

The update is not a new Aadhaar enrolment. The child keeps the same Aadhaar number; only the biometric information linked to it is refreshed.

At a glance

Which Children Need a Biometric Update?

Aadhaar biometric updates are linked to two important age milestones.

• When a child turns 5: The child's biometric information is captured for the first time. This is known as the first Mandatory Biometric Update.
• When a child turns 15: The child's biometric information is updated again. This is the second Mandatory Biometric Update.

The free update facility currently covers children aged 5–17 until 30 September 2027.

This means that parents should check whether their child has completed the update due at the relevant age. If the child missed the update earlier, they should visit an authorised centre and get the Aadhaar record updated.

Does every child aged 5–17 need an update immediately?

No. The age range describes who can benefit from the free facility; it does not mean that every child needs a fresh biometric update every year.

The two normal mandatory update milestones are when the child reaches 5 and 15 years of age. If the relevant update has already been completed, parents do not need to repeat it simply because the child falls within the 5–17 age group.

Why Are Biometric Updates Required at Ages 5 and 15?

A child's physical features change as they grow.

The fingerprints and other biometric characteristics captured during early childhood may not remain suitable for reliable identification as the child gets older. UIDAI therefore requires biometric information to be refreshed at specific age milestones.

The two updates help ensure that the Aadhaar record contains more current biometric information.

For parents, this is worth checking before a child needs Aadhaar for school-related records, examinations, scholarships or other identity-related services.

It is better to check the update status early rather than discover that the child's biometric information needs updating when a service is time-sensitive.

What Information Is Updated?

The Mandatory Biometric Update covers three types of biometric information:

• Photograph: A fresh photograph of the child is captured.
• Fingerprints: The child's fingerprints are recorded.
• Iris scans: Both iris scans are captured.

The update refreshes the biometric information linked to the child's Aadhaar record.

The Aadhaar number does not change. The child continues to use the same Aadhaar number after the biometric update.

How to Get a Child's Aadhaar Biometrics Updated

The biometric update must be completed in person at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or an authorised Aadhaar enrolment and update centre.

Here's the process parents can follow:

• Step 1: Check whether the update is due. Check the child's age and whether the mandatory biometric update due at age 5 or 15 has already been completed.
• Step 2: Find an authorised Aadhaar centre. Use UIDAI's official website to locate the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolment and update centre.
• Step 3: Take the child to the centre. The child must be physically present because the centre needs to capture the photograph, fingerprints and iris scans. A parent or guardian should accompany the child.
• Step 4: Provide the child's Aadhaar details. Carry the child's Aadhaar number or Aadhaar details so that the centre can locate the correct record and process the update.
• Step 5: Complete biometric capture. The authorised operator will capture the required biometric information and submit the update request.
• Step 6: Collect the acknowledgement. Keep the acknowledgement or update request details provided by the centre. You can use the relevant UIDAI facility to check the status of the update.

You can find an authorised centre through the UIDAI website.

Is the Aadhaar Biometric Update Really Free?

Yes. UIDAI's current information states that Mandatory Biometric Updates for children aged 5–17 are free until 30 September 2027.

The standard mandatory update milestones are:

• Once between the ages of 5 and 7.
• Once between the ages of 15 and 17.

UIDAI's extended waiver also covers the 7–15 age group during the announced free-update period.

This distinction matters because the update at ages 5–7 and 15–17 is already covered by the standard free MBU provisions. The extended waiver makes the facility free for children in the intervening age group as well, until the stated deadline.

What if someone asks you to pay for the mandatory biometric update?

If you are being charged for a child's MBU during the announced free period, check the current UIDAI fee schedule and ask the centre to clarify the charge.

The free MBU facility does not automatically make every other Aadhaar service free. A separate demographic update or another service may have different charges depending on the current UIDAI fee rules.

Can the Aadhaar Biometric Update Be Done Online?

No. The child's biometric information cannot be updated through an online form or simply by downloading the Aadhaar app.

The child must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorised enrolment and update centre because the process involves capturing physical biometric information.

UIDAI's online services may support certain other Aadhaar-related activities, but they cannot replace the in-person biometric capture required for MBU.

Parents should therefore plan a visit to an authorised centre rather than looking for an online shortcut.

What Parents Should Remember

Before visiting the centre, keep these points in mind:

• Check whether the child's mandatory update at age 5 or 15 is due.
• Remember that the free facility is available until 30 September 2027.
• Find an authorised Aadhaar centre through UIDAI's official website.
• The child must be physically present for biometric capture.
• Carry the child's Aadhaar number or Aadhaar details.
• Keep the acknowledgement provided after the update.
• Do not confuse a biometric update with a demographic or address update, which may have separate requirements and charges.

Where DocuPro Fits In

DocuPro does not provide Aadhaar biometric update services. The update requires the child's physical presence at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorised Aadhaar enrolment and update centre so that fingerprints, iris scans and a photograph can be captured by an authorised operator.

Since the biometric capture must be completed in person, this is not a service that DocuPro can complete on a parent's behalf. Parents should directly visit an authorised centre and use UIDAI's official website to find the appropriate location.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Aadhaar biometric update free for children in 2026?

Yes. UIDAI currently provides free Mandatory Biometric Updates for children aged 5–17 until 30 September 2027.

2. At what age should a child's Aadhaar biometrics be updated?

The two mandatory update milestones are when the child turns 5 and when the child turns 15.

3. What happens if I missed my child's biometric update at age 5?

Visit an authorised Aadhaar enrolment and update centre to complete the pending update. The current free facility covers children aged 5–17 until 30 September 2027.

4. Does the Aadhaar number change after a biometric update?

No. The child's existing Aadhaar number remains the same. Only the biometric information linked to the record is updated.

5. Which biometrics are captured during the update?

The centre captures the child's photograph, fingerprints and iris scans.

6. Can I update my child's Aadhaar biometrics from home?

No. Biometric updates require physical capture at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorised Aadhaar enrolment and update centre.

7. Do parents need to take their child to the Aadhaar centre?

Yes. The child must be present because the photograph, fingerprints and iris scans need to be captured in person. A parent or guardian should accompany the child.

8. What is the last date for the free Aadhaar biometric update?

The current free-update period runs until 30 September 2027.

9. Can DocuPro help with my child's Aadhaar biometric update?

No. DocuPro does not offer this service because the child must be physically present at an authorised Aadhaar centre for biometric capture. Parents should approach UIDAI or an authorised centre directly.

10. Where can I find the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra?

Visit the official UIDAI website and use its Aadhaar centre locator to find an authorised centre.

Aadhaar update rules, fees and deadlines referenced in this article reflect UIDAI's published information as of 3 November 2026. UIDAI may revise fees, procedures or deadlines. Check the official UIDAI website before visiting a centre. Biometric updates must be completed in person at an authorised Aadhaar centre. DocuPro does not provide or arrange this service.