How to Enroll Children for Aadhaar: A Comprehensive Guide

Enrolling children for Aadhaar is an essential step toward providing them with a unique identification that serves as the foundation of their identity in India. This guide covers eligibility, required documents, enrolment steps, and additional details to ensure a hassle-free experience. Understanding Aadhaar for Children Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It acts as a crucial document for identity verification and access to government services. For children, Aadhaar simplifies several processes, including school admissions, availing scholarships, and accessing healthcare benefits. This unique identification ensures that children have a secure identity and are able to participate in various governmental and non-governmental services seamlessly. Eligibility Criteria Any child, regardless of age, can be enrolled for Aadhaar, making it inclusive and universal. Even newborns are eligible for Aadhaar enrolment. However, the data collected varies with age. For children below 5 years, only a photograph is taken. Between the ages of 5 and 15, additional biometric details, such as fingerprints and iris scans, are captured. At 15 years, biometric details must be updated to reflect the physical growth and changes in the child’s characteristics. These age-specific data requirements ensure that Aadhaar remains accurate throughout a child’s development. Documents Required To enroll a child for Aadhaar, parents or guardians need to provide specific documents. For proof of identity (PoI), documents such as the child’s birth certificate or the discharge slip from the hospital are sufficient. Proof of address (PoA) can include the parent’s Aadhaar, passport, or recent utility bills. Additionally, proof of relationship (PoR), like the child’s birth certificate or a family entitlement document, is required to establish a link between the child and the guardian. If a child lacks individual PoI or PoA documents, the Head of Family (HoF) method allows the parent’s Aadhaar to be used for the child’s enrolment. Step-by-Step Enrolment Process Enrolling a child for Aadhaar involves a simple and systematic process. First, parents must locate the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center using the UIDAI website or mobile app. Some centers provide an online appointment system, which helps minimize waiting time. At the center, parents should fill out the enrollment form with accurate details and present the required documents for verification. For children under 5, only a photograph is taken. For older children, fingerprints, iris scans, and a photograph are collected. Once the process is complete, an acknowledgement receipt containing the enrolment ID is issued. This ID can be used to track the Aadhaar generation status. Here are the common steps: Resident Indian/NRI child seeking enrolment need to visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre along with Mother and/or Father or Legal guardian submit a request in requisite form along with valid supporting documents. Enrolment and Update form can also be downloaded from (Aadhaar Enrolment & Update Forms) The enrolment operator shall capture the following informations during the course of enrolment: For Resident Indian Child: Mandatory Demographic information (Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address) Optional demographic information (mobile number and email) Details of Mother and/or Father or Legal Guardian (in case of HoF based enrolment) will be captured. Both or One of the parents/guardian has to authenticate on behalf of the child and also give consent for enrolment of the minor by signing the enrolment form. Biometric Information (Photo of child). The types of documents presented (Birth Certificate is mandatory for the child born after 01-10-2023) will be scanned. For NRI Child: Mandatory Demographic information (Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address and email) Optional demographic information (mobile number) Details (Aadhaar number) of Mother and/or Father or Legal Guardian (in case of HoF based enrolment) is captured. Both or One of the parents/ guardian has to authenticate on behalf of the child and also give consent for enrolment of the minor by signing the enrolment form. Biometric Information (Photo of child) Type of documents presented [valid Indian passport of the child is mandatory as Proof of Identity (PoI)] Residential Status (Resided in India for at least 182 days is not applicable for NRI) After completing the enrolment the operator shall return all the documents along with an acknowledgement slip containing the applicable charges (New Enrolment is Free of charge). List of valid supporting documents is available at List of Supporting Documents You can locate the nearest enrolment centre at: Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal Biometric Data Guidelines Biometric data collection varies with the child’s age: For children below 5 years, only a photograph is required. Between 5 and 15 years, both fingerprints and iris scans are captured along with the photograph. At the age of 15, the biometric data must be updated to reflect the child’s physical growth and changes.These updates ensure that Aadhaar data remains accurate and valid over time, facilitating its use for various identity-related purposes. How to Update Aadhaar for Children Updating Aadhaar for children is necessary to ensure that their biometric and demographic details remain accurate over time. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide: Identify the Need for Update: At age 5: Biometric updates are required, including fingerprints and iris scans, as the child’s biometrics were not recorded earlier. At age 15: Biometrics must be refreshed to account for physical changes. Locate an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Center: Visit the Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal to find the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center. Use the Locate Enrolment Center tool. Book an Appointment (if available): Some centers offer an online appointment system for faster processing. Use the Online Appointment Booking System to schedule your visit. Gather Required Documents: Carry the original Aadhaar card of the child. Proof of identity (PoI) and proof of address (PoA) if demographic updates are needed. Proof of relationship (PoR), such as a birth certificate, if required. Visit the Aadhaar Center: Go to the center with your child and submit the required documents. Provide accurate details and specify the updates needed. Biometric Data Collection: For children aged 5 to 15, fingerprints, iris scans, and a photograph will be updated. For children aged 15 and above, refreshed biometric data is required to reflect growth and changes. Acknowledgement Receipt: After the updates are recorded, you will receive an Update Request Number (URN). Use the URN to track the status of the update via the UIDAI Update Portal. Verification and Confirmation: The updated details will be verified by UIDAI. Once approved, the updated Aadhaar card will be issued. Download the Updated Aadhaar: Visit the UIDAI e-Aadhaar Portal to download the updated Aadhaar card online. By following these steps, parents can ensure that their child’s Aadhaar remains current and valid for all identity-related purposes. Benefits of Aadhaar for Children Serves as a universally accepted identity document which is accepted for both period of address and proof of identity Some colleges nowadays use Aadhaar biometrics to mark attendance. Simplifies school admissions. Essential for availing scholarships, subsidies, and welfare programs. Facilitates participation in immunization programs and access to certain healthcare benefits. Common FAQs Is Aadhaar Mandatory for Children? While not mandatory, Aadhaar is highly recommended due to its numerous benefits. Can Parents Enroll Children Without Individual Documents? Yes, parents can use their Aadhaar under the HoF method. What is the Fee for Aadhaar Enrolment? Aadhaar enrolment is free of cost for all age groups. How Long Does It Take to Get the Aadhaar Card? It usually takes 60-90 days to receive the Aadhaar card. What If There’s an Error in Aadhaar Details? Visit an enrolment center with proof documents to request corrections. Tips and Important Considerations Keep the Aadhaar acknowledgement slip safe until the card is delivered. Regularly update biometric data as the child grows. Double-check all details during enrollment to avoid errors. Why Choose DocuPro Professional Assistance? Enrolling your child for Aadhaar is a significant step toward securing their identity and enabling access to essential services. The process can be completed at any Aadhaar Enrolment Center. However, this process might seem straightforward, but there are reasons to consider professional assistance: Keeping Up with the Latest Rules: Operational procedures and enrolment rules for Aadhaar often undergo updates. These changes may not immediately be reflected in public resources, potentially leading to outdated or incomplete information. Avoiding Common Errors: Missing documents, incorrect details, or failing to adhere to updated guidelines can delay the enrollment process. Professionals can help ensure all requirements are met efficiently. Access to Current Knowledge: Professionals stay informed about the latest regulations and procedural changes. This ensures the steps followed are the most accurate and applicable, saving you time and effort. Convenience and Peace of Mind: Letting experts handle the complexities allows you to focus on what matters most—your child’s needs—while ensuring that the process is completed correctly. At Docupro, we specialize in guiding families through the Aadhaar enrolment process, offering support to ensure every step aligns with the latest requirements. If managing the documentation or process feels overwhelming, consider reaching out to DocuPro. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on ensuring your child’s future is secure with Aadhaar.