What is Baal Aaadhar, the ID card for children?

Aadhaar is one of the most crucial identity-proof documents in India.

With details like name, permanent address, date of birth, and a unique identification number, the key KYC document helps in availing government subsidies and benefits of various welfare schemes.

Notably, Aadhaar cards come in two categories to cater to different demographics. The first one is designed for adults and is the standard Aadhaar card.

The second category is “Baal Aadhaar” or blue Aadhaar.

Here’s all we know about it.

What is Blue Aadhaar card?

Introduced in 2018, the “Baal Aadhaar” or blue Aadhaar is specifically tailored for children under the age of five.

This document is blue in colour, unlike the regular white Aadhaar cards for adults.

Like Aadhaar for adults, this card also contains a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for a child below five years.

According to the UIDAI website, parents can apply for Baal Aadhaar for a newborn by using their birth certificate or the discharge slip of the hospital as a valid document. The school ID of their children can also be used to enrol for the Baal Aadhaar card.

Is biometric data required?

No.

Unlike adults, the biometric data of the child is not required for the Baal Aadhaar card.

His/her UID is processed based on the demographic information and facial photograph linked with the UID of their parents.

However, the Aadhaar holder (parents) will need to update the child’s biometrics upon attaining the age of five years and again at the age of 15.

Failing to do so will result in the card’s deactivation, making it invalid.

Why is the Baal Aadhaar card important?

Enrolling your child for a Blue Aadhaar card offers several benefits:

• It provides access to numerous government-backed initiatives.

• It makes it easier to provide EWS scholarships and helps the government identify the difference between fraudulent and legitimate students.

• Can be used to verify identification and residence when applying for an array of services, such as vaccinations or school admission.

• When travelling domestically in India, the Blue Aadhaar can be useful, particularly if a parent’s Aadhaar card is also carried.

How to apply for it?

There are two ways to apply for a Blue Aadhar card.

Online –

2. Go to https://uidai.gov.in/ to access the UIDAI website.

3. Navigate to the “My Aadhaar” section and select “Book an Appointment.”

4. After choosing “New Aadhaar,” enter your cellphone number and captcha.

5. Select “Child (0–5) years” under “Relationship with Head of Family.”

6. Enter the child’s details and schedule an appointment at a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Offline –

2. Visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Permanent Enrollment Centre.

3. Inform the officials about getting your child enrolled for a Baal Aadhaar card.

4. Fill out the Aadhaar enrollment form and submit the required documents.

After a successful enrollment, it typically takes 60 days to receive the Blue Aadhaar card.

What are the required documents?

The parent’s Aadhaar Card, child’s birth certificate, address proof of parent (ration card, electricity bill, or other), and two passport-size photos of the child (optional, can be taken at the centre) are needed to enrol for the Blue Aadhaar card.

Moreover, it is important to note that only one parent is to be present during the enrollment process. Also, the Blue Aadhaar card will be linked to the Aadhaar number of one of the parents.

Using the enrollment slip that was given to you at the centre, you can use it to check the status of your child’s Aadhaar application online after applying for the card.

You can visit their website or call the UIDAI helpline at 1947 if you need any assistance or queries.

With inputs from agencies