Making important strides in data safety for young Indians, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a valuable benefit for families. Beginning September 21, parents can enroll their children for Aadhaar and also complete compulsory biometric updates, entirely free of charge, in two key age groups: five to seven years and fifteen to seventeen years. This thoughtful initiative aims to keep every child’s biometric records accurate and up to date, all while removing any financial hurdles that might have previously worried parents.
What’s New for Aadhaar Enrollment and Updates
Children grow and change quickly, making it necessary to update their fingerprints, iris scans, and facial photographs to ensure that Aadhaar records reflect their current identity. According to the latest policy changes, both first-time enrollments and mandated biometric updates during the 5-7 and 15-17 year age brackets will be processed without any fees at authorized Aadhaar centers across the country.
To take advantage of these updates, simply visit your closest Aadhaar enrollment center. The location can be found using the official UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app. Collect an enrollment or update form, fill in the necessary details, and hand it over with identity and address documents. An operator will then record the child’s fingerprints and iris scan, or update them as required. After submission, the center will provide an acknowledgment slip containing your unique Enrollment ID for further tracking.
Why the Updates Matter — and How to Proceed
It’s crucial for parents to know that Aadhaar registration below the age of five does not require fingerprints or iris scans—only a facial photo is taken. When a child turns five, all biometric data must be collected through a free update. The process repeats at age fifteen, ensuring that the evolving biometric markers are captured for continued accuracy. Failing to update biometrics by age seven or fifteen can lead to deactivation of the Aadhaar number, so completing this process on time is essential.
With these steps in place, families can ensure uninterrupted access to government services, smooth school admissions, and eligibility for various child-focused schemes that require Aadhaar authentication. UIDAI’s fee waiver helps remove barriers, making it easier for parents across India to keep their children’s identification up to date.
