Don’t Let Your Child’s Aadhaar Get Deactivated: The Essential Biometric Update Every Parent Must Know

Every parent wants to ensure their child’s official documents are current and valid, but many may not realise an important deadline is approaching once their little one turns five. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a crucial reminder: Children’s Aadhaar numbers, known as Baal Aadhaar, risk deactivation unless a mandatory biometric update is completed after the age of five. Failing to act could leave your child without a valid identification, no matter how recently the original Aadhaar was issued.

Why Is the Biometric Update Essential?

• Baal Aadhaar Issued Without Biometrics: When an Aadhaar is issued to children under five, only facial photos and demographic details are collected. There are no fingerprint or iris scans at this stage.
  
• Update Needed After Age Five: As soon as a child turns five, it becomes compulsory to capture fresh biometric data—fingerprints and iris scans—to keep the Aadhaar active and valid.
  
• Ignoring the Update Equals Deactivation: Skipping this essential step means your child’s Aadhaar will be marked as inactive or even deactivated, which can disrupt access to future services and benefits.
  

How to Check if Your Child’s Aadhaar Is Active

• Online Status Check: Parents can verify the status of their child’s Aadhaar number using the official UIDAI website.
  
• Simple and Free: If you haven’t completed the required update, the Aadhaar may show as inactive in the system.
  

What Should Parents Do?

• Visit an Aadhaar Centre: Head to your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra as soon as your child turns five to provide the necessary biometric data.
  
• No Fees Involved: The biometric update process is free for children.
  
• Act Even If Not in Use: Complete the update even if the Aadhaar isn’t currently needed for admission, government benefits, or any other service.
  

Important Reminders from UIDAI

• Mandatory for Every Child: Biometric updates are required for all children after their fifth birthday, whether or not the Aadhaar card is currently being used.
  
• Keep Documents Valid: Staying proactive helps ensure seamless access to future school, healthcare, and government-related services.
  

Don’t wait until the last moment. Prioritise your child’s identity security—complete the Aadhaar biometric update on time and keep their documents valid for every milestone ahead!