Aadhaar is a unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to every resident of India. It is a 12-digit number that is linked to the biometric and demographic data of the individual. Aadhaar serves as proof of identity and address for various purposes, such as availing government schemes, opening bank accounts, filing tax returns, etc.
But what about children? Do they need an Aadhaar card too? The answer is yes. Children, even newborns, can also get an Aadhaar card. However, for children below the age of five, a special type of Aadhaar card is issued, called the blue Aadhaar card or the Baal Aadhaar card.
In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about the blue Aadhaar card, such as what it is, why it is important, how to apply for it, and how to update it.
What is a Blue Aadhaar Card?
A blue Aadhaar card is an Aadhaar card issued specifically for children below the age of five. It is blue in color and does not contain any biometric data of the child, such as fingerprints and iris scans. Instead, it is linked to the Aadhaar number of one of the parents or guardians of the child. The blue Aadhaar card contains the following information about the child:
- Name
- Photograph
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Aadhaar number of the parent or guardian
The blue Aadhaar card is valid until the child turns five, after which it needs to be updated with the biometric data of the child.
Why is a Blue Aadhaar Card Important?
A blue Aadhaar card is important for your child for the following reasons:
- It helps you avail of various government schemes and benefits for your child, such as scholarships, subsidies, health insurance, etc.
- It aids in verifying the identity and address of your child for various services, such as school admissions, immunizations, travel, etc.
- It can help you link your child's PAN, bank account, and other documents with your Aadhaar number, and avoid any mismatch or duplication issues.
- It also secures your child's future by creating a digital identity for them from an early age.
Also Read: How To Check Aadhaar PAN Card Link Status Online?
How to Apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card?
To apply for a blue Aadhaar card for your child, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Locate the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center using the UIDAI website or call the toll-free number 1947.
You can also book an appointment online using the same website or the mAadhaar app.
Step 2: Visit the Aadhaar enrolment center with your child and your Aadhaar card. You need to be present with your child as the parent or guardian whose Aadhaar number will be linked to the child's Aadhaar card.
Step 3: Fill out the Aadhaar enrolment form for your child. You can get the form at the center or download it from the UIDAI website. You need to provide the details of your child, such as name, date of birth, gender, address, etc. You also need to provide your Aadhaar number as the parent or guardian of the child.
Step 4: Submit the required documents along with the form. You need to provide the following documents:
- A copy of your Aadhaar card as the parent or guardian of the child.
- A copy of the birth certificate of the child.
- A copy of the address proof of the parent or guardian, such as a ration card, electricity bill, etc.
Step 5: Get the photograph of your child taken at the center. The photograph should be clear and recent and should capture the face and eyes of the child. You can also bring two passport-sized photographs of your child as a backup.
Step 6: Collect the acknowledgement slip from the center. The slip will contain the enrolment number and the date and time of enrolment. You can use this slip to track the status of your child's Aadhaar card online or by calling the toll-free number 1947.
Step 7: Wait for the Aadhaar card to be generated and delivered to your address. It may take up to 60 days for the Aadhaar card to be issued and dispatched. You can also download the e-Aadhaar card from the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app using the enrolment number or the Aadhaar number of your child.
Also Read: UAN: Portal Registration, Activating Your Universal Account Number, And Linking It To Aadhar
How to Update the Blue Aadhaar Card?
The blue Aadhaar card is valid until the child turns five. After that, the child needs to visit the Aadhaar enrolment center again and update the biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans.
The updated Aadhaar card will be white in color and will have the biometric data of the child. To update the blue Aadhaar card, you need to follow the steps as you did while applying for the blue aadhaar card.
It may take up to 60 days for the Aadhaar card to be updated and dispatched. You can also download the e-Aadhaar card from the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app using the update request number or the Aadhaar number of your child.
If you have not applied for a blue Aadhaar card for your child yet, you should do it as soon as possible and secure your child's future.
FAQs
Q: What if I lose or damage my child’s blue Aadhaar card?
A: If you lose or damage your child’s blue Aadhaar card, you can get a duplicate one by visiting the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center or by ordering it online from the UIDAI website. You need to provide the Aadhaar number or the enrolment number or the update request number of your child to get a duplicate blue Aadhaar card. You can also download the e-Aadhaar card from the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app using the Aadhaar number or the enrolment number or the update request number of your child.
Q: Can I change the details of my child’s blue Aadhaar card?
A: Yes, you can change the details of your child’s blue Aadhaar card, such as name, date of birth, address, etc. by visiting the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center. You need to fill out the Aadhaar update form and submit the required documents along with the blue Aadhaar card. You also need to provide your Aadhaar number as the parent or guardian of the child. You will receive an update request number that you can use to track the status of your child’s Aadhaar card online or by calling the toll-free number 1947. You can also download the e-Aadhaar card from the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app using the update request number or the Aadhaar number of your child.
