UIDAI Issues New Rules: Blue Aadhaar Card Now Mandatory for Children Under 5

Blue Aadhaar Card: In India, the Aadhaar card has become the most important identification for every citizen. But did you know that a special “Blue Aadhaar Card” is issued for young children? This card, designed for children under the age of 5, not only looks different, but its rules and benefits are also quite different from those for adults.

According to the latest guidelines from January 2026, this “Baal Aadhaar” is now becoming a mandatory document for everything from school admissions to availing the benefits of government schemes. If you have a little one in your home, this article is very useful for you.

What is the Blue Aadhaar Card

Blue Aadhaar card
Blue Aadhaar card

The Blue Aadhaar Card, also known as “Baal Aadhaar” in technical terms, is specifically designed for children aged 0 to 5 years. As the name suggests, this card is blue in color to make it easily distinguishable from the white Aadhaar card used for adults.

The card’s most significant feature is that it doesn’t capture children’s biometrics (fingerprints and iris data), as young children’s biometrics change over time and aren’t static. Instead, it’s directly linked to the parent’s Aadhaar card number to confirm the child’s identity. This card contains the child’s name, photo, and date of birth, making it a reliable identification card.

When and How to Get Biometrics Updated

The blue Aadhaar card is not permanent, and it is legally mandatory to update it periodically to maintain its validity. If you don’t update it on time, your child’s Aadhaar may become invalid or inactive.

As soon as the child turns 5, they must be taken to the nearest Aadhaar center. Here, the child’s biometrics are registered for the first time, and their blue Aadhaar card is converted to a standard white Aadhaar. After this, when the child reaches the age of 15, their facial features and biometrics must be updated again. This process is absolutely mandatory to ensure that future government or private verification procedures are not hampered.

How to Apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card

The process of getting your child’s Blue Aadhaar Card is very simple. It doesn’t require much hassle. You can make an appointment online through the UIDAI website or visit the nearest Aadhaar enrollment center.

To apply, you’ll need to bring your child’s original birth certificate and one of the parents’ Aadhaar cards. A live photo of the child will be taken at the center, and once the information is entered, it will be linked to the parent’s Aadhaar. After the enrollment process is complete, you’ll receive a slip, and the Blue Aadhaar card will arrive at your home by post within a few days.

Why is it important for every child

This card is not just an identity card, but the first step towards your child’s rights. Having it makes many government and private tasks a breeze:

  1. These days, almost all reputable schools have started asking for your child’s Aadhaar card at the time of admission.
  2. It is the most reliable document for children to receive direct benefits of vaccinations, health services, and other welfare schemes.
  3. Blue Aadhaar is the best option for verifying your child’s identity and age during train or air travel.
  4. This card is very useful for opening a child’s savings account or registering medical records at major hospitals.