Aadhaar Card: The Aadhaar card is considered one of the most essential documents for individuals. Aadhaar cards are now issued to everyone, from adults to children. However, simply getting your child’s Aadhaar card made is not enough; as children grow, their biometric details change.
For this reason, the UIDAI has implemented a rule requiring mandatory biometric updates for children twice. The first update takes place at the age of 5, and the second at the age of 15. During these updates, the child’s photograph, fingerprints, and iris scans are captured again. In this article, we explain why the biometric update at age 5 is crucial.
Get your child’s biometrics updated at age 5.
It is worth noting that the process of recording biometrics differs when an Aadhaar card is initially created for a young child. When a child turns 5, a complete biometric record is captured; a new photograph is taken, fingerprints from all fingers are recorded, and both irises are scanned. This information is then updated in the Aadhaar records.
The update does not change the Aadhaar number.
While the biometric update is mandatory, performing it does not change the Aadhaar number itself; the original 12-digit number remains the same. According to the UIDAI, a deduplication process is also carried out during the update at age 5. Although the procedure resembles a new registration, the child’s existing Aadhaar number remains unchanged.
Get updated again at age 15.
Regarding the second mandatory biometric update, it takes place at the age of 15. At this stage, the photograph, fingerprints, and iris scans are updated once more, as significant physical changes occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood. Under UIDAI rules, biometric information must be updated again when a child reaches the age of 15.
When is the biometric update free?
According to UIDAI’s current fee structure, no fee is charged for the mandatory update required between the ages of 5 and 7. Similarly, the update is free for the 15–17 age group. UIDAI had waived the fee for children aged 7 to 15; an official order issued in September 2025 granted this exemption for one year, effective from October 1, 2025.
What is the cost of the update?
According to UIDAI, the fee for a standard biometric update at an Aadhaar service centre is ₹125. However, fees for mandatory biometric updates for children may be waived depending on their age and applicable exemptions.
Can the biometric update be done from home?
Please note that the child must visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre to have their fingerprints and iris scans recorded. According to UIDAI, mandatory biometric updates can only be done at Aadhaar registration centres. You can obtain information about the nearest centre via the UIDAI Bhuvan Aadhaar portal.