Aadhaar Card Update: The Aadhaar card has become critical in India and is used everywhere. Whether you are opening a new bank account, availing benefits from a government scheme, applying for a passport, or purchasing a new mobile SIM card, the Aadhaar card is the first document requested.
If you have a child aged between 5 and 17 years, ensure you complete this essential Aadhaar-related task in time. UIDAI is offering a free service for the mandatory biometric update for children, with a deadline set for September 30, 2026. Please note that after this date, you may be required to pay a prescribed fee for the update.
Typically, when an Aadhaar card is created for a young child, their fingerprint and iris details are not recorded. The first biometric update occurs when the child turns 5 years of age. Subsequently, another biometric update is required when the child reaches the age of 15. If your children have not yet undergone this update, you can get it done for free before the September 30 deadline.
Which children require a biometric update?
Children who have reached the age of 5 or 15 and have not yet undergone the mandatory biometric update must complete this process as soon as possible. Under the current UIDAI campaign, this update is being provided free of charge for children aged 5 to 17 until September 30, 2026. After September 30, 2026, you may be required to pay a prescribed fee.
How to get the biometric update done for children?
Take your child to the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (Aadhaar Service Centre) or Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
Carry the child’s Aadhaar card and the Aadhaar details of the parent or guardian.
The necessary biometric data for the child will be updated at the centre.
Why is a biometric update necessary for children?
Children undergo rapid physical changes as they grow. Therefore, it is essential to update the biometric information recorded in their Aadhaar at specific ages.
Aadhaar updates were previously free for these groups.
The UIDAI had waived the update fee for a year for individuals aged seven to 15 (or older). Currently, the mandatory biometric update for children aged five to 17 is provided free of charge.