Children’s Aadhaar Update: Biometrics Mandatory at Ages 5 and 15

Just imagine—what would happen if your child's Aadhaar suddenly stopped working? School admissions, government scholarships, or even getting a passport made—everything would come to a halt. UIDAI has recently issued an important advisory. If you are the parent of a child over the age of 5, this information is crucial for you. The fact is, Aadhaar cards for young children are issued without fingerprint and iris data, but their biometric identity changes as they grow. Therefore, UIDAI has made biometric updates mandatory at the ages of 5 and 15 [citation:3]. Let us understand through this photo gallery why this process is necessary and how to complete it.

5 years of age - First biometric update
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5 years of age - First biometric update

In the picture, a small child is putting his finger on the scanner at the Aadhaar center. According to UIDAI rules, it is mandatory to get the child's first biometric update at the age of 5, as their fingerprint and iris develop at this age.

15 years old Second mandatory update
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15 years old Second mandatory update

Here, a teenager is standing at an Aadhaar centre. The second biometric update is required at the age of 15, because at this age the physical changes of the child (facial bones, fingerprints) become completely stable. According to official sources, this is the time when Aadhaar should be updated to make it valid for life.

Aadhaar Seva Kendra Go where?
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Aadhaar Seva Kendra Go where?

In this picture, there is an exterior view of an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. There are hundreds of Aadhaar centres across the country where parents can update their children's biometrics. However, this process can also be done at the nearest Common Service Center (CSC).

Document Verification What do you take?
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Document Verification What do you take?

In the photo, birth certificates, school IDs and parents' Aadhaar cards are kept on the counter of the Aadhaar center. Documentary verification is required for biometric update. The child's birth certificate or school ID is mandatory to prove the child's age and identity, as well as the parent's Aadhaar.

Fingerprint scanning - the process of the child
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Fingerprint scanning - the process of the child

In this picture, an employee is scanning the child's fingers. All 10 fingerprints of children aged 5 years and above are taken. Remember, this procedure is completely safe and painless.

Iris Scan - Recognition by eye
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Iris Scan - Recognition by eye

This picture shows the process of iris scan of the child's eyes. According to UIDAI, fingerprint and iris scans are mandatory in addition to the photo in the biometric update. This process is very fast.

The new photo... Updated Identification
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The new photo... Updated Identification

A new photo of the baby is being captured in the photo. Since the face changes a lot at the age of 5 years, the updated photo is put in Aadhaar.

Update Aadhaar database Work done
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Update Aadhaar database Work done

This image shows a computer screen with "Biometric Update Successful" written on it. After scanning, the data is uploaded directly to the UIDAI server.

Free service No charge
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Free service No charge

In this photo, a board of "free service" is seen at the Aadhaar center. According to UIDAI, biometric update within the stipulated time frame of 5 years and 15 years is completely free. A late fee of Rs 100 will be charged.

School Admission - Why Is It Important?
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School Admission - Why Is It Important?

This picture is of a family filling the admission form in a school. If the child's Aadhaar becomes inactive in the absence of biometric updates, then there is trouble in school admissions, scholarships and government schemes. Therefore, it is very important to update it on time.