Blue Aadhaar Card: The Aadhaar card is a crucial form of identification for citizens in India. While the standard white Aadhaar card is issued to adults and children over 5 years old, children under 5 receive a special blue Aadhaar card, known as Bal Aadhaar, which serves as their primary ID.

Blue Aadhaar Card Overview:

1. The blue Aadhaar card, also called Baal Aadhaar, is specifically for children and is light blue in color to distinguish it from the regular Aadhaar card.
2. It is intended for children under 5 years old and needs to be replaced with a standard Aadhaar card through a biometric update once the child turns 5.

Distinguishing Features of Blue vs. White Aadhaar Card:

1. The white Aadhaar card contains biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans, while the blue Aadhaar card does not collect any biometric information for young children under 5 years old.
2. Instead of biometrics, the blue Aadhaar card records the child’s photo, date of birth, and one parent’s Aadhaar number for identification.

Application Process for Blue Aadhaar:

1. To apply for a Blue Aadhaar, visit an Aadhaar center with the child’s birth certificate and one parent’s Aadhaar card.
2. A live photo of the child is taken, and since biometrics are not required, the process is quicker.

Updating the Child Aadhaar Card:

1. Children transitioning from Baal Aadhaar to a regular Aadhaar must undergo two mandatory biometric updates.
2. The first update is at age 5, and the second at age 15, ensuring that the biometric data on the Aadhaar card remains accurate and current throughout childhood.

Required documents for Baal Aadhaar include the child’s birth certificate or hospital discharge slip, either parent’s Aadhaar card or another valid identity card, a parent’s passport or other proof of current residence, and a document verifying the child’s correct date of birth.

To apply for Baal Aadhaar, one must visit the official UIDAI portal and schedule an appointment at the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra. Upon the appointment, the child and their birth certificate should be brought to the Aadhaar center.