Blue Aadhaar Card: Getting an Aadhaar card for yourself is a common practice in India. But did you know there’s a special Aadhaar card designed specifically for children below five years old? It’s called the Blue Aadhaar card, and while it might not seem essential right away, it holds significant benefits for your child’s future. This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions about the Blue Aadhaar card, making the process smooth and hassle-free.
What is a Blue Aadhaar Card?
The Blue Aadhaar card is a unique identification document issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for children under five years of age. Unlike the regular white Aadhaar card, the Blue Aadhaar doesn’t require capturing any biometric information (fingerprints and iris scans) due to the challenges associated with collecting them from young children.
Why is a Blue Aadhaar Card Important?
While your child might not need an Aadhaar card immediately, obtaining one offers several advantages:
- Future Proofing: A Blue Aadhaar card simplifies the process of obtaining a regular Aadhaar card later. Once your child turns five, updating their Aadhaar with fingerprints and iris scans becomes much easier as their basic information is already linked to the UID system.
- Minimizes Paperwork: Having a Blue Aadhaar card can eliminate the need for multiple documents as proof of identity and address when your child needs them in the future.
- Reduces Hassle: In situations where an identity card becomes necessary, like applying for a passport or visa in the future, a Blue Aadhaar card eliminates last-minute scrambling for documents.
Documents Required for Applying for a Blue Aadhaar Card
The good news is that obtaining a Blue Aadhaar card for your child is a straightforward process requiring minimal documents:
- Child’s Birth Certificate: This must be an original birth certificate issued by your municipal corporation. Hospital-issued birth certificates are not valid for Aadhaar enrolment.
- Parent’s Aadhaar Card: The Aadhaar card of either parent (ideally the head of the family) is mandatory for the application.
- Name Matching: Ensure the names of the parents on the birth certificate exactly match their names on their respective Aadhaar cards. Any discrepancies can delay the application process.
How to Apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card?
Applying for a Blue Aadhaar card involves a simple visit to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre:
- Locate an Enrolment Centre: You can find nearby Aadhaar Enrolment Centres through the UIDAI website or mobile app.
- Schedule an Appointment (Optional): While not mandatory, scheduling an appointment beforehand can help avoid long wait times at the centre.
- Visit the Centre: Carry the required documents (mentioned above) and be prepared to provide basic information about your child.
- Aadhaar Enrolment: An Aadhaar official will verify your documents and complete the online enrolment process. Since there’s no biometric capture, this step is relatively quick.
- Aadhaar Letter: You’ll receive an Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement slip containing your child’s Aadhaar number. This slip acts as a temporary Aadhaar card until the actual card arrives by mail.
Important Points to Remember:
- Validity of Blue Aadhaar Card: The Blue Aadhaar card remains valid until your child reaches five years of age.
- Mandatory Updates: It’s crucial to update your child’s Aadhaar card twice before they turn 18. The first update happens at age five, where fingerprints and iris scans are captured. The second update occurs at age 15.
- Lost or Damaged Aadhaar Card: In case of a lost or damaged Blue Aadhaar card, you can apply for a reprint at any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.
Benefits of Updating Your Child’s Aadhaar Card
Updating your child’s Aadhaar card at the designated ages offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Security: Adding biometric information strengthens the security of your child’s Aadhaar card, minimizing the risk of misuse.
- Wider Usefulness: An updated Aadhaar card unlocks a wider range of services and benefits that may require Aadhaar authentication in the future.
- Future Convenience: An updated Aadhaar card streamlines various processes for your child as they reach adulthood.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Blue Aadhaar card for your child is a proactive step towards ensuring a smoother future for them. It’s a simple, time-saving process with long-term benefits. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the update requirements in mind, you can equip your child with a valuable identification tool for their life ahead.
