Aadhaar biometric update for children: Who needs it and why it matters

UIDAI has made biometric Aadhaar updates mandatory when children turn five and 15. The exercise is meant to keep records accurate and prevent authentication issues in services.

In Short

• Children get Aadhaar before five without fingerprints or iris details
• UIDAI captures biometrics first when a child turns five years old
• Another update is required at 15 as features become more stable

Parents whose children have recently turned five or 15 years old should take note. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) requires children to undergo a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU)at these two age milestones to keep their Aadhaar details accurate and up to date.

Here's everything you need to know.

WHAT IS THE MANDATORY BIOMETRIC UPDATE?

The Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) is the process of updating a child's biometric information such as fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph in the Aadhaar database.

Since children's biometrics change as they grow, UIDAI requires these updates at specific ages to ensure Aadhaar remains valid and accurate.

WHY IS THE UPDATE REQUIRED AT AGES 5 AND 15?

Children below the age of five are issued Aadhaar without capturing fingerprints or iris scans because these features are still developing.

Once a child turns five, biometrics are collected for the first time. Another update is required at the age of 15, when biometric features become more stable and closer to those of an adult.

WHO NEEDS TO GET THE UPDATE?

The update is mandatory for:

• Children who have turned 5 years old
• Teenagers who have turned 15 years old

Parents or guardians should schedule the update as soon as possible after the child reaches the required age.

WHAT DETAILS ARE UPDATED?

During the appointment, the Aadhaar centre captures:

* Fingerprints

* Iris scan

* Latest photograph

If required, demographic details can also be verified or updated.

IS THERE A FEE?

According to UIDAI, the Mandatory Biometric Update for children between 5 and 17 years of age is currently free until September 30, 2026

WHERE CAN YOU GET IT DONE?

The update can be completed at any authorised Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar enrolment centre.

Parents can locate their nearest Aadhaar centre using UIDAI's official website or by scanning the QR code provided in UIDAI's awareness campaign.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T UPDATE IT?

Failing to complete the mandatory biometric update may lead to authentication issues while using Aadhaar for various services. Keeping biometric details updated helps ensure smoother verification for government schemes, education, banking and other services where Aadhaar authentication is required.

DOCUMENTS TO CARRY

In most cases, the child should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is advisable to carry:

* The child's Aadhaar number or Aadhaar letter/card

* Parent or guardian's Aadhaar (if required for verification)

* Any additional documents requested by the Aadhaar centre

Updating your child's Aadhaar biometrics at the ages of five and 15 is an important step in keeping their identity records accurate. With the service currently being offered free of cost until September 30, 2026**, parents can complete the process at their nearest Aadhaar centre and avoid future authentication issues.

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