Planning To Get A Baal Aadhaar Card? Check Eligibility, Features, Application Process

Aadhaar card is one of the most vital and reliable proofs of identity for Indian residents. Due to its increasing importance in accessing government schemes and participating in welfare programs, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has made provisions to issue Aadhaar cards categorised into two segments - the conventional Aadhaar card for adults and Baal Aadhaar card for children aged below 5 years.

Here's everything you need to know about the Baal Aadhaar card.

What Is A Baal Aadhaar Card?

The Baal Aadhaar card is a blue-coloured Aadhaar card for children under 5 years. This identity document is utilised for school admissions, government welfare programs, passport applications, and other Aadhaar-related services.

Key Features Of Baal Aadhaar Card

Before enrolling for Baal Aadhaar, parents need to understand the salient features of this document:

•Unlike a conventional Aadhaar card, the Baal Aadhaar card does not need the biometric details of the child at the time of enrolment.
•Only the child's photograph is taken during the application process.
•Biometric details such as iris scan, fingerprints, and face scan are taken when the child reaches the ages of 5 and 15.
•Once the child is five years old, the first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) must be completed. Again, a photograph is taken during this phase.
•The same process has to be repeated when the child reaches the age of fifteen.
•It is compulsory to provide at least one parent's Aadhaar card for the child's enrolment.
•In case neither parent has an Aadhaar card, then they have first to get enrolled for Aadhaar before applying for the child's Baal Aadhaar card.
•There is no enrolment fee for obtaining a Baal Aadhaar card.
•Birth certificate or discharge certificate from the hospital has to be submitted during the enrolment process.

How To Apply For A Baal Aadhaar Card?

Parents or legal guardians can follow these steps to apply for a Baal Aadhaar card for their child.
Step 1: Check for the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra on the UIDAI website and visit the centre.
Step 2: Fill out the enrolment form for the Baal Aadhaar card with your child's details.
Step 3: Submit any one parent's Aadhaar card as proof of parentage and address proof along with the child's birth certificate.
Step 4: The operator at the centre will take a photograph of the child. It is advisable to carry two passport-sized photographs of the child in case the centre does not have a photo service.
Step 5: Upon completion of the enrolment process, the Aadhaar executive will hand over the acknowledgement slip with the enrolment number to the parents. The number could be used to check the status of Aadhaar generation.
Step 6: Once the Baal Aadhaar card is generated, parents can download the e-Aadhaar or get an Aadhaar PVC card from the centre.

Parents can also register their mobile number with their child's Aadhaar card or use the mAadhaar app to securely carry the Aadhaar details on their smartphones.