Worried About Aadhaar Deactivation? Here’s How Parents Can Update Their Child’s Aadhaar

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has asked parents to update their child's Aadhaar card with biometric details once the child between 5 to 7 years of age. If not updated, the Aadhaar may be deactivated, which can affect access to important services like school admissions, bank accounts, or government schemes.

In this article we will understand why it is important to update your child's Adhaar Card and what are the steps for it.

Why Is Updating Your Child's Aadhaar Important?

When a child is under the age of 5, Aadhaar is created using only basic information like name, photo, gender, and address. At this stage, biometric details such as fingerprints and iris scans are not collected because the child's body is still developing.

However, once the child turns 5, UIDAI requires a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU). This update includes collecting the child's fingerprints, iris scan, and a fresh photograph. It helps keep the Aadhaar information accurate as the child grows.

The update process is treated like a new Aadhaar enrolment, but the original Aadhaar number stays the same. The UIDAI also checks for duplicate entries during this process to make sure the Aadhaar remains unique and valid.

According to UIDAI rules, if the biometric update is completed between the ages of 5 and 7, it is free of cost. But if the update is delayed after the child turns 7, a small fee of Rs 100 may be charged.

Aadhaar with updated biometric facilitates ease of living and ensures seamless usage of Aadhaar in availing services such as school admissions, registering for entrance examinations, availing benefits of scholarships, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes, etc wherever applicable.

What Happens If You Don't Update?

Timely completion of MBU is an essential requirement for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of biometric data of children. If the update isn't completed by the time the child turns 7, the Aadhaar may be deactivated. UIDAI has noticed that many parents haven't completed this step.

To remind them, SMS alerts are being sent to mobile numbers linked with the child's Aadhaar.

How to Update Your Child's Aadhaar?

Step 1: Visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra - Go to your nearest Aadhaar enrolment center (Aadhaar Seva Kendra). You can find the nearest center on the UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in

Step 2: Carry Required Documents - Bring the original Aadhaar card of your child. Also carry your own Aadhaar card as the parent/guardian (for verification)

Step 3: Fill the Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Form - Provide the form to the executive and provide your child's Aadhaar details.

Step 4: Biometric Update - The center will take your child's fingerprints, iris scan, and a new photo. This is called the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU).

Step 5: Review and Submit - Confirm the details and submit the request. You will get an acknowledgement slip for reference

Step 6: The executive locks your data and updates it in the UIDAI's database.

How to Check If Aadhaar Is Active?

You can visit the UIDAI website to check if your child's Aadhaar is still active. If the biometric update hasn't been done, the Aadhaar may show as inactive. And, if your child's biometric is updated on time, UIDAI website will show it active.