Baal Aadhaar: getting Aadhaar for your baby
What UIDAI asks for a child under five, the two ways to enrol, the single-parent case and the updates to remember.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Aadhaar for a child under five, often called Baal Aadhaar, is free. Only the child's photo is captured, no fingerprints. You can enrol with the child's documents or through a parent's Aadhaar with a proof of relationship such as a document listing the child. A free biometric update is due when the child turns 5 and again at 15.
What Baal Aadhaar is
"Baal Aadhaar" is the name commonly used for Aadhaar issued to a child below five years. UIDAI's Citizen's Charter sets out how it works.
| For a child below five | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free: "Aadhaar enrolment is free of cost", and so is the form |
| Biometrics | The child's facial image is captured |
| Name, date of birth, gender | Recorded |
| Mobile number | Optional |
| Mandatory for a Non-Resident Indian child |
Two ways to enrol
1. With documents
You present the child's proof of identity, proof of address and proof of date of birth. Since the 2023 amendment of the birth registration law, the birth certificate is the document used to prove date and place of birth for an Aadhaar number, for children born after the amendment came into force.
2. Through a parent (Head of Family)
- The Aadhaar number of the mother and/or father (or legal guardian) is recorded, with the relationship.
- The child's address is the same as the linked parent's.
- The parent's biometric authenticates the request.
- A proof of relationship document is collected: "Only those children can be enrolled based on the relationship document (PoR), whose names are recorded in the relationship document."
Single parent? "If details of only one parent are given, whether the other parent is currently not residing with the child will also be captured." One parent is enough.
Take original documents: they are returned after an electronic copy is made and checked. The list of accepted documents and the forms by age and residence are on uidai.gov.in.
Updates to put in your calendar
When your child turns 5, and again at 15, a mandatory biometric update is needed. It is free if done between 5 and 7 years, and between 15 and 17 years.
Checklist
Questions: UIDAI contact centre 1947 or help@uidai.gov.in.
Questions parents ask
Is Aadhaar enrolment for a baby free?
Yes. UIDAI's Citizen's Charter states that Aadhaar enrolment is free of cost, and the enrolment form is free too.
Are a baby's fingerprints taken for Aadhaar?
For children below five, UIDAI captures the child's facial image. The parent's biometric authenticates the request when the child is enrolled through the parent.
When does a child's Aadhaar need updating?
A mandatory biometric update is required when the child turns 5 and again at 15. It is free if done between 5 and 7 years, and between 15 and 17 years.
Can a single parent enrol a child?
Yes. If only one parent's details are given, the form records whether the other parent currently lives with the child.
Sources
- UIDAI — Citizen's Charter checked October 13, 2026
- UIDAI — Enrolment and update forms checked October 13, 2026
- Registrar General of India — The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023 checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.