What Is the Blue Aadhaar Card and Who Gets It? Parents Must Know About This Special ID

Blue Aadhaar Card : The Aadhaar card is one of India’s most vital identity documents, widely used for government schemes, banking, and verification processes. But many parents are unaware of a special variant of Aadhaar made just for children — the Blue Aadhaar Card. Also known as the “Baal Aadhaar,” this version is specifically issued for kids under 5 years of age and has its own set of unique features. Understanding what this card is, who is eligible, and how to apply for it is important for every parent.

What Is the Blue Aadhaar Card?

The Blue Aadhaar Card is a child-friendly version of the regular Aadhaar card. It is issued to children below the age of 5 and helps in creating an early digital identity for them.

• It is printed in blue color instead of the usual white.
• It does not carry biometric data (fingerprints or iris scan).
• It is linked to the parent’s Aadhaar card.
• It can be updated once the child turns 5, with biometric details.
• It is free of cost and easy to apply.

Who Is Eligible for Blue Aadhaar?

Only children below the age of 5 years are eligible for the Blue Aadhaar. The eligibility criteria are simple:

• The child must be under 5 years of age.
• At least one parent must have a valid Aadhaar number.
• Proof of relationship and birth certificate are required.

Here is a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:

Criteria	Requirement
Age	0 to 5 years
Parent Aadhaar	At least one parent’s Aadhaar is mandatory
Documents	Birth certificate, proof of relationship
Biometric data	Not required for children under 5
Photograph	Mandatory for identification
Aadhaar update needed	Yes, once the child turns 5
Aadhaar colour	Blue
Cost	Free of charge

Documents Required for Blue Aadhaar Application

To apply for the Blue Aadhaar, the following documents are needed:

• Child’s birth certificate
• Parent’s Aadhaar card
• Proof of relationship (hospital record or legal document)
• Child’s photograph

Parents must ensure all documents are original at the time of enrollment.

Application Process for Blue Aadhaar

Applying for a Blue Aadhaar is simple and can be done both online and offline. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Visit the official UIDAI website or a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
2. Book an appointment for child Aadhaar enrollment.
3. Submit the required documents along with the child’s photograph.
4. Provide parent’s Aadhaar details for linkage.
5. Complete the form and verify all details with the Aadhaar operator.
6. Once the data is submitted, an acknowledgment slip will be issued.
7. The Blue Aadhaar card is delivered by post within 60-90 days.

Here’s a summary table for the process:

Step Number	Action	Notes
1	Visit UIDAI website or Aadhaar centre	Appointment booking is recommended
2	Submit documents	Original documents must be presented
3	Photograph capture	No biometrics for under-5 children
4	Link with parent’s Aadhaar	One parent must have Aadhaar
5	Get acknowledgment slip	Keep it safe for tracking
6	Wait for delivery	Usually takes 60–90 days

Why Blue Aadhaar Is Important for Your Child

The Blue Aadhaar is more than just a formality—it has real benefits:

• Early access to government schemes for children.
• Smooth admission process in schools.
• Useful for health scheme enrollments like Ayushman Bharat.
• Acts as valid proof of identity and age.
• Easily upgradable once the child turns 5.

Major Benefits of Blue Aadhaar:

Benefit	Details
Identity proof	Recognized government-issued ID
School admissions	Simplifies enrollment and verification
Scheme access	Eligible for child-related government benefits
Free issuance	No cost to apply
Easy upgrade	Can be converted to regular Aadhaar post age 5
Family linking	Connected to parent’s Aadhaar for validation
Nationwide validity	Accepted across all states and union territories
Digital India inclusion	Part of government’s digital identity mission

What Happens When the Child Turns 5?

Once a child turns 5, the Blue Aadhaar must be updated with biometric details. Here’s what parents need to do:

• Visit the nearest Aadhaar center with the child.
• Update the Aadhaar with child’s fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph.
• No new Aadhaar number is issued—only the existing one is updated.
• This updated Aadhaar becomes a regular Aadhaar card.

When to Update:

Child’s Age	Action Needed
0-5 years	No biometrics; apply for Blue Aadhaar
After 5 years	Update with biometrics (fingerprint, iris, photo)
After 15 years	Final biometric update recommended

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is the Blue Aadhaar valid everywhere?

Yes, the Blue Aadhaar is valid across India as a recognized identity for children under 5.

Q. Is biometric data compulsory for Blue Aadhaar?

No, biometric data is not collected for children below 5 years of age.

Q. Can I apply online for my child’s Aadhaar?

You can book an appointment online, but the child must visit the center for photo capture.

Q. What happens if I don’t update Aadhaar after 5?

Your child’s Aadhaar may become inactive or outdated for official use, so timely updating is important.

The Blue Aadhaar Card is a smart initiative by UIDAI to bring children into the digital identity system early in life. For parents, getting this card is no