Aadhar Card For Children
Obtaining an Aadhaar card for a child is a significant step for parents in India, ensuring their child is part of the nation’s official identity framework. The Aadhaar card, a unique 12-digit identification number provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is essential for verifying identity and residence for Indian citizens. For children, having an Aadhaar card is particularly beneficial for accessing government welfare programs, enrolling in schools, traveling, and other various needs.
The application process for a child’s Aadhaar card is simple and can be completed online or offline. For children under five years old, a special version called “Baal Aadhaar” is issued, which is blue and does not include biometric data like fingerprints or iris scans. Instead, it is associated with one of the parent’s Aadhaar numbers. When the child reaches the age of five, their biometric information must be updated.
To apply for a child’s Aadhaar card, the parent or guardian should first find the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center, which can be easily located on the official UIDAI website. After identifying a suitable center, it is recommended to schedule an appointment online to minimize waiting times, although most centers also accept walk-in appointments.
During the visit to the enrollment center, the parent or guardian must bring the necessary documents. For children under five, the required documents include the child’s birth certificate and one of the parent’s Aadhaar cards. The parent must be present for the enrollment, as their Aadhaar number will be used for verification and linking. A photograph of the child will be taken, and demographic details such as the child’s name, date of birth, gender, and address will be recorded.
For kids between the ages of five and fifteen, biometric information like fingerprints and iris scans will be collected along with their photograph. This biometric data is refreshed when the child reaches fifteen to reflect their physical development and changes in biometric characteristics. Therefore, UIDAI requires biometric updates at both five and fifteen years of age.
Once the enrollment process is finished, an acknowledgment slip is issued, which contains an Enrolment ID. This ID can be used to monitor the status of Aadhaar generation on the UIDAI website. Typically, the Aadhaar card is processed within 90 days, although it often gets completed much sooner. After generation, the Aadhaar number is sent via SMS and email if those details were provided, and the physical card is mailed out.
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It’s crucial to ensure that all information submitted during enrollment is correct. Parents should carefully verify spellings, date formats, and addresses before finalizing the submission. If any errors occur, they can be rectified through the UIDAI website or by visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. There is no charge for enrolling children in Aadhaar, and the biometric updates at ages five and fifteen are also free. However, if corrections are needed later due to incorrect information or address changes, a small fee may apply.
In summary, obtaining an Aadhaar card for a child is a straightforward yet vital process that offers long-term advantages. It acts as a significant form of identity verification that will be beneficial throughout the child’s life, from school enrollment to accessing government programs. As digitization progresses in India, Aadhaar is becoming increasingly necessary for various services, making it important for every child to have one. Parents should ensure they enroll their children promptly and update their information as needed to keep it accurate and valid.