Aadhaar Biometric Updates for Children Aged 5–15 Yrs

Last Updated on September 12, 2025 by My Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar Biometric Updates for Children Aged 5–15 Yrs:- Keeping a child’s Aadhaar Card updated is not just important—it is also mandatory. UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) requires Aadhaar Biometric Update at two stages in a child’s life: age 5 and age 15. During this process, the child’s fingerprints, iris scan and photo are updated so that their Aadhaar remains valid for school admission, scholarship, exam registration, bank account opening and government scheme verification.

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What exactly is the “Mandatory Biometric Update” (MBU)?

• MBU at 5: When a child becomes 5 years old, UIDAI asks to capture their fingerprints and eye scan (iris) for the first time. Earlier, Aadhaar for kids below 5 years is made only with photo and personal details. This biometric update Aadhaar at age 5 is free of cost if done between age 5 to 7 years.
• MBU at 15: When the child becomes 15 years, UIDAI again asks to capture new biometrics because in teenage the face and features change fast. This second Aadhaar card update is also free if done between 15 to 17 years.
• Missed the free time? You can still go anytime later to the Aadhaar center and update by paying the Aadhaar card update fee (right now ₹100 for biometric update with or without Aadhaar card correction in details, and ₹50 for demographic-only update). Always check the official UIDAI update charges page for latest fee.
• Same Aadhaar number stays: Your child will keep the same Aadhaar number. UIDAI says this Mandatory Biometric Update is treated like re-enrollment for security, but the Aadhaar number will not change.

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Why are these updates important?

• Growing children = changing biometrics. Aadhaar biometric update is important because fresh fingerprints and iris scans make identity verification easy in schools, exam centres, banks, and for DBT benefits.
• Smooth Aadhaar KYC update means fewer failed authentications. Updated biometrics lower the chance of rejection when a child uses Aadhaar authentication for government services or welfare benefits.
• Timely updates are now being done through schools. UIDAI has told schools across India to help parents finish the pending mandatory biometric update (MBU) for children between 5–15 years. Parents can expect school notices or Aadhaar update camps inside campus as states start this drive.
• Risk of deactivation if ignored: Media reports highlight that a child’s Aadhaar card may be deactivated if the required update is not completed on time. Do not delay the Aadhaar biometric update.

Who must update—and when?

• All children who were enrolled below age 5 (sometimes called Baal Aadhaar) must complete MBU at age 5, then again at age 15.
• Free windows:
  • First MBU: From 5th birthday up to, but not including, the 7th birthday (i.e., ages 5–7).
  • Second MBU: From 15th birthday up to, but not including, the 17th birthday (i.e., ages 15–17).
    Both are free in these windows at authorized centers. Outside these windows, normal update charges apply.

Example timeline: If your child was born on 10 February 2018:

• Turns 5 on 10 Feb 2023 → Free MBU until 09 Feb 2025.
• Turns 15 on 10 Feb 2033 → Free MBU until 09 Feb 2035.
  After those dates, you can still update anytime by paying the applicable fee.

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Where to get the update done

You have two broad options:

1. Any authorized Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK):
   • You can visit any center (it need not be the one where you first enrolled). Biometrics must be updated in person.
   • To find a nearby center, use the official Bhuvan Aadhaar map. You can search by pin code, area, state/district, or “Centers Nearby” and even filter by “Biometric Update”.
2. School-facilitated camps (where announced):
   • UIDAI has asked schools to coordinate MBUs for students aged 5–15. Watch for circulars from your child’s school about on-campus sessions or assistance.

What documents required for aadhar update?

• Child’s Aadhaar number (or the original Aadhaar letter/e-Aadhaar on phone).
• Parent/guardian’s Aadhaar (one parent/guardian must authenticate and give consent for a minor).
• Birth certificate: Mandatory if the child was born on or after 01-10-2023. For older children, carry an accepted Proof of Date of Birth (PDB) if you also plan to correct/confirm the DOB.
• If you’re also updating address or other demographics, carry valid POI/POA/PoR/PDB as per UIDAI’s latest “List of Acceptable Supporting Documents”.

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The detailed step-by-step process of Aadhaar Biometric Updates for Children Aged 5–15 Yrs

Step 1: Confirm your child is due for Aadhaar Biometric Update

If your child has turned 5 years or 15 years, then it is time for Aadhaar Biometric Update (MBU). UIDAI usually sends SMS alerts on your registered mobile number. Many schools also share Aadhaar Update Camp schedules.

Step 2: Decide where to update Aadhaar

• Aadhaar Centre/ASK: Use Bhuvan Aadhaar map to search the nearest centre that provides Child Aadhaar Biometric Update. Always keep one backup centre in case of rush.
• School Aadhaar Camp: If your child’s school organizes it, follow the school notice, fill any consent form, and check the given time slot.

Step 3: (Optional) Book Aadhaar appointment online

Some UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendras allow you to Book Aadhaar Appointment Online. You can also go directly without booking. But having an appointment saves waiting time.

Step 4: Prepare documents and child before visit

Carry these:

• Child’s Aadhaar Card
• Parent’s Aadhaar Card
• Birth Certificate / supporting proof (only if demographic change needed)Also, make sure your child is fresh and comfortable. It helps during Aadhaar photo and iris scan.

Step 5: Visit the Aadhaar centre

Take a token number and select Biometric Update for Minor/Child.
Your identity will be checked, and you may need to sign consent for the update.

Step 6: Capture child biometrics & photo

The operator will record your child’s fingerprints, iris scan, and new Aadhaar photo.
If any fingerprint or iris fails, they will retry until successful.
Note: Only live photo is accepted as per UIDAI rules.

Step 7: Check Aadhaar details carefully

You will see your child’s Aadhaar details (name, DOB, gender, address) on the screen. This is the chance to correct mistakes or do an Aadhaar Address Update. (A small fee may apply for demographic updates.)

Step 8: Collect Aadhaar acknowledgement slip

You will get a slip with Update Request Number (URN) or Enrolment ID (EID). Keep it safe—it is required to check Aadhaar status online.

Step 9: Track Aadhaar update status online

Go to UIDAI Official Website → My Aadhaar → Check Aadhaar Update Status. Enter URN/EID to see if the update is done.

Step 10: Download the updated Aadhaar

• Once processed, download e-Aadhaar from the official portal or the mAadhaar app.

How long does it take?

• The in-center process itself is quick (usually minutes, depending on queues).
• Back-end processing timelines vary by load; track using your URN/EID and download e-Aadhaar as soon as it’s ready.

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Fees you might encounter (and how to avoid them)

• Aadhaar enrolment: Free.
• MBU at ages 5 and 15 (within the free windows 5–7 and 15–17): Free.
• Biometric update outside the free window: ₹100 (with or without demographic update).
• Demographic-only update (e.g., address, DOB correction): ₹50.
• Download & coloured print at centre: ₹30 (optional—you can download at home for free).
  Always rely on UIDAI’s official charges page/PDF for the current fees.

Special notes for enrolment of young children and NRIs

• Children enrolled below 5: At first enrolment (pre-5), only the photo and demographics are captured; the parent/guardian authenticates and consents. At 5, the child’s own biometrics are captured during MBU.
• Births on/after 01-10-2023: Birth certificate is mandatory for the child’s enrolment. Keep it ready, especially if you will correct or confirm DOB during an MBU.
• NRI children: For NRI enrolment, a valid Indian passport for the child is mandatory as PoI; other rules follow UIDAI norms. (MBU principles at 5 and 15 still apply.)

What if you miss the age-based window?

• You can still update any time later—just pay the standard biometric update fee. Your Aadhaar number remains the same.
• Don’t delay: widespread advisories indicate possible deactivation for minors whose MBUs aren’t completed in time. Schools and state drives are actively nudging families to finish pending updates.

FAQs

1) Do we need the child physically present?

A: Yes. Biometrics (fingerprints/iris) and a live photograph must be captured in person at an authorised centre.

2) Will the Aadhaar number change after MBU?

A: No. UIDAI explicitly says the same Aadhaar number is retained after MBU (the update simply refreshes biometrics and re-checks for duplicates).

3) Can we do the biometric update online?

A: No. Biometric updates require a centre visit. Online is available only for certain document-based demographic updates (e.g., address), not for capturing fingerprints/iris.

4) Which centre should we use?

A: Any authorised centre or ASK works—you’re not restricted to the original enrolment centre. Use Bhuvan Aadhaar to find one near you.

5) What if fingerprints don’t capture well?

A: Operators will retry captures (different fingers/attempts/iris). If quality remains poor (e.g., due to cuts/temporary issues), the operator will advise a re-attempt later. (This is operational practice; there isn’t a separate online route.)

6) Is e-Aadhaar accepted everywhere?

A: Yes. e-Aadhaar (downloaded PDF) is legally equivalent to the physical Aadhaar letter/PVC. You can present it digitally or print it yourself.

7) Can we update mobile/email too?
A: Yes, you can update mobile/email/address along with biometrics at the centre (demographic updates may have a nominal fee). Some demographic changes can also be done online.

8) Will schools handle this for everyone?

A: UIDAI has asked schools to support MBUs; whether your school runs an on-campus drive depends on local arrangements. Keep an eye on school notices.