What is the Blue Aadhaar Card for Newborns? How Can Your Child Benefit from This?

Aadhaar card is a unique identification document for Indians that is required for almost all official procedures such as opening of bank accounts, file income tax and passport or driving licence. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has now introduced Baal Aadhaar or blue Aadhaar card for children.

The Baal Aadhaar card is for children who are below five years of age. The font used in this card is blue in colour, which is why, it is also called ‘blue Aadhaar card’.

The card is designed for registration of new-born and young children into the Aadhaar system. The UIDAI had introduced the concept of the Baal Aadhaar card in 2018, which contains 12-digit unique number for children.

What Data is Required for Blue Aadhaar?

No biometric data of the child is required to register for the Blue Aadhaar card. The child’s UID is processed based on the demographic information and facial photograph linked with the UID of their parents.

The biometric data of 10 fingers, iris and facial photographs needs to be updated after the child turns five and again at the age of 15 years otherwise the card will become invalid.

According to UIDAI, parents can apply for Baal Aadhaar for a newborn. They can use the birth certificate or the discharge slip of the hospital as a valid document for enrolling the child. They can also use the school ID of their children to enrol for the Baal Aadhaar card.

How to Register

• Visit the UIDAI website at uidai.gov.in

• Go to the Aadhaar card registration option.

• Enter the child’s name, the parent/guardian’s phone number, and other essential information.

• Select an appointment slot for Blue Aadhaar card registration.

• Book an appointment at the nearest enrollment centre.

• Visit the enrollment centre with your child.

• Carry important documents including your Aadhaar card, address proof, and the child’s birth certificate.

• Provide your Aadhaar details as they will be linked with the UID of the child.

• Only a photograph of the child will be taken; no biometric data is needed.

• Next, the document verification process starts.

• You will get a message on your registered mobile number about the completion of the process.

• Collect the acknowledgement slip.

• A Blue Aadhaar card will be issued in your child’s name within 60 days of verification.

Significance of Blue Aadhaar

The Blue Aadhaar will help the government in identifying fraudulent students. It will also facilitate provision of EWS scholarships.

Many schools have now made it mandatory to present Blue Aadhaar cards during the admission process.

The card will ensure the child’s eligibility to benefit from the government schemes and welfare programmes.

It will also help ease domestic travel within India, especially when accompanied by a parent’s Aadhaar.

According to UIDAI, as on September 29, 2023, 138.08 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated.