Documents Required for Your Child’s Aadhaar Application

Getting your child’s Aadhaar card can sometimes feel like a maze, with different documents and rules to remember. If you don’t have everything in order, you might face delays or need to make multiple trips to the enrolment centre, which can be frustrating and time-consuming for busy families. This guide is here to simplify the entire process for you, ensuring you understand exactly what’s needed to secure this important identification for your little one without any hassle.

It’s crucial to get this right the first time, as an incorrect application can lead to complications later on. We’ll walk you through each step, from understanding why Aadhaar is so important for children to preparing every necessary document and knowing what to expect during and after the application. By following these clear instructions, you’ll be well-prepared, making the process smooth and straightforward for you and your child.

What Is Aadhaar for Your Child?

Aadhaar is a unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It’s a digital identity that helps prove who you are anywhere in India. For your child, it serves as an important document right from their early years, linking them to future government services and benefits.

Understanding Child Aadhaar

A child’s Aadhaar is often called a “Bal Aadhaar” when issued to those under five years old. It looks similar to an adult’s Aadhaar but has key differences in application and update. This special Aadhaar officially recognises your child’s identity, making service access easier as they grow.

Why It Is Important

Having an Aadhaar card for your child is incredibly important. It’s often needed for school admissions, opening bank accounts when they’re older, and accessing various government welfare schemes. It’s a foundational identity document, ensuring they’re officially recognised and can benefit from available services.

Aadhaar for Young Ones

Even infants can have an Aadhaar card. For children under five, the process is slightly different because their fingerprints and iris scans (biometrics) aren’t taken. Instead, the card is linked to one of the parents’ Aadhaar. Updates at five and fifteen years are needed to include biometrics, ensuring accurate identity recording as they grow.

What Documents Do You Need?

Gathering valid documents is crucial for your child’s Aadhaar application. You’ll need proofs for their identity and address, your relationship, and your own Aadhaar card. It’s not just about having documents, but having the right ones that are valid and match the required criteria.

Your Child’s Identity Proof

For children, direct identity proof can sometimes be tricky as they might not have many official documents. However, certain documents are accepted to confirm who they are.

• Birth Certificate: The most common and accepted document, recording birth details and parents’ names.
• School Identity Card (for older children): For children aged five and above, their school ID card can sometimes serve as identity proof.
• Passport: If your child has a passport, it serves as excellent proof of identity.

Your Child’s Address Proof

Just like identity, your child’s address proof is usually linked to the parents’ address. You don’t typically need a separate address proof for the child if you’re applying as a parent.

• Parent’s Aadhaar Card: Your Aadhaar card, with your residential address, serves as your child’s address proof.
• Other common address proofs: Passport, bank statement, electricity bill (under 3 months), or voter ID in your name. The address must match your child’s registration.

Your Proof of Relationship

This document is vital to show that you are indeed the parent or legal guardian of the child you’re applying for.

• Birth Certificate: The child’s birth certificate is usually the best option, as it clearly states the parents’ names.
• Passport: If both your name and your child’s name are on the same passport, it can also act as proof of relationship.
• Other government-issued documents: Any official document that clearly shows the parent-child relationship can be considered.

Your Own Aadhaar

Your Aadhaar card plays a central role in your child’s application. It acts as the primary identity and address proof for the child, especially for those under five.

• Mandatory for linking: Your Aadhaar links to Bal Aadhaar for under-fives and verifies your identity for older children.
• Verification: You’ll need to be present at the enrolment centre with your original Aadhaar card for verification.

When A Parent Is Absent

Sometimes, one parent might not be available, or a child might be under the care of a legal guardian. In such cases, the process adapts.

• Single parent: For single parents, their Aadhaar and relationship proof suffice.
• Legal guardian: Legal guardians need their Aadhaar and official guardianship documents (e.g., court order). Bring all legal papers that confirm the guardianship.

Quick Context: For children under five, their Aadhaar is visually distinct (often blue) and doesn’t include biometrics. It’s primarily linked to a parent’s Aadhaar for identity verification.

How Do Requirements Change by Age?

Aadhaar requirements vary by age, especially for biometric collection. Understanding these age-specific rules helps you prepare and avoid surprises. The process isn’t a one-size-fits-all, mainly concerning the collection of their biometric information.

For Children Under Five

For children under five, Aadhaar is simpler. They don’t provide fingerprints or iris scans, as their biometrics are still developing. No fingerprints or iris scans are needed for your child.

• No biometrics: You won’t need to worry about your child putting their fingers on a scanner or looking into a camera for iris capture.
• Parental linking: The child’s Aadhaar links to a parent’s Aadhaar. You, as the parent, provide your Aadhaar and biometrics for verification.
• Documents needed: You’ll primarily need your child’s birth certificate and your own Aadhaar card, along with proof of your relationship.

For Children Aged Five To Fifteen

At five years, your child’s biometrics are included, a crucial update for their unique identity. This is a crucial update to ensure their unique identity is recorded.

• Biometric enrolment: Your child will need to provide their fingerprints (all ten fingers) and iris scans. A photograph will also be taken.
• Parental presence: A parent or legal guardian must still accompany the child to the enrolment centre for verification.
• Documents needed: The same documents as for under-fives are required – child’s birth certificate, your Aadhaar, and proof of relationship. If they already have a Bal Aadhaar, they’ll need that for the update.

Updating After Fifteen Years

The journey of Aadhaar doesn’t stop at fifteen. It’s essential to update your child’s biometrics one final time once they cross this age threshold. This ensures their Aadhaar remains valid and accurately reflects their adult biometrics.

• Mandatory update: This compulsory update prevents their Aadhaar from becoming inactive.
• Full biometrics: Similar to the five-year update, all ten fingerprints, iris scans, and a fresh photograph will be taken.
• Documents: They’ll need their existing Aadhaar and updated identity/address proofs if applicable.

Here’s a quick comparison of the Aadhaar enrolment process by age:

Common Confusion: Many parents believe that once a child gets a Bal Aadhaar, it’s permanent. Remember, it’s crucial to update the biometrics at age 5 and again at age 15 for the Aadhaar to remain active and valid.

Preparing for Your Visit to The Centre

Good preparation ensures a smooth Aadhaar enrolment visit. Knowing what to bring and how to present it saves time and frustration. It’s about being organised and understanding the centre’s requirements before you even step through the door.

Bring Original Documents

This is a golden rule for any official application process, and Aadhaar is no exception. While copies are useful, the enrolment officers will need to see the originals.

• For verification: Centre staff will physically verify and scan your original documents against the application form.
• No submission: Originals are checked and returned immediately; ensure they’re in good condition.

Keep Copies Ready

While originals are paramount, photocopies are helpful if centres request them or for your records. It’s always a good practice to keep copies of all documents presented for any official application.

• For convenience: Having a set of photocopies of all required documents (child’s birth certificate, your Aadhaar, etc.) can speed things up if they’re requested.
• Personal record: It’s always a good practice to keep copies of all documents submitted or presented for any official application.

No Self-Attestation Needed

Unlike other applications, self-attestation isn’t needed for Aadhaar. Verification relies on original documents and the officer’s confirmation. This means one less step for you in the preparation process.

• Save time: This means one less step for you in the preparation process. Just focus on having the valid originals.
• Trust in process: The system relies on the physical verification by the enrolment staff, ensuring accuracy.

Example Scenario: When Rakesh from Bengaluru decided to get an Aadhaar for his 4-year-old daughter, Priya, he remembered reading that originals were key. He meticulously gathered Priya’s birth certificate and his own Aadhaar card. At the enrolment centre, the officer quickly verified the originals, scanned them, and handed them back. Because Rakesh was prepared, their visit was quick and easy, avoiding any need for a second trip.

How To Complete The Application

With documents ready, the application at the centre is straightforward: find a centre, fill forms, and complete biometrics. It involves a few key steps, from finding the right place to filling out forms and completing the necessary biometric procedures.

Finding An Enrolment Centre

The first step is locating an authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre near you. These centres are typically run by various agencies appointed by UIDAI.

• Online search: Find a centre easily on the official UIDAI website by entering your locality or Pincode.
• Appointment booking: Some centres offer online appointments to save waiting time; check for availability.

Filling The Application Form

At the centre, you’ll be given an Aadhaar enrolment form. This form needs to be filled out accurately with your child’s details and your own.

• Accuracy is key: Enter all information accurately, especially names, dates of birth, and address. Errors cause delays.
• Assistance available: Ask centre staff for help if you have any doubts while filling the form. They are there to guide you.

Biometrics For Older Children

As discussed, if your child is five years or older, they will need to provide their biometrics. This is a quick and simple process handled by trained operators.

• Fingerprints: Your child will place fingers on a digital scanner, guided by the operator.
• Iris scan: They will also need to look into a camera for an iris scan. This is non-invasive and takes only a few seconds.
• Photograph: A digital photograph of your child will be taken. Ensure your child is looking directly at the camera.

Receiving The Acknowledgement Slip

After successfully completing the application and biometric process, you will receive an acknowledgement slip. This slip is extremely important.

• Enrolment ID (EID): The slip contains a 14-digit Enrolment ID (EID) and enrolment date/time – your unique reference number.
• Proof of application: Keep this slip safe. It’s your proof that you’ve applied for Aadhaar and you’ll need it to track the status of your application.

Pro Tip: Before leaving the enrolment centre, carefully review the acknowledgement slip for any mistakes in your child’s or your details. It’s easier to correct errors at this stage than later.

What Happens After Application?

After application and receiving your slip, you can track your child’s Aadhaar and ensure correctness. You’re not left in the dark, and there are clear steps to follow to track your application and ensure everything is correct.

Tracking Your Application Status

The Enrolment ID (EID) on your acknowledgement slip is your key to staying updated. You can use it to check how your child’s Aadhaar application is progressing.

• UIDAI website: Visit the official UIDAI website, find “Check Aadhaar Status,” and enter your EID with enrolment date/time.
• SMS service: In some cases, you might also receive status updates via SMS on the mobile number you provided during enrolment.
• Processing time: It typically takes a few days to a few weeks for an Aadhaar to be generated. The website will tell you if it’s generated or if there are any issues.

Receiving The Aadhaar Letter

Once your child’s Aadhaar is generated, it will be sent to your registered address via post. This is the physical Aadhaar letter.

• Postal delivery: Keep an eye on your mailbox. The Aadhaar letter is usually sent through ordinary post.
• e-Aadhaar: You can download an e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website using your EID or Aadhaar number once generated. It’s as valid as the physical card.

Correcting Any Errors

If you find errors on the Aadhaar letter or e-Aadhaar, don’t panic. You can still get them corrected.

• Visit an enrolment centre: You’ll need to visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre again to submit a correction request.
• Required documents: Bring the incorrect Aadhaar and correct supporting documents (e.g., birth certificate for date of birth correction, address proof for address correction).
• Update process: The centre staff will guide you through the update form and process. A small fee might be charged for correction services.

“Aadhaar is more than just a number; it’s a digital bridge connecting citizens to essential services and proving their identity with ease.”

Important Tips for Your Application

For a smooth Aadhaar application, keep these tips in mind to avoid pitfalls and ensure success. They can help you avoid common issues and ensure a successful outcome.

Ensure All Documents Valid

Before heading to the enrolment centre, take a moment to double-check the validity of all your documents.

• No expired documents: Ensure no document has expired (e.g., passport).
• Clear and legible: Documents must be clear and legible; faded or damaged ones might be rejected.
• Consistent information: Names and addresses across all documents should be consistent to avoid issues.

No Payment Required

Aadhaar enrolment is a free government service. You should not be asked to pay any money for the application itself.

• Free service: The government provides Aadhaar enrolment free of charge to all citizens.
• Beware of scams: Beware of anyone asking for application payment. Fees only apply for certain updates or PVC Aadhaar cards.

Use Official Sources Only

Always use official government sources for Aadhaar information and services to avoid misinformation and fraud. This protects you from misinformation and potential fraud.

• UIDAI website: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) website (uidai.gov.in) is the definitive source for all Aadhaar-related information, services, and updates.
• Authorised centres: Only visit official Aadhaar enrolment centres listed on the UIDAI website.

Keep Enrolment Slip Safe

Your acknowledgement slip is a vital piece of paper. Treat it like an important document and keep it in a secure place.

• Future reference: You’ll need the EID on this slip to track your application, download e-Aadhaar, and make any future updates.
• Proof of application: It serves as your official record that you have applied for an Aadhaar.

Getting an Aadhaar for your child is a significant step in securing their identity and future access to services. By following these guidelines, you’re well-equipped to navigate the process confidently and efficiently. Your careful preparation will ensure that your child receives their unique identity number without any unnecessary delays or complications.

Conclusion

Understanding Documents Required for Your Child’s Aadhaar Application can help you make informed decisions. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can navigate this topic confidently.