Free Aadhaar Biometric Updates for Kids: What Parents Need to Know

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has made waves with a significant policy shift effective from October 1, 2025. While service charges for various Aadhaar-related updates are set to rise, bringing additional costs ranging from ₹50 to ₹700 for adults and general users, there’s a silver lining for families across the nation. In a move that’s being hailed as a major relief, UIDAI has announced that biometric updates for children’s Aadhaar cards will be completely free for an entire year, until September 30, 2026. This decision reverses the previous ₹125 fee for such updates and is expected to directly benefit over 60 million children, ensuring their personal data remains accurate and up-to-date without any financial burden on parents. 0

This initiative not only eases the economic strain on households but also promotes greater accessibility to government services that rely on verified Aadhaar details. In this rewritten article, we’ll delve into the details of this policy, the updated charges, the enrollment process for young children, and why timely updates matter. We’ll also address common queries in our FAQ section.

Understanding the New Aadhaar Service Charges

Starting October 1, 2025, UIDAI is implementing a revised fee structure for Aadhaar updates to streamline operations and enhance service quality. Previously, many updates were either free or charged a nominal ₹50. However, the new rates reflect the increased costs of biometric verification technology and administrative processes.

Key changes include:

• Biometric Updates: Now ₹100 (up from ₹50).
• Demographic Updates (e.g., name, address, date of birth): ₹50.
• Comprehensive Updates (biometric + demographic): Up to ₹200.
• Advanced Services like e-Aadhaar reprints or mobile number linking: ₹700 in some cases.

These hikes aim to fund UIDAI’s ongoing efforts in data security and infrastructure upgrades. While this may pinch adult users who need to renew or correct their Aadhaar details, the authority has carved out an exception for the most vulnerable group—children—to ensure inclusivity.

A Game-Changer for Children’s Aadhaar: One Year of Free Biometric Updates

At the heart of UIDAI’s announcement is a child-centric waiver that eliminates the ₹125 biometric update fee for minors until the end of September 2026. This one-year window provides ample time for parents to complete mandatory updates without worrying about costs.

Why this matters: Over 6 crore children in India hold Aadhaar cards, many of whom require periodic biometric refreshes as they grow. Biometrics—such as fingerprints and iris scans—are crucial for preventing identity fraud and enabling seamless access to schemes like scholarships, mid-day meals, and health insurance. By waiving fees, UIDAI is removing a key barrier, particularly for low- and middle-income families who might otherwise delay these essential updates due to financial constraints.

This policy builds on UIDAI’s long-standing commitment to child welfare. For instance, children under 5 have always been enrolled without biometrics to avoid discomfort during the scanning process. The free update period now extends this empathy into the maintenance phase, fostering a more equitable digital identity ecosystem.

The Step-by-Step Process for Children’s Aadhaar Enrollment and Updates

Navigating Aadhaar for kids can seem daunting, but UIDAI has designed a straightforward, age-appropriate process. Here’s a breakdown to guide parents:

Enrollment for Children Under 5 Years

• No Biometrics Required: At this tender age, a child’s fingerprints and iris patterns are not fully developed, so UIDAI skips these. Instead, enrollment relies on basic demographic details.
• What You’ll Need:
• Child’s birth certificate or hospital discharge summary.
• Proof of address (e.g., parents’ Aadhaar or utility bill).
• Recent photograph of the child.
• Parents’ valid Aadhaar numbers for linkage.
• How to Enroll: Visit an authorized Aadhaar Enrollment Center (AEC) or use the self-service kiosks at banks/post offices. The process takes about 10-15 minutes and is free of charge.
• Outcome: The child receives an Enrollment ID (EID), followed by the Aadhaar number within 90 days.

Mandatory Biometric Update at Age 5 (MBU-1)

• Why It’s Mandatory: As the child turns 5, their biometrics become viable for accurate verification. This update (Mandatory Biometric Update-1) ensures the Aadhaar remains usable for future services.
• What’s Involved:
• Capturing 10 fingerprints.
• Iris scan of both eyes.
• A fresh photograph.
• Verification of existing demographics.
• Free Until 2026: No fee during this promotional period—saving parents ₹125 per child.
• Timeline: Best done around the 5th birthday to avoid service disruptions.

Second Update Between Ages 15-17 (MBU-2)

• Purpose: Physical changes during adolescence can alter biometrics, so another refresh is required for reliability.
• Process: Similar to MBU-1, but may include additional demographic checks (e.g., gender updates).
• Free Window: Covered under the same one-year waiver if completed by September 30, 2026.

Parents can track updates via the UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) or the mAadhaar app. For convenience, many AECs offer home visits for infants and toddlers. 0

Relief for Parents: Easing the Financial and Logistical Burden

This waiver couldn’t come at a better time for India’s families. In a country where over 40% of the population lives on modest incomes, even small fees like ₹125 can add up—especially with multiple children or in rural areas where AECs are scarce.

• Economic Impact: Middle-class and underprivileged households stand to save significantly, redirecting funds toward education or healthcare.
• Broader Accessibility: Free updates encourage higher compliance rates, reducing the risk of children being excluded from welfare programs like Ayushman Bharat or PM POSHAN.
• Parental Peace of Mind: No more last-minute scrambles to pay fees before school admissions or vaccinations that require Aadhaar linkage.

UIDAI’s decision underscores a proactive approach to digital inclusion, aligning with India’s vision of a “Digital India” where every citizen, regardless of age or socioeconomic status, has a secure identity. 0

Why Timely Aadhaar Updates Are Crucial for Every Family

Beyond the freebie, UIDAI is urging all families to prioritize Aadhaar maintenance. An outdated card can lead to:

• Delays in availing government subsidies or pensions.
• Issues with banking, SIM card issuance, or travel (e.g., e-tickets).
• Potential security risks from mismatched data.

By keeping children’s Aadhaar current, parents safeguard their future opportunities. UIDAI recommends annual checks and has expanded its network to over 50,000 AECs nationwide for easier access.

In summary, this policy is more than a fee waiver—it’s a step toward empowering the next generation with reliable digital identities. Families are encouraged to act soon to make the most of this opportunity.

For more details, visit the official UIDAI website or consult your local AEC.

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FAQ: Common Questions on Children’s Aadhaar Biometric Updates