What Is the Blue Aadhaar Card? Eligibility? How To Apply?

The Blue Aadhaar Card, also known as Baal Aadhaar, is a unique identification document issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for children below the age of 5. It serves as an essential identity proof for young children, facilitating access to various services and benefits.

What Is the Blue Aadhaar Card?

Definition and Features

• The Blue Aadhaar Card, officially termed “Baal Aadhaar,” is a unique 12‑digit identity number issued by UIDAI for children below five years of age.
• It is printed on a blue background to visually distinguish it from the standard white Aadhaar card issued to adults .
• At enrollment, no fingerprints or iris scans are collected; only the child’s photograph and demographic details are recorded.
• The Blue Aadhaar remains valid until the child turns five, after which a biometric update is mandatory to activate the regular Aadhaar profile .

Who Is Eligible?

• Age Criteria: Children from birth up to, but not including, their fifth birthday are eligible.
• Citizenship: The child must be an Indian citizen or legal resident; proof of birth in India is accepted via a birth certificate or hospital discharge slip .
• Parental Aadhaar: At least one parent or legal guardian must hold a valid Aadhaar number to link the child’s enrollment.

Age of Child	Blue Aadhaar Eligible?	Biometric	Parent’s Aadhaar Required?
0–1 year	Yes	No	Yes
1–2 years	Yes	No	Yes
2–3 years	Yes	No	Yes
3–4 years	Yes	No	Yes
4–5 years	Yes	No	Yes
Above 5	No (Regular Aadhaar)	Yes	Yes

Benefits of the Blue Aadhaar Card

Early Access to Services

• Education: Serves as valid identity proof for preschool and school admissions.
• Healthcare: Facilitates enrollment in immunization and health insurance schemes under national programs.
• Financial Inclusion: Enables opening of minor savings accounts linked to the child’s Aadhaar.
• Government Subsidies: Ensures eligibility for benefits such as the mid‑day meal scheme and other child‑focused subsidies .
• Travel and Emergencies: Recognized as official ID for domestic travel and emergency situations .

Security of Identity

By linking to a parent’s verified Aadhaar, the Blue Aadhaar prevents identity duplication and ensures a child’s records remain unique and secure (UIDAI).

Documents Required

Document Type	Accepted Examples	Mandatory?
Proof of Birth	Birth certificate, hospital discharge slip	Yes
Parent’s Aadhaar	Any one parent’s valid Aadhaar card	Yes
Address Proof	Parent’s Aadhaar address details	Yes
Child’s Photograph	Captured on‑site at the enrollment center	Yes

All original documents must be presented for verification; photocopies are retained by the center .

Step‑by‑Step Application Process

1. Locate an Enrollment Center
   • Use the UIDAI portal’s enrollment center locator or visit a nearby post office or bank branch offering Aadhaar services .
2. Visit with Child and Documents
   • One parent/guardian must accompany the child, carrying all required documents .
3. Complete Enrollment Form
   • Fill in child’s details (name, DOB, gender) and the parent’s Aadhaar number .
4. Photo Capture
   • Operator takes the child’s photograph; no fingerprint or iris scan is done.
5. Verification
   • The official verifies birth proof and parent’s Aadhaar.
6. Acknowledgment Slip
   • Receive a slip containing the enrollment ID to track status .
7. Card Delivery
   • Blue Aadhaar arrives by post in 2–4 weeks; digital copy accessible via UIDAI website .

Updating to Regular Aadhaar After Age 5

1. Revisit Enrollment Center: Bring child’s Blue Aadhaar and parent’s Aadhaar.
2. Biometric Capture: Child’s fingerprints and iris scans are recorded, along with a new photograph.
3. Verification & Update: Documents and new biometrics are verified; the child retains the same 12‑digit UID.
4. Receive Updated Aadhaar: Regular Aadhaar card is reissued, reactivating full identity functions. Failure to update may render the UID inactive until compliance .

By securing a Blue Aadhaar Card soon after birth, parents ensure their child’s seamless access to essential services and government benefits from day one. The process is straightforward, cost‑free, and sets the foundation for the child’s lifelong digital identity in India.