Blue vs White Aadhaar Card: Aadhaar has emerged as one of the most crucial identification documents in India. It is routinely used for a variety of government and financial applications, and is a necessary document of any age. Did you know that Aadhaar cards issued for children are different from the normal Aadhaar cards?
Aadhaar card is issued to children whose age is less than five years and it comes in light blue colour. It has a different enrolment procedure because no biometric information (fingerprints, iris scans etc.) is gathered at this age. Here is everything parents need to know about the blue Aadhaar card, its differences from the regular Aadhaar and when do parents need to update their biometrics.
Blue vs White Aadhaar Card
| Feature | Blue Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar) | Regular Aadhaar |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets it? | Children below 5 years | Children aged 5 and above and adults |
| Colour | Light blue | White |
| Fingerprints | Not collected initially | Collected |
| Iris scan | Not collected initially | Collected |
| Photo | Required | Required |
| Parent/Guardian Aadhaar | Used for enrolment | Generally not required for adult enrolment |
| Biometric update | Required at age 5 and again at age 15 | Updated as per applicable UIDAI requirements |
| Purpose | Provides Aadhaar identity to young children | Provides biometric-based Aadhaar identity |
What is a blue Aadhaar Card?
This blue Aadhaar card is for children below 5 years is known as Baal Aadhaar. It is light blue in colour to be easily recognized as a different card from the regular Aadhaar card. It has a unique 12 digit Aadhaar number for the child like other Aadhaar records.
For children under five, whose biometric information is not captured at the time of enrolment, the Aadhaar information is captured based on their basic information, photo and the Aadhaar information of a parent/legal guardian. This enables a child to be identified by his/her Aadhaar identity without waiting for them to have their biometrics collected.
Blue Aadhaar and Regular Aadhaar
The most significant distinction between blue and normal Aadhaar is that blue Aadhaar contains biometrics. Fingprints and iris scans are taken in the case of regular enrolment of Aadhaar. But, the above biometric information is not taken at the time of child enrolment before the age of 5 years.
There is also a big distinction in the way the updates are applied. The required mandatory biometric update for a child with Baal Aadhaar is after the age of five. Update biometrics again when the child turns 15 years old. These updates ensure that the Aadhaar details remain accurate as per the child’s growth.
Eligibility for Blue Aadhaar
Children under the age of five are issued with the laadhar of Baal. Eligible parents/legal guardians may register their child by bringing required documents and bringing their child to an authorised Aadhaar enrolment centre.
On enrolment the basic details of the child are added to their record, including a photograph. Aadhar information of parent/legal guardian is usually compulsory. Before completing the enrolment process, parents are asked to check details of the child’s name and date of birth etc. very carefully.
Documents Needed for Baal Aadhaar
The Birth certificate is an important document that helps establish the date of birth of the child, for the purpose of Enrolment in Baal Aadhaar. Parents/guardians should also have their Aadhaar details and other documents as per the current UIDAI rules.
Parents should verify the latest requirements before visiting an Aadhaar centre as the exact requirements for documents may change. Having the appropriate paperwork and making sure that all information is consistent between records helps reduce unnecessary delays at the time of enrolment.
How to Apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card
Parents can register their child for Baal Aadhaar from any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra. An appointment can be made on the UIDAI system as well. The parent/guardian should meet with the child when enrolling.
A child’s demographic information and picture are documented at the centre. Fingerprints and iris scans are not taken for the initial enrolment of children below five. Once the enrolment is completed, parents will be sent an enrolment acknowledgement letter which should be saved for future reference.
What Happens When the Child Turns Five?
Once the child reaches five years of age, a mandatory biometric update becomes necessary. At this stage, the child’s fingerprints and iris information are captured, along with any other required updates to the Aadhaar record.
Parents should remember that the blue Aadhaar does not simply change into a regular biometric Aadhaar automatically. The required biometric update has to be completed through the prescribed UIDAI process. Keeping this update on time helps ensure that the child’s Aadhaar information remains current.
What Happens at the Age of 15?
The Aadhaar update requirement continues as the child grows. Another mandatory biometric update is required when the child reaches 15 years of age. This update allows the biometric information to be refreshed as the child’s physical characteristics develop further.
Parents should keep track of these age-based Aadhaar updates instead of waiting until the Aadhaar is needed for an important service. Completing the updates at the appropriate age can help keep the child’s Aadhaar record accurate and usable.
Why Is Blue Aadhaar Important for Children?
Baal Aadhaar gives young children their own Aadhaar identity at an early age. It can be useful when Aadhaar details are required for eligible services, records or official processes involving children.
At the same time, parents should make sure that the information connected to the Aadhaar number is accurate. Details such as the child’s name and date of birth should be checked carefully during enrolment. If any information needs to be changed later, parents should follow the applicable UIDAI procedure.
5 Important Points About Blue Aadhaar
- Baal Aadhaar is issued to children below five years of age.
- It is light blue in colour and is commonly called a Blue Aadhaar.
- Fingerprints and iris scans are not collected during initial enrolment below age five.
- A mandatory biometric update is required after the child turns five.
- Another mandatory biometric update is required at the age of 15.
The blue Aadhaar card is specifically designed for young children and follows a different enrolment process from the regular Aadhaar. Children below five can receive Baal Aadhaar without providing fingerprints or iris scans. Instead, their basic details, photograph and parent or guardian information are used to establish their Aadhaar identity.
Parents should also remember that Aadhaar enrolment does not end with receiving the blue card. The child needs to complete the prescribed biometric updates at the ages of five and 15. Since UIDAI rules and document requirements can change, parents should always check the latest official information before applying for or updating a child’s Aadhaar.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for general informational purposes only. Aadhaar rules, documentation requirements and enrolment procedures may change from time to time. Parents and guardians should verify the latest information through the official UIDAI website or an authorised Aadhaar centre before taking any action.
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I’m Rashmi, an experienced content writer with over 3 years of experience in content creation and online publishing. I have a strong understanding of SEO, Google Discover, and audience-focused content strategies, with a passion for creating engaging and informative content.
