Aadhaar Update Mandatory After Age 7: What Every Parent in India Must Know
Aadhaar Update | The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a clear directive: parents must update their children’s Aadhaar biometrics after the age of 7. This requirement is part of a nationwide campaign to ensure the accuracy and reliability of biometric data in India’s largest identity database.
This move comes in response to the natural changes in a child’s biometric features as they grow, and is a critical step in maintaining the integrity of the Aadhaar system. According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, failure to update Aadhaar after a child turns 7 could result in the deactivation of their Aadhaar number, which may affect their access to essential services in the future.
Why Is This Update Necessary?
When Aadhaar is issued to children below the age of 5, it only includes their photograph and demographic details. At this stage, biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans are not captured because they are not yet stable.
However, after the age of 5, the first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) is required. By the age of 7, children’s facial features, fingerprints, and irises have developed enough to be reliably recorded, which is why a second update is essential.
Failing to complete this second update can lead to serious complications in using Aadhaar for:
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School admissions
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Government welfare schemes
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Scholarship disbursement
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Health insurance benefits
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Passport applications
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PAN-Aadhaar linking
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Future digital verification
What Parents Must Do
According to UIDAI, parents or guardians must:
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Visit a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorized Aadhaar enrolment centre with their child.
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Bring the child’s Aadhaar number and a valid ID proof of the parent or guardian.
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Pay a nominal fee of ₹100 for the biometric update after age 7. (Note: The update between ages 5–7 is free if done within that period.)
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Complete the process by allowing the child’s fingerprints, iris scan, and updated photograph to be captured.
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Collect the acknowledgment slip and wait for the updated Aadhaar card to be delivered.
What Happens If You Don’t Update?
UIDAI has warned that if the Aadhaar biometrics are not updated in a timely manner, the Aadhaar number of the child may be deactivated or rendered invalid. This means that the child might not be able to use Aadhaar for school enrollments, DBT benefits, or verification during important transactions in the future.
As Aadhaar has become central to India’s digital and financial ecosystem, such deactivation could cause inconvenience and delay in accessing essential services.
Massive Update Drive Across India
The government is conducting awareness campaigns across the country. In Uttar Pradesh alone, more than 4.6 crore children aged between 5 and 17 years have been identified for biometric updates. UIDAI has deployed over 2,900 Aadhaar enrolment centres and 12 dedicated Aadhaar Seva Kendras in the state to handle the surge in updates.
Parents are also being sent SMS alerts on their registered mobile numbers reminding them to get their child’s Aadhaar updated.
Timeline of Aadhaar Biometric Updates for Children
| Age Group | What Happens | Cost | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5 Years | Aadhaar issued with photo and demographic data only | Free | No biometrics needed |
| 5 – 7 Years | First biometric update | Free | Must update fingerprints, iris, and photo |
| 7+ Years | Second biometric update | ₹100 | Required to maintain validity of Aadhaar |
Importance for the Future
An Aadhaar Update is not just about compliance. It ensures a seamless digital identity for your child as they grow and begin participating in various educational, financial, and social programs. Many state and central government schemes require Aadhaar authentication. An inactive or invalid Aadhaar can severely limit access.
Key Message from the Government
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology stated:
“It is imperative for parents to understand that Aadhaar is not a one-time process for children. Their biometrics must be updated as they grow. This is essential to ensure that the Aadhaar number remains functional and useful throughout their life.”
How to Check If Your Child’s Aadhaar Needs an Update| Aadhaar Update
You can check the Aadhaar update status by visiting the UIDAI official portal or by calling the Aadhaar helpline (1947). If your child is above 7 and hasn’t updated their biometrics, you’ll be prompted to visit the nearest update centre.
Final Thoughts
The Aadhaar system, designed to be a robust digital identity for every Indian, requires timely updates—especially for children whose biometric data changes rapidly. Parents must view this not as a formality but as a foundational step in ensuring their child’s uninterrupted access to critical government services, financial tools, and identity-based verifications.
Take action now to update your child’s Aadhaar if they are 7 or older. Visit your nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre, complete the process, and secure their digital identity for the future.
For more updates on Aadhaar rules, government schemes, and financial identity guidance, visit CreditSamadhaan.com
