Baal Aadhaar to Adult Aadhaar — How to Apply & Benefits

What is Baal Aadhaar?

Baal Aadhaar is the Aadhaar card issued to children below the age of 5 years. It is printed in blue colour to distinguish it from the standard adult Aadhaar (which is printed on a white letter). Since children under 5 cannot provide reliable biometric data (fingerprints and iris), Baal Aadhaar is issued based on:

• Photograph of the child
• Demographic details (name, date of birth, address)
• Biometric authentication of the parent/guardian linked to the child's Aadhaar

The Aadhaar number issued remains the same for life — it does not change when the child grows up. However, biometric data must be updated at key age milestones as per UIDAI regulations.

Note: Baal Aadhaar is linked to a parent or guardian's Aadhaar. This linkage is removed once the child's own biometrics are captured at the mandatory update.

When to Update — Age Milestones

UIDAI has mandated Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) at three key ages to ensure biometric data remains current and accurate:

1. At Age 5 Years

• All biometrics — photograph, fingerprints, and both iris scans — are recorded for the first time.
• A de-duplication check is performed at this stage.
• The request is treated similar to a new enrolment while retaining the original Aadhaar number.
• This update is free of cost.

2. At Age 15 Years

• All biometrics — photograph, fingerprints, and both iris — must be updated again.
• This captures the adolescent's matured biometric features.
• This update is free of cost.
• UIDAI has waived off charges for MBU of children aged 7–15 years for one year w.e.f. 1 October 2025.

3. At Age 18 Years (Minor to Major)

• When the Aadhaar holder turns 18, they become a legal adult.
• A final mandatory biometric update ensures adult-grade biometrics are on record.
• You can also update demographic details (name, address, date of birth, gender) at this stage if needed.
• This is the most important update as it converts your Baal Aadhaar into a fully functional adult Aadhaar.

Documents Required

When visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre for the minor-to-major update, carry the following:

For Biometric Update Only

• Original Aadhaar card (Baal Aadhaar or e-Aadhaar printout)
• No additional documents are needed if you are only updating biometrics

For Demographic Update (Name, Address, DOB, etc.)

You will need one Proof of Identity (POI) and one Proof of Address (POA) from the UIDAI-approved list:

Proof of Identity (any one):

• Passport
• PAN card
• Voter ID (EPIC)
• Class 10 marksheet / certificate
• Driving licence
• Government photo ID card

Proof of Address (any one):

• Passport
• Bank passbook / statement
• Voter ID
• Ration card
• Electricity / water / telephone bill (not older than 3 months)
• Property tax receipt

For the complete list of supported documents, refer to the UIDAI document list (PDF).

Step-by-Step Process at Aadhaar Centre

Follow these steps to update your Baal Aadhaar to adult Aadhaar:

Step 1: Locate an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre

Find the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolment centre using:

• UIDAI Locator: https://bhuvan-app3.nrsc.gov.in/aadhaar/
• You can also search on the myAadhaar portal

Step 2: Book an Appointment (Optional but Recommended)

Book an appointment online to avoid long queues:

• Visit https://appointments.uidai.gov.in
• Select your city and preferred centre
• Choose an available date and time slot
• You will receive a confirmation via SMS

Step 3: Visit the Centre

• Carry your original Aadhaar card and supporting documents (if updating demographics)
• Arrive at your appointed time

Step 4: Fill the Aadhaar Update Form

• Collect the Aadhaar Enrolment / Correction Form at the centre
• Fill in your Aadhaar number and tick the fields you want to update (biometrics, name, address, etc.)
• Attach photocopies of supporting documents if updating demographic details

Step 5: Biometric Capture

• The operator will capture your photograph, all 10 fingerprints, and both iris scans
• Verify all details displayed on the screen before confirming

Step 6: Collect Acknowledgement Slip

• You will receive an Update Request Number (URN) on the acknowledgement slip
• Keep this safe — you will need it to track your update status

Step 7: Track Your Update

• Visit https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and check the status using your URN or Aadhaar number
• You will also receive SMS updates on your registered mobile number

Online Appointment Booking

While the biometric update itself must be done in person (biometrics cannot be captured online), you can book your appointment online:

1. Go to https://appointments.uidai.gov.in
2. Click on "Book Appointment"
3. Select your state and city
4. Choose an Aadhaar Seva Kendra near you
5. Pick a date and time slot
6. Enter your Aadhaar number and registered mobile number
7. Verify with OTP and confirm the booking

Tip: Book 2–3 days in advance for better slot availability. Walk-ins are also accepted at most centres but may involve longer wait times.

Fees

• UIDAI has waived charges for MBU of children aged 7–15 for one year from 1 October 2025.
• The first mandatory biometric update at each milestone is free of cost as per UIDAI policy.
• If you are updating both biometrics and demographics, separate charges may apply for the demographic portion.

Processing Time

• Aadhaar biometric updates typically take 10–90 days to process after submission.
• You can download your updated e-Aadhaar from https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in once processing is complete.
• Physical Aadhaar letter (if opted) is dispatched via India Post and may take an additional 2–4 weeks.
• Track status using your URN or Aadhaar number on the myAadhaar portal.

Important Tips

• Update as soon as possible after turning 5, 15, or 18 — don't wait until you urgently need your Aadhaar for a service.
• Keep your mobile number updated in Aadhaar to receive OTPs and status updates. See our Aadhaar mobile and email update guide.
• Carry original documents to the centre — operators may ask to verify originals even though photocopies are submitted.
• Verify details on screen before the operator submits the update — corrections after submission require a fresh update request.
• Download e-Aadhaar after the update is processed — it is equally valid as the physical Aadhaar card.
• No need to get a new Aadhaar number — your 12-digit Aadhaar number remains the same for life.
• For first-time Aadhaar applicants, see our complete Aadhaar application guide.

Related Guides

• How to Check Aadhaar Card Update Status Online
• Aadhaar Card Common Problems & Solutions
• How to Retrieve Lost or Forgotten Aadhaar Number — Complete Guide
• How to Download e-Aadhaar Card PDF Online — Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Link Aadhaar with PAN, Bank Account, Mobile & Other Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does my Aadhaar number change after the minor to major update?

No. Your 12-digit Aadhaar number remains the same for life. Only your biometric data and demographic details are updated.

Is the biometric update at age 18 mandatory?

Yes. UIDAI mandates biometric updates at ages 5, 15, and 18 to ensure your Aadhaar biometric data is accurate and up to date. If biometrics are not updated, authentication failures may occur.

Can I update my Aadhaar biometrics online?

No. Biometric updates (fingerprints, iris, photograph) require in-person visit to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. Only demographic and address updates can be done online through the myAadhaar portal.

What happens if I don't update my biometrics after turning 18?

Your Aadhaar will still remain valid, but you may face authentication failures when using fingerprint or iris-based verification for services like banking, SIM purchase, or government schemes. It is strongly recommended to update your biometrics.

Can I update my name and other details along with biometrics?

Yes. During your visit for biometric update, you can simultaneously update your name, address, date of birth, gender, mobile number, and email. Carry the relevant supporting documents.

How long does the update process take at the centre?

The entire process at the Aadhaar centre typically takes 15–30 minutes, including waiting time (with an appointment). Without an appointment, it may take longer depending on the queue.

Is there any age limit for biometric update?

There is no upper age limit. Any Aadhaar holder can update their biometrics at any time by visiting an enrolment centre. However, the mandatory updates at ages 5, 15, and 18 are specifically required for children and young adults.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information from UIDAI (uidai.gov.in). Policies and fees may change. Always verify the latest details on the official UIDAI website or by calling the toll-free helpline at 1947. CitizenNest is not affiliated with UIDAI or the Government of India.

Related Aadhaar Guides

• Baal Aadhaar Card — How to Apply for Child Aadhaar Below 5 Years
• Aadhaar Card Common Problems & Solutions
• How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Online — Step-by-Step Guide
• Aadhaar OTP Not Coming? 8 Quick Fixes for Mobile & Email OTP
• How to Check Aadhaar Card Update Status Online