Aadhaar Enrolment for Children Below the Age of 5 Years- Resident Indian and NRI

Learn the complete process for Aadhaar enrolment for children below the age of 5 years, including documents required, biometric guidelines, and steps for both Resident Indian and NRI applicants.

Many parents today prefer to apply for Aadhaar for their children at an early age so that future documentation becomes easier. Aadhaar, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), acts as a trusted identity document and is often required for school admissions, government benefits, and other official purposes. Even though enrolment is not compulsory, having Aadhaar from a young age can help avoid last-minute paperwork later on.

For children below the age of 5 years, the enrolment process is slightly different from that of adults. At this stage, biometric details like fingerprints and iris scans are not collected. Instead, the child’s Aadhaar is linked to one of the parents’ Aadhaar numbers for verification. This version is commonly known as “Baal Aadhaar”. Once the child turns 5, biometric details must be updated to keep the Aadhaar active.

Why Aadhaar for Children Under 5 Years?

Before getting into the enrolment steps, it is important to understand why Aadhaar is recommended for children:

• Aadhaar serves as a valid identity proof. See the list of required documents for details here.
• Helps in availing benefits under child-focused government schemes like Mid-Day Meal, scholarships, and immunization programs.
• Mandatory for school admissions in several states, learn more in this guide Aadhaar Card for Children.
• Used as identity proof for obtaining passports and other essential documents—detailed under Aadhaar for NRIs.

Now, let’s understand the step-by-step process for enrolling children under the age of 5 into the Aadhaar system.

General Guidelines for Enrolment

1. Where to Enrol?

A child below the age of 5 years must be enrolled at an authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. These centres are typically located in banks, post offices, government premises, and UIDAI-authorised agencies. You can locate the nearest Aadhaar Centre through the centre locator and enrolment forms section.

2. Who Should Accompany the Child?

At least one parent (mother or father) or a legal guardian must accompany the child during the enrolment process. This adult will act as the Head of Family (HoF) and authenticate on behalf of the child.

Also Read: What is the process for Aadhaar enrolment for children of NRIs above 5 years and below 18 years of age?

Documents Required for Enrolment

For Resident Indian Child:

• Birth Certificate (mandatory for children born on or after 01 October 2023) as per the document requirements guide here.
• Proof of Relationship (PoR) with parent/guardian (if required).
• Proof of Address (PoA) and Proof of Identity (PoI) of parent/guardian.
• Optional: Mobile number and email ID.

For NRI Child:

• Valid Indian Passport of the child (mandatory as PoI and PoA).
• Details of one or both parents/legal guardian (Aadhaar number).
• Optional: Mobile number.
• Mandatory: Email ID.
• Note: No 182-day residency rule applies to NRIs. Learn more in NRI eligibility rules.

Enrolment Procedure for Children Below 5 Years

There are some differences in the enrolment procedure for Resident Indian and NRI children, especially with respect to documentation and demographic details. However, both follow a common sequence of steps.

A. Aadhaar Enrolment For Resident Indian Child

Step 1: Visit the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre

• Parents or legal guardian must take the child to the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center with the required documents.

Step 2: Submission of Enrolment Form

• The parent or guardian fills out the Aadhaar Enrolment Form. This form is also available for download online from the UIDAI portal and can be pre-filled to save time.
• Form 5: For (a) Resident Indian child, or (b) Non-Resident Indian child having Proof of Address in India (below 5 years of age)
• Form 6: For Non-Resident Indian child having Proof of Address outside India (below 5 years of age)

Step 3: Authentication by Parent or Guardian

• Since biometric authentication is not possible for children below 5 years (except for photo), the Aadhaar of one parent or legal guardian is used for Head of Family (HoF)-based authentication. The parent/guardian must provide consent by signing the enrolment form.

Step 4: Capturing Demographic Information

The enrolment operator enters the following information into the UIDAI system:

• Name of the child
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Address
• Optional mobile number and email ID
• Aadhaar details of parent/legal guardian

Step 5: Capturing Biometric Data

• For children below 5 years, only a photograph is taken. Fingerprints and iris scans are not captured. However, these will be updated when the child turns 5 and again at age 15.

Step 6: Scanning of Documents

• All submitted documents, including the birth certificate and parent’s Aadhaar, are scanned and uploaded into the system.

Step 7: Issuance of Acknowledgement Slip

• Once the enrolment is complete, the operator returns the original documents and provides an Acknowledgement Slip. This slip contains the Enrolment ID (EID), which can be used to track Aadhaar status.

Note: Aadhaar enrolment is free of charge for all children.

B. Aadhaar Enrolment For NRI Child

Step 1: Visit the Enrolment Centre

• The parent or legal guardian must take the NRI child to the enrolment center along with a valid Indian Passport of the child.

Step 2: Fill Enrolment Form

• Fill the form manually or download it from UIDAI and carry a pre-filled version to the center. Specify the residential status as NRI.
• Form 5: For (a) Resident Indian child, or (b) Non-Resident Indian child having Proof of Address in India (below 5 years of age)
• Form 6: For Non-Resident Indian child having Proof of Address outside India (below 5 years of age)

Step 3: Parent/Guardian Authentication

• Like Resident Indian children, NRI children also require a parent or legal guardian to provide their Aadhaar number and consent. They must sign the form and authenticate on behalf of the child.

Step 4: Demographic Details

Mandatory demographic data includes:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Address
• Email ID (mandatory)
• Mobile number (optional)

Step 5: Capture of Photograph

• Only the photograph of the child is captured at this stage. Fingerprint and iris data are deferred until the child turns 5.

Step 6: Document Scanning

• The Indian passport of the child is scanned as Proof of Identity.
• Aadhaar of parent/guardian is linked and scanned.
• Any other relevant supporting documents (if required).

Step 7: Receipt of Acknowledgement

• Once the data is successfully submitted, the operator returns the documents and provides an Acknowledgement Slip.

Note: There is no fee for Aadhaar enrolment of NRI children as well.

Important Notes

• Biometric Update at Age 5 and 15: Since fingerprints and iris scans are not captured for children under 5, parents must ensure that biometric data is updated when the child turns 5, and again at 15 years of age. Failing to do so may result in the Aadhaar becoming inactive.
• Mobile Number/Email Linking: Even though mobile and email are optional for Resident children, it is advisable to provide them to receive OTPs and updates. For NRI children, email is mandatory.
• Tracking Aadhaar Status: After receiving the Acknowledgement Slip, parents can track the status of Aadhaar using the Enrolment ID (EID) via the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app.

How Long Does It Take to Get Aadhaar?

Once the enrolment is complete, it may take up to 90 days for the Aadhaar to be generated and delivered. However, in most cases, it is issued within 2-3 weeks.

Parents can download an e-Aadhaar copy using the EID or Aadhaar number once it’s generated. This digital version is equally valid as the physical copy.

Benefits of Aadhaar for Children

Here’s why Aadhaar is a good idea for your child:

Enrolling your child for Aadhaar under the age of 5 is a simple yet important step toward integrating them into India’s digital ecosystem. Whether you are a Resident Indian or an NRI, the UIDAI has made the process child-friendly and straightforward, requiring Form 5 for residents and Form 6 for NRIs (available under Aadhaar forms), with minimal documentation, HoF consent, and zero fees. After enrolment, parents should monitor biometric updates at ages 5 and 15, link mobile and email, track Aadhaar status, and download or await the physical card. Aadhaar for children opens up access to numerous services, ensuring a smooth developmental trajectory from a trusted digital identity.