UIDAI Asks Parents to Update Aadhaar Biometrics for Kids Aged 5–7: Here’s Why It Matters

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a reminder to parents: if your child is between 5 and 7 years old, it’s time to update their Aadhaar biometrics. This update is not optional—it’s essential for continued validity of the Aadhaar number. For families, especially in Tier 2 cities where Aadhaar is widely used for school admissions, health schemes, and subsidies, this step is important but often overlooked.

Why the Update Is Required
A child’s Aadhaar is originally created using demographic details and facial photographs. Since biometric features like fingerprints and iris scans aren’t stable in very young children, these are not captured at the time of initial enrollment.

Once the child turns 5, UIDAI mandates biometric updates to ensure the Aadhaar record reflects accurate data. A second update is also recommended at age 15.

This helps the system remain reliable for identity verification as the child grows.

What Happens If It’s Not Updated
If parents don’t update their child’s biometrics between the ages of 5 and 7, the Aadhaar may be considered inactive. This could lead to delays or issues when accessing government benefits, enrolling in school, or linking Aadhaar with other services like health insurance or bank accounts.

In practical terms, not updating could create problems in everyday scenarios where Aadhaar is a must.

How to Get It Done
The process is simple and free. Parents need to visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorized centre with the child. No fresh documents are required—just the existing Aadhaar number.

Biometric data like fingerprints, iris scans, and a new photograph are captured during the visit. The update is usually processed within a few days.

Relevance for Tier 2 Cities
In Tier 2 cities, where Aadhaar is a go-to ID for ration cards, school schemes, scholarship applications, and hospital records, the update becomes especially important. Often, digital awareness around updates is lower in smaller towns, leading to last-minute hassles.

This initiative by UIDAI is not just about maintaining records—it’s about ensuring that no child is left out of essential services due to technical lapses.

Conclusion
Updating your child’s Aadhaar biometrics might seem like a small task, but it holds long-term value. It ensures your child continues to have access to all Aadhaar-linked services without interruption. As UIDAI strengthens its data accuracy, this timely update is one way families can stay aligned with the system—especially in regions where Aadhaar is deeply integrated into daily life.