Free Aadhaar Update for All Children Aged 5-17:UIDAI Waives Aadhaar Biometric Fees; Know All Details

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that Aadhaar biometric updates for children aged 5 to 17 years will now be completely free of charge for one year. The new rule came into effect on October 1st and will remain valid till September 30, 2026; this new Aadhaar update will benefit nearly 6 crore children across the country.

Free Aadhaar Biometric Updates for Children

According to UIDAI, the fee waiver covers all mandatory biometric updates, including fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs for children between 5 and 17 years. Earlier, parents had to pay Rs. 125 per update if the biometric change was done outside the prescribed age window.

Now, regardless of the update timing, all Aadhaar biometric updates for children in this age group will be free for one year, which will save both time and cost & also simplify Aadhaar-related services.

Aadhaar Biometric Update Rule

A child's first Aadhaar biometric update is mandatory when they turn 5 years old, as biometrics like fingerprints and iris scans are captured for the first time at that age. The second update is required around 15 years of age to make sure that the Aadhaar data is accurate.

Previously, updates were free only between ages 5-7 and 15-17. Beyond these windows, parents were required to pay an Rs. 125 fee for each update. However, the new UIDAI Aadhaar rule waives this fee completely for all children aged 5-17 years.

UIDAI has advised parents and guardians to complete the biometric update as early as possible to ensure that their child's Aadhaar number remains active and eligible for services. Failure to update biometrics on time can lead to temporary deactivation of Aadhaar numbers, affecting access to school admissions, scholarships, entrance exams, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes.

The biometric update process can be completed at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or authorised enrolment centre by booking an appointment online via the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app.

Benefits Of Aadhaar Update For Children

According to UIDAI, the Mandatory Biometric Update for children's Aadhaar will help verify identity across various important services.

With this update, children can access educational institutions, competitive exams, government welfare schemes, scholarships, internships, and fellowships, among other benefits.

Parents can locate their nearest Aadhaar Centre through the UIDAI website or app to complete the update efficiently.