UIDAI Urges Timely Biometric Update for Kids

Highlights:

• UIDAI reminds parents to complete Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children aged 5–7.
• Free biometric update available before age 7; ₹100 fee applies after that.
• UIDAI sending SMS alerts to registered mobile numbers.
• Aadhaar could be deactivated if biometric update is delayed beyond age 7.
• MBU ensures eligibility for school admissions, scholarships, DBT schemes, and more.

From Enrolment to Empowerment: Aadhaar’s Role in a Child’s Growth Journey

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has reiterated the significance of completing the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children who have turned seven and have not yet updated their Aadhaar biometrics. This crucial step is a pre-existing requirement under the Aadhaar enrolment framework, designed to ensure that biometric records remain accurate and current as a child grows.

To accelerate compliance, UIDAI has begun sending SMS notifications to the registered mobile numbers linked with children’s Aadhaar records, urging parents or guardians to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or any authorised Aadhaar update centre to complete the MBU process.

Understanding the Aadhaar MBU Requirement

When a child is enrolled in Aadhaar before the age of five, the biometric component—fingerprints and iris scans—is not collected, since these features are not fully developed. Instead, Aadhaar is issued based on photograph, name, gender, date of birth, and parent’s documents.

Once a child turns five, the Aadhaar system requires a Mandatory Biometric Update, where fingerprints, iris scan, and a fresh photo are collected. This step is crucial to keep the Aadhaar valid and usable in the long term.

What Parents Need to Know

• Age 5 to 7: You can complete the MBU free of charge at any Aadhaar centre.
• After age 7: A fee of ₹100 applies for the biometric update.
• Failure to update: If the update is not completed even after crossing seven years, the Aadhaar number is at risk of deactivation, as per UIDAI guidelines.

Why MBU Matters: Unlocking Benefits and Services

Updated biometrics enable children to seamlessly access various services, from school admissions and entrance exams to scholarships and government welfare schemes linked through Aadhaar’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) platform. It also facilitates smooth identity verification processes in the future, safeguarding the child’s digital identity.

Call to Action: Update Today for a Secure Tomorrow

UIDAI urges all parents and guardians to prioritise the biometric update of their children’s Aadhaar before the age of seven. This not only avoids unnecessary fees and potential service disruptions but also ensures that every child can benefit from the wide array of opportunities Aadhaar enables.

By completing the update in time, families ensure their children remain connected, recognised, and empowered—from enrolment to opportunity.