What Is a Blue Aadhaar Card? Full Step-by-Step Guide on Who’s Eligible and How to Apply!

New Blue Aadhaar Card : In India, the Aadhaar card is a crucial identity document, used for everything from school admissions to opening bank accounts. But did you know that there’s a special type of Aadhaar card meant exclusively for children under 5 years of age? It’s called the Blue Aadhaar Card. If you’re a parent or guardian, understanding the Blue Aadhaar is essential to ensure your child’s early inclusion in identity and welfare systems.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know — who is eligible, how to apply, what documents are needed, and why it matters. Let’s dive in.

What Is a Blue Aadhaar Card?

The Blue Aadhaar Card, also known as Baal Aadhaar, is a special Aadhaar issued to children below the age of 5. Unlike the regular Aadhaar card, this version is blue in color and does not include biometric data like fingerprints or iris scans.

Key features of the Blue Aadhaar Card:

• Issued to children from birth till 5 years
• No biometric data is collected at this stage
• Linked to one of the parent’s Aadhaar
• Mandatory biometric update required at age 5

The card helps in availing early childhood benefits under various government schemes and ensures a unique identity for children from birth.

Who Is Eligible for a Blue Aadhaar Card?

Only children below the age of 5 are eligible for the Blue Aadhaar card. It is not available to older children or adults. Eligibility includes:

• Newborns and infants up to 5 years old
• Child must be an Indian citizen or legal resident
• At least one parent or guardian must have a valid Aadhaar number

Eligibility Summary Table

Age of Child	Eligible for Blue Aadhaar?	Biometric Needed?	Parent’s Aadhaar Required?
0–1 year	Yes	No	Yes
1–2 years	Yes	No	Yes
2–3 years	Yes	No	Yes
3–4 years	Yes	No	Yes
4–5 years	Yes	No	Yes
Above 5	No	Yes (Regular Aadhaar)	Yes

Benefits of Having a Blue Aadhaar Card

The Blue Aadhaar card is more than just an ID — it comes with several early-life benefits for your child. Here’s why you should consider getting it:

• Acts as proof of identity for children
• Required for school admissions in many institutions
• Helps access government benefits like vaccination programs, health insurance, and scholarships
• Streamlines travel documentation for minors
• Ensures timely update and smooth transition to a full Aadhaar after age 5

Key Benefits Breakdown

Benefit Area	How Blue Aadhaar Helps
Education	Needed for school and preschool admissions
Healthcare	Facilitates registration for immunization programs
Financial Inclusion	Can be used for opening bank accounts for children
Government Schemes	Helps avail subsidies like midday meals, insurance
Identity Documentation	Recognized ID for travel and emergency use

Documents Required to Apply for a Blue Aadhaar

Applying for a Blue Aadhaar card requires minimal paperwork. The parent or guardian must accompany the child during the enrollment process.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Birth Certificate of the child OR a hospital discharge slip
• Aadhaar card of one parent/guardian (mandatory)
• Proof of address (can be taken from parent’s Aadhaar)
• Photograph of the child (captured at the enrollment center)

Document Checklist Table

Document Type	Accepted Documents Examples	Mandatory?
Proof of Identity	Parent’s Aadhaar card	Yes
Proof of Birth	Birth certificate, hospital record, immunization card	Yes
Address Proof	Parent’s Aadhaar address is used	Yes
Photograph	Taken on the spot at the center	Yes

How to Apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card (Step-by-Step)

Getting a Blue Aadhaar card is simple and can be done at any Aadhaar enrollment center. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Locate the nearest Aadhaar enrollment center
   • Visit the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in)
   • Use the center locator tool to find one near you
2. Visit the center with your child
   • Carry all required documents
   • One parent/guardian must be physically present
3. Fill in the enrollment form
   • Include the child’s details: name, date of birth, gender
   • Provide the Aadhaar number of the parent
4. Photo of the child will be captured
   • Since no fingerprints or iris scans are taken for children under 5
5. Documents are verified by the operator
   • Birth proof and parent’s Aadhaar are cross-checked
6. Receive an acknowledgment slip
   • Contains the enrollment ID used to track the status
7. Wait for the card to be issued
   • Usually takes 2–4 weeks
   • The Blue Aadhaar card will be delivered by post or available online

Application Process Summary Table

Step	Description	Time Required
Locate Enrollment Center	Use UIDAI portal or visit nearest post office	5–10 minutes
Document Preparation	Gather all required documents	1–2 hours
Visit Center & Enroll	Fill form, photo capture, submit documents	30–60 minutes
Acknowledgment Receipt	Track status using enrollment ID	Instant
Card Delivery	Aadhaar card sent by post or downloadable online	2–4 weeks

How to Update Blue Aadhaar After Age 5

Once your child turns 5, biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan, and photo) must be submitted to update the Blue Aadhaar into a regular Aadhaar card. This update is mandatory and helps maintain the uniqueness of the identity.

Steps to Update Aadhaar:

1. Visit Aadhaar enrollment center with your child
2. Submit child’s Blue Aadhaar and parent’s Aadhaar for verification
3. Biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan) of the child will be taken
4. Photo will be updated
5. Updated Aadhaar with 12-digit number will be issued (same number continues)

Note: Failing to update biometrics may lead to temporary deactivation of the Aadhaar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is Blue Aadhaar mandatory for all children?
No, it is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for identity and availing benefits.

Q2. Is there any fee for Blue Aadhaar enrollment?
No, the Aadhaar enrollment for children is completely free of cost.

Q3. Can I apply online for Blue Aadhaar?
No, the child and parent must visit the Aadhaar enrollment center physically.

Q4. What happens if biometrics are not updated at age 5?
The card may become inactive until the update is completed.

Q5. Can a child have a regular Aadhaar instead of Blue Aadhaar?
No, only children above 5 are eligible for a regular Aadhaar.

The Blue Aadhaar Card is a vital document for every child under the age of 5 in India. It serves as the first official identity for your child and ensures their access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and government benefits. Applying for it is easy, free, and requires only basic documentation. Most importantly, it prepares your child for a smooth transition to full Aadhaar enrollment at the age of 5.

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