What is a Blue Aadhaar Card? Know how to apply for it

Blue Aadhaar Card : In today’s digital age, having an Aadhaar card has become essential for every Indian citizen, regardless of age. But what about newborns and young children? That’s where the Blue Aadhaar Card comes into the picture! Designed exclusively for children below five years, the Blue Aadhaar serves as an important identity document right from early childhood. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Blue Aadhaar Card, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.

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 five years. Unlike the regular Aadhaar for adults, the Blue Aadhaar does not require biometric authentication (fingerprint or iris scan) during the time of enrolment. It is distinguished by its blue-colored letterhead, making it visually different from the standard Aadhaar.

Key highlights of the Blue Aadhaar:

• Exclusively for children aged 0 to 5 years.
• Issued without biometric data; only demographic details are collected.
• Mandatory biometric update required after the child turns 5 years old.
• Acts as an official proof of identity for kids for various purposes like school admissions, hospital registrations, and travel documentation.

Why is the Blue Aadhaar Important for Children?

The Blue Aadhaar Card offers multiple advantages for both parents and children. Here’s why it’s important:

• Acts as a valid government-issued identity proof for children.
• Simplifies processes such as school admissions and health insurance enrolments.
• Helps track immunizations and health services linked to government schemes.
• Assists in travel documentation where a child’s identity proof is required.
• Ensures that government benefits targeted for children can be directly accessed.

Real-life Example: Many schools across India, especially in metropolitan cities, have started asking for the child’s Aadhaar number during the admission process. Having a Blue Aadhaar ready can save parents a lot of last-minute trouble.

Key Features of Blue Aadhaar Card

Below is a detailed table highlighting the key differences and features of a Blue Aadhaar Card:

Feature	Blue Aadhaar (0-5 Years)	Regular Aadhaar (5+ Years)
Age Group	0-5 Years	5 Years and Above
Biometric Data	Not Captured	Fingerprints & Iris Scan
Color Scheme	Blue Letterhead	White Letterhead
Mandatory Update	After 5 Years	Optional (unless required)
Fee for Enrolment	Free	Free
Documents Required	Birth Certificate/Discharge Slip + Parent’s Aadhaar	ID Proof, Address Proof
Status Verification	UIDAI Portal	UIDAI Portal

How to Apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a Blue Aadhaar Card is a simple and parent-friendly process. Here’s a complete step-by-step breakdown:

1. Locate the Nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center:
   • Visit the UIDAI website and search for the nearest authorized enrolment center.
2. Gather Required Documents:
   • Child’s Birth Certificate or hospital discharge slip.
   • One of the parent’s Aadhaar number (Mandatory for linking).
3. Visit the Enrolment Center:
   • Carry the child and documents to the enrolment center.
4. Fill the Enrolment Form:
   • Complete the child enrolment form with all necessary details.
5. Photograph Capture:
   • A photograph of the child will be taken during the enrolment.
6. Linking with Parent’s Aadhaar:
   • The child’s Blue Aadhaar will be linked to one parent’s Aadhaar.
7. Acknowledgment Slip:
   • You will receive an acknowledgement slip with an enrolment ID.
8. Download/Receive the Aadhaar:
   • Within 60 days, the Blue Aadhaar Card will be generated. You can download it online or receive it by post.

Important Documents Needed for Blue Aadhaar Card Application

Here’s a detailed table listing the documents you will need during the application process:

Document Type	Accepted Proofs
Proof of Birth	Birth Certificate, Hospital Discharge Slip
Proof of Parent’s Identity	Aadhaar Card of Mother or Father
Address Proof	Same as the Parent’s Address (linked Aadhaar)
Photograph	Taken at the Enrolment Center
Relationship Proof	Implicit via Parent’s Aadhaar Linkage
Contact Information	Mobile Number for OTP Verification
Application Form	Provided at Enrolment Center

Things to Remember About Blue Aadhaar

While applying and after receiving the Blue Aadhaar, here are some key points parents must keep in mind:

• Update Biometrics: Mandatory biometric update (fingerprints, iris scan) once the child turns 5 years old.
• No Change in Aadhaar Number: Only biometrics are updated; the Aadhaar number remains the same.
• Free of Cost: The enrolment and updating process are completely free.
• Validity: The Blue Aadhaar is valid until the child turns 5. Post biometric update, it converts into a regular Aadhaar.
• Download Option: You can download the Blue Aadhaar Card online anytime via the UIDAI portal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying

Parents should avoid these common mistakes to ensure smooth issuance:

• Entering wrong or misspelled child’s name.
• Providing incorrect mobile number.
• Not updating address properly, leading to postal delays.
• Missing mandatory biometric update after the child turns 5 years.

Real-life Tip: A mother in Delhi reported that due to a wrong mobile number entry, she could not track her child’s Aadhaar status for over a month. Always double-check the contact information!

The Blue Aadhaar Card is a crucial step towards building a digital identity for children right from infancy. It not only helps in easing school admissions, healthcare enrolments, and government benefits but also instills a sense of official identity early in life. With a simple, cost-free process, parents should not delay in securing a Blue Aadhaar for their little ones. Remember to update the biometrics at the right time to ensure continued validity of the Aadhaar.

Stay updated, stay ahead – get your child’s Blue Aadhaar Card today!

The information provided in this article is for general awareness. For the latest updates or any specific queries, kindly refer to the official UIDAI website or consult authorized Aadhaar enrolment centers.