Blue Aadhaar and regular Aadhaar are not the sameThe blue card is issued to children under five, while the white Aadhaar is for individuals aged five and aboveHere’s a look at their key features, biometric requirements and the rules that apply after a child turns five.
Published: August 30, 2026, 9:17 PM IST
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There is a major difference between blue and white aadhaar cardsAI-generated image
For many Indians, Aadhaar has become an essential identity documentThe Aadhaar card we commonly carry features a 12-digit unique identification number, along with demographic and biometric details such as fingerprints and iris scans.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues a blue Aadhaar, or Baal Aadhaar, for children under fiveWhile its colour makes it easy to identify, there are several other important differences between Baal Aadhaar and the regular Aadhaar card that parents need to be aware of.
White cards consist of extra information
The key difference between a white Aadhaar and a blue Baal Aadhaar is the biometric dataThe white Aadhaar card, issued to those aged five and above, records fingerprints from all 10 fingers along with iris details.
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Biometric details are not collected for children below five because their fingerprints and iris patterns are still developingBaal Aadhaar is issued using the child’s photo and demographic information, along with a link to the Aadhaar of one parent.
When is the Baal Aadhaar Card updated?
The blue Aadhaar does not function as an independent identity document at this stage, as it is linked to a parent’s AadhaarIn contrast, the regular white Aadhaar is an individual identity documentA child’s Aadhaar is linked to the Aadhaar number of one parent when it is issued.
Baal Aadhaar is issued for children up to the age of five, after which their biometric details need to be updatedFailure to complete the update can make the Aadhaar inactiveOnce the biometrics are recorded, the child’s Aadhaar becomes a regular AadhaarThe biometric details must then be updated again at the age of 15.
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How to apply Baal Aadhaar?
If you are planning to get your child a Baal Aadhaar card, just follow the below-mentioned steps.
- Visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre or book an appointment online on the UIDAI website.
- Carry the child’s birth certificate or hospital discharge slip and the original Aadhaar card of either parent.
- The child’s photo will be taken at the enrolment centre and the details will be linked to the parent’s Aadhaar.
- After the verification process is complete, your child’s Aadhaar card is mailed to your address.
- Notably, new enrollments and biometric updates at the age of 5 and 15 are performed by UIDAI free of charge.
