Blue Aadhaar card, also called Baal Aadhaar, is a special identification card for children in India. It is designed for kids below 5 years of age. Unlike the regular white Aadhaar card for adults, this one is blue in color. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) introduced it in 2018. It helps young children have a unique identity. This article explains everything about the Blue Aadhaar card. You’ll learn what it is, why it exists, how to apply online, its benefits, how to download it, and more. Let’s dive in with simple, clear details.
What is a Blue Aadhaar Card?
A blue Aadhaar card is a version of the Aadhaar card that is made for young children under 5 years of age. It looks similar to the regular Aadhaar card, but the difference is in the color and biometric details.
In a blue Aadhaar card:
- No biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan) is taken.
- It is linked to the Aadhaar of one of the parents.
- It becomes inactive once the child turns 5 years old.
- After 5 years, biometrics must be updated to keep the card valid.
This card helps in giving identity to the child. It is accepted as valid ID proof for school admissions, health services, and other benefits.
The Objective of the Blue Aadhaar Card
The main goal of the blue Aadhaar card is to provide a digital identity to every child from birth.
Here are the key objectives:
- To bring all children under the Aadhaar system.
- To help in government schemes for children like Mid-Day Meal, vaccination, and school benefits.
- To serve as ID proof during school admission or hospital visits.
- To maintain records of children across India for planning and policies.
It is a step toward Digital India and helps to include children in the national identification system.
Helpful Summary of Blue Aadhaar Card
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Blue Aadhaar Card / Baal Aadhaar |
| Issuing Authority | UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) |
| Age Group | Children from 0 to below 5 years |
| Biometrics Required | No |
| Parent Aadhaar Link | Yes |
| Card Color | Blue |
| Validity | Active until age 5 |
| Update Required After Age 5 | Yes (Biometric Update) |
| Online Application Available | Yes |
| Download Option | Yes, via UIDAI Portal |
Blue Aadhaar Card Age Limit
The age limit for the blue Aadhaar card is from birth to below 5 years.
Once the child turns 5 years, parents must update biometric details at the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
After updating, the blue card is replaced with a regular Aadhaar card.e.
Blue Aadhaar Card Apply Online
Applying for a Blue Aadhaar/ Ball Aadhaar card involves a few simple steps. Most of the process happens at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, but you can book an appointment online. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website (https://uidai.gov.in/).
Step 2: Choose the language you prefer for the website.
Step 3: Go to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section and select ‘Book an Appointment.’
Step 4: Under ‘Book an Appointment at a UIDAI-run Aadhaar Seva Kendra,’ pick your city and click ‘Proceed to Book Appointment.’
Step 5: Enter your mobile number and the captcha code, then click ‘Get OTP.’
Step 6: Input the OTP and choose your appointment date.
Step 7: You’ll get an SMS confirming your appointment details.
Step 8: Visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra on the appointment date with your child.
Step 9: The parent whose Aadhaar will link to the child’s card must provide their Aadhaar details and biometrics. The child only needs a photograph, not biometrics.
Step 10: Fill out the application form at the center. Submit the required documents. The originals will be scanned and returned.
After verification, you’ll receive an acknowledgment slip with an Enrollment ID (EID). The Blue Aadhaar card will arrive by post within 60-90 days. You can also download it online (explained later). The process is free, and only one parent needs to be present.
Blue Aadhaar Card Download
Once the Blue Aadhaar card is ready, you can download it online as an e-Aadhaar. This is a digital version of the card, which is legally valid. Here’s how to download it:
- Visit the UIDAI website: Go to https://uidai.gov.in/.
- Select ‘My Aadhaar’: Click on ‘Download Aadhaar.’
- Enter details: Use the child’s 12-digit Aadhaar number or the 28-digit Enrollment ID from the acknowledgment slip.
- Verify with OTP: Enter your registered mobile number to receive an OTP. Input the OTP to proceed.
- Download the PDF: The e-Aadhaar will download as a password-protected PDF. The password is the first four letters of the child’s name (in uppercase) plus the birth year (e.g., RAVI2005).
- Open and print: Use a PDF reader to open the file. You can print it for physical use.
The e-Aadhaar is handy for quick access. Parents can also use the mAadhaar app to store up to five Aadhaar cards, including the child’s.
Blue Aadhaar Card Benefits
The Blue Aadhaar card offers many advantages for children and parents. Here are the key benefits:
- Official Identity Proof: It serves as a government-issued ID for kids. This is useful for school admissions, travel (railways, flights), or hotel check-ins.
- Access to Government Schemes: The card helps children avail of welfare programs, scholarships, and subsidies. For example, it’s needed for mid-day meal benefits in schools.
- Simplified Documentation: It acts as proof of identity and address for passports, bank accounts, or other services.
- Fraud Prevention: The card ensures government benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. It helps eliminate fake identities in schemes.
- Free Enrollment and Updates: Applying for the card and updating biometrics at ages 5 and 15 is free.
- Parental Convenience: Only one parent’s Aadhaar is needed, making the process flexible. The mAadhaar app lets parents manage the child’s card digitally.
- Future-Ready: It sets up a child’s identity in the Aadhaar system. This makes future updates easier as they grow.
These benefits make the Blue Aadhaar card a valuable tool. It ensures kids are visible to the government and can access services early.
Blue Aadhaar Card Apply Online Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for a Blue Aadhaar card is straightforward. Here are the requirements:
- Age: The child must be below 5 years old. There’s no minimum age, so even newborns qualify.
- Residency: The child must be a resident of India. This includes Indian citizens, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with 182 days of stay in the past year, or foreign nationals with valid visas.
- Parent’s Aadhaar: At least one parent or legal guardian must have a valid Aadhaar card. This is linked to the child’s card for authentication.
- Documents: Parents must provide specific documents (listed below) to verify the child’s identity and relationship.
No biometric data is needed from the child. The process is inclusive, covering all children regardless of caste, religion, or income.
Blue Aadhaar Card Apply Online Documents Required
To apply for a Blue Aadhaar card, parents need a few documents. These prove the child’s identity, date of birth, and relationship with the parent. Here’s the list:
- Child’s Birth Certificate: A hospital discharge slip or official birth certificate is required.
- Parent’s Aadhaar Card: One parent’s Aadhaar card is mandatory for linking and authentication.
- Proof of Address: This can be the parent’s Aadhaar card, voter ID, ration card, or utility bill (electricity, water, etc.).
- Proof of Identity: The parent can submit their Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or other government-issued ID.
- School ID (if applicable): If the child attends school, a school ID or bonafide certificate can be used.
- Proof of Relationship: Documents like a birth certificate or ration card showing the parent-child relationship.
Original documents are scanned at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra and returned. Parents should carry clear, valid documents to avoid delays. If a parent lacks address proof for the child, their own Aadhaar card can suffice.
Contact Details
If you need help with the Blue Aadhaar card, UIDAI offers support. Here’s how to reach them:
- Helpline Number: Call 1947 for free assistance. It’s available from 7 AM to 11 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 8 AM to 5 PM (Sunday).
- Email: Send queries to [email protected].
- Website: Visit https://uidai.gov.in/ for FAQs, forms, and updates.
- Aadhaar Seva Kendra: Find a nearby center using the ‘Locate an Enrolment Center’ tool on the UIDAI website or Bhuvan Aadhaar Portal (https://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in/aadhaar/).
- Grievance Redressal: File complaints online at https://uidai.gov.in/en/contact-support/file-complaint.
- Head Office: Unique Identification Authority of India, Bangla Sahib Road, Behind Kali Mandir, Gole Market, New Delhi – 110001.
For urgent issues, the helpline or website is the fastest way to get help. Regional UIDAI offices are also listed on the website for in-person support.
Conclusion
The Blue Aadhaar card is a fantastic initiative for young children in India. It gives kids a unique identity from birth. Parents can easily apply for it online or at Aadhaar Seva Kendras. The card is free, and the process is simple. It offers benefits like access to government schemes, school admissions, and travel verification. With no biometric data needed for kids under 5, it’s parent-friendly. After age 5, updating the card ensures it stays valid. The ability to download the e-Aadhaar and use the mAadhaar app adds convenience. By getting a Blue Aadhaar card, parents secure their child’s future in India’s digital identity system. Don’t wait—apply today and give your child a head start