Parents can now apply for Baal Aadhaar for their children under 5 years of age from home using the PostInfo App. The application process involves four key steps: downloading the PostInfo App on Android or iPhone, completing registration by entering name, address, PIN code, mobile number, and email ID, selecting IPPB Aadhaar Services from available options and then tapping on Child Aadhaar Enrolment, clicking on Request OTP, and entering the OTP received on mobile number to submit the application. This completely free service eliminates the need for physical visits to Aadhaar centres, making the process more convenient for parents.
A Baal Aadhaar is a special Aadhaar document issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for all children below the age of five years. This distinctive document is recognizable by its blue colour and provides children with a unique 12-digit identification number that can be utilized for school admissions, passport applications, hospital registrations, government welfare schemes and other Aadhaar-related services. Unlike regular Aadhaar cards, children under five years of age are not required to provide fingerprints or iris scans, as their biometrics are still developing. The child's Aadhaar is linked to the Aadhaar number of one parent or legal guardian for identity verification.
Parents can book an appointment for their child through the official UIDAI portal or directly visit an 'Aadhaar Seva Kendra'. The application process involves five key steps: booking an appointment online or at the centre, carrying required documents including the child's original birth certificate and parent's Aadhaar card, completing enrolment at the centre where the operator captures the child's photo and parent provides biometric authentication, collecting an acknowledgement slip containing the Enrolment ID (EID), and finally downloading the e-Aadhaar using the Aadhaar number, virtual ID or enrolment ID. The enrolment fee is free, and the Aadhaar generation is generally completed within 30 days after successful enrolment.
Baal Aadhaar issued to children below five does not contain biometric information. During the enrolment process, iris scans, fresh photos and fingerprints of parents or legal guardians are captured. A second mandatory biometric update is compulsory after the child turns 15 years. Currently, both mandatory biometric updates are provided free of cost if completed within the prescribed age period. In 2026, UIDAI launched a nationwide awareness campaign involving schools to encourage parents to complete these updates on time.
The mandatory documents for Baal Aadhaar application include the child's original birth certificate (mandatory for children born on or after 1 October 2023), the Aadhaar card of one parent or legal guardian, and additional supporting documents if requested by UIDAI in specific cases. The birth certificate requirement ensures proper documentation for children born after the specified date. Additional documents may be requested during verification to complete the enrolment process.
Applying for a Baal Aadhaar soon after birth gives a child an officially recognised digital identity. This initial step can help simplify access to education, healthcare, government schemes and travel. The document provides children with a unique identification number that can be utilized across various services, making it essential for parents to complete the enrolment process promptly to ensure their child has proper documentation for future requirements.
