UIDAI makes biometric update mandatory for children above 7 to avoid Aadhaar deactivation

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a directive making it compulsory for children who received their Aadhaar card before the age of five to update their biometric details after turning seven.

Failure to do so could result in the deactivation of their Aadhaar number, according to an official announcement.

To ensure compliance, UIDAI has started sending SMS alerts to mobile numbers linked with such Aadhaar accounts, urging parents and guardians to complete the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) process.

“Timely completion of MBU is an essential requirement for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of biometric data of children. If the MBU is not completed even after seven years of age, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated, as per the existing rules,” the statement said.

UIDAI clarified that children who enrolled for Aadhaar before the age of five only submitted demographic information like name, date of birth, and photograph, along with supporting documents. Their fingerprints and iris scans were not collected at the time.

As per current guidelines, once a child turns five, the first Mandatory Biometric Update must be carried out. This includes capturing fingerprints, iris scans, and a new photograph.

If the update is done between ages five and seven, the process is free of charge. However, after a child turns seven, there is a fee of ₹100 for updating the biometrics.

A UIDAI official emphasized that updated biometrics are crucial for continued access to Aadhaar-linked services. “Aadhaar with updated biometric facilitates ease of living and ensures seamless usage of Aadhaar in availing services such as school admissions, registering for entrance examinations, availing benefits of scholarships, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes, etc.”

Parents are encouraged to complete the MBU promptly to avoid disruptions in their child’s access to important services.