What Is Blue Aadhaar Card? Here’s Everything Parents Need to Know

In India, the Aadhaar card has become an essential document for everything—from opening bank accounts and availing government schemes to school admissions. Now, UIDAI has introduced a new version of Aadhaar known as the “Blue Aadhaar Card”—designed specifically for young children. But what makes it different from regular Aadhaar cards, and who is eligible for it? Let’s break it down.

What Exactly Is the Blue Aadhaar Card?

The Blue Aadhaar Card is a special Aadhaar issued to children under the age of 5 years. Unlike the standard Aadhaar, it comes in a distinctive blue color, which makes it easy to identify. Since biometric features like fingerprints and iris scans are not fully developed at that age, this version does not include any biometric data.

Who Can Apply for a Blue Aadhaar?

Any child between 0 to 5 years of age is eligible for a Blue Aadhaar. Here’s what you need to apply:

Eligibility:

• The child must be aged between 0 and 5 years
• At least one parent must already have an Aadhaar card
• A birth certificate or hospital-issued birth proof is required

Required Documents:

• Child’s birth certificate
• Aadhaar card of either parent
• Parent’s photograph (for verification purposes)

Key Features of the Blue Aadhaar Card

• Blue in color to differentiate it from regular Aadhaar
• Includes child’s photograph, but no biometric data
• Valid only until the child turns 5 years old
• Used for school admissions, government schemes, and hospital records
• Helps in identifying the child if they go missing

What Happens When the Child Turns 5?

Once the child crosses 5 years of age, it’s mandatory to update their biometric details (fingerprints, iris scan, and photo) at an Aadhaar Enrollment Center.

Important Guidelines:

• Biometric update must be completed within 6 months after the child turns 5
• Another update is required when the child reaches 15 years of age

You can visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Common Service Center (CSC) to complete this process.

How to Apply for a Blue Aadhaar Card?

Applying for a Blue Aadhaar is simple and can be done both online and offline.

Application Steps:

1. Visit the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in
2. Click on the ‘Book Appointment’ option
3. Choose your city and nearest Aadhaar center
4. Fill in the child’s and parent’s details
5. Visit the Aadhaar center with required documents
6. Once processed, the card will be delivered within 15 days to your registered address

Why Should You Get a Blue Aadhaar Card?

While not compulsory, the Blue Aadhaar comes with multiple advantages:

• Required for Anganwadi enrollment
• Enables free medical treatment at government hospitals
• Acts as an identity proof during school admissions
• Useful in tracing missing children

Is It Mandatory to Have a Blue Aadhaar?

No, the Blue Aadhaar card is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. It helps establish a child’s identity early on and ensures access to numerous child-centric welfare programs that require Aadhaar authentication.

Final Thoughts

The Blue Aadhaar card is an important step toward digital identity for children. It’s simple to obtain, easy to update, and provides access to crucial services. If you have a child under five, consider applying for this card—it’s a smart and secure way to safeguard their future.