Blue Aadhaar Card : The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a special variant of the Aadhaar card known as the Blue Aadhaar. While the regular Aadhaar card is issued to all residents, the Blue Aadhaar is specifically designed for a particular age group and serves a unique purpose. Many parents and guardians are still unaware of who qualifies for this card and how to apply for it.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Blue Aadhaar Card – eligibility, documents required, benefits, and how it differs from the standard Aadhaar.
What Is the Blue Aadhaar Card?
The Blue Aadhaar card, officially called the Baal Aadhaar, is issued to children below the age of 5 years. It is blue in color to visually differentiate it from the standard Aadhaar card. It helps young children get enrolled into the Aadhaar ecosystem, even though biometric data is not collected for them at this age.
Key points:
- Issued to children below 5 years
- No biometric authentication required
- Free of cost
- Contains a 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Needs to be updated once the child turns 5
Who Is Eligible for the Blue Aadhaar Card?
Only specific individuals are eligible to receive the Blue Aadhaar card. Here’s the complete list of those who can apply:
- Children aged 0 to 5 years
- Residents of India only
- Newborns with a valid birth certificate
- Children whose parents have valid Aadhaar numbers
- Those not already registered for standard Aadhaar
- Applicants through government hospitals or Aadhaar Kendras
- Children being enrolled during immunization drives
- Children who are part of Anganwadi centers or early childcare programs
Required Documents for Blue Aadhaar Registration
Unlike the regular Aadhaar card, the Blue Aadhaar requires minimal documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Document Type | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity (Child) | Birth Certificate |
| Proof of Address (Parent) | Aadhaar Card of any one parent |
| Relationship Proof | Aadhaar of parent linking to child |
| Photograph | Recent passport-sized photo of the child |
| Application Form | Aadhaar Enrolment Form (Available at center or online) |
| Health Documents (Optional) | Hospital discharge papers / Immunization records |
| Authorized Enrolment Centre | Valid registration at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre |
How to Apply for Blue Aadhaar Card – Step-by-Step Process
Applying for a Blue Aadhaar is quick and easy if you follow the proper process:
- Visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or government hospital with Aadhaar services.
- Carry the child’s birth certificate and one parent’s Aadhaar card.
- Fill out the enrolment form with all required details.
- Provide a passport-sized photograph of the child.
- No biometric data will be taken for children below 5.
- Collect the acknowledgement slip after submission.
- Aadhaar will be delivered to the registered address within a few weeks.
Benefits of Blue Aadhaar Card
The Blue Aadhaar card helps children access essential services and official identification even before they turn five. Some key benefits include:
- Proof of identity for school admissions
- Eligibility for government-sponsored schemes
- Easy access to medical services and vaccinations
- Integration into India’s digital identity system
- Smooth transition to regular Aadhaar after age 5
Key Differences: Blue Aadhaar vs. Regular Aadhaar
Understanding the core differences between the two cards is important for parents.
| Feature | Blue Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar) | Regular Aadhaar |
|---|---|---|
| Age Eligibility | 0–5 years | 5 years and above |
| Color | Blue | White |
| Biometric Data | Not Collected | Fingerprints & Iris Scanned |
| Photograph | Required | Required |
| Mandatory Update | After age 5 | After age 15 (in some cases) |
| Issuance Cost | Free | Free |
| Use Case | Early ID, Scheme Access | Full Government ID |
FAQs – Blue Aadhaar Card
1. Can a Blue Aadhaar be used as valid ID proof?
Yes, it can be used for identity verification for services like school admission, hospital registration, and more.
2. What happens when the child turns 5?
The Aadhaar must be updated with biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan) once the child turns 5.
3. Is there a fee to apply?
No, Blue Aadhaar enrolment is completely free of cost.
4. Can I apply online?
You can book an appointment online, but the enrolment must be done physically at an Aadhaar centre.
5. What if my child already has an Aadhaar number?
If your child already has a regular Aadhaar, there’s no need to apply again. However, if biometric data was not collected, it must be updated at age 5.
Conclusion of Blue Aadhaar Card
The Blue Aadhaar card plays a crucial role in bringing India’s youngest population into the identity framework. It ensures that children can access basic services, benefits, and schemes from the very beginning of their lives. If you’re a parent or guardian of a child under 5, make sure you apply for this important document without delay. Not only is it free, but it also sets the foundation for all future official records and benefits your child may be entitled to.