Mandatory Aadhaar biometric update for children above 7 years; UIDAI issues new advisory

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a renewed advisory to parents and guardians, urging them to complete the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children who have crossed the age of seven but have not yet updated their biometrics in Aadhaar. This is not a new rule but a critical requirement to ensure the validity, accuracy, and usability of a child’s Aadhaar number, which was issued by the Ministry of Electronics & IT. 

What is MBU and Why is it Needed?

When a child under the age of five is enrolled for Aadhaar, only demographic details and a photograph are taken, as biometric markers like fingerprints and iris patterns are not mature enough at that stage. Therefore, UIDAI mandates that once the child turns five, they must undergo their first MBU, where fingerprints, iris scans, and a fresh photograph are collected.

This update is free of cost if done between the ages of five and seven. After the child turns seven, the update is still allowed but comes with a nominal fee of ₹100. Failing to complete the MBU beyond this age may result in the deactivation of the Aadhaar number, which can lead to service disruptions.

Why Timely Update Matters

An Aadhaar with updated biometrics ensures smooth access to services such as school admissions, registration for entrance exams, scholarships, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, wherever applicable. UIDAI has also begun sending SMS alerts to mobile numbers linked with such Aadhaar accounts, reminding guardians to act promptly.

Update Now, Empower for Tomorrow

Timely MBU completion ensures that a child’s Aadhaar remains active and useful across various stages of life. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to visit their nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra and complete the process without delay because a valid Aadhaar today is a passport to opportunity tomorrow.