Aadhaar Update 2026: Free Biometric Update for Children Aged 5–17, UIDAI Announces September 2027 Deadline
Aadhaar Card Update 2026: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued an important reminder for parents regarding their children's Aadhaar cards. According to the latest announcement shared on November 2, 2026, children must undergo mandatory biometric updates at two important age milestones—once at the age of five and again at the age of 15.
To encourage families to complete these updates on time, UIDAI has announced that the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) will remain completely free for children aged 5 to 17 years until September 30, 2027.
This initiative provides financial relief to parents while helping ensure that children's Aadhaar records remain accurate and up to date.
Parents whose children have reached the required age should arrange the biometric update at an authorised Aadhaar enrolment or update centre.
UIDAI Announces Free Aadhaar Biometric Updates Until September 30, 2027UIDAI has reminded parents that keeping children's Aadhaar biometric information updated is essential.
Under the announced arrangement, children between five and 17 years of age can complete their Mandatory Biometric Update without paying any service charge until September 30, 2027.
The announcement covers eligible biometric updates and should not be confused with a general waiver for every type of Aadhaar correction or update.
The free service is particularly useful for families whose children have not completed their required biometric updates at the prescribed ages.
Parents are encouraged to complete the process within the announced period instead of postponing it until the deadline approaches.
At What Age Is an Aadhaar Biometric Update Mandatory?UIDAI requires children's Aadhaar biometric information to be updated at two major stages of growth.
Age Milestone Aadhaar Update Requirement| Below 5 years | Aadhaar enrolment generally uses demographic details and a photograph, without capturing fingerprints or iris scans |
| At 5 years | First Mandatory Biometric Update |
| At 15 years | Second Mandatory Biometric Update |
| Ages 5–17 | Eligible MBU available free until September 30, 2027 |
These updates help ensure that the biometric information associated with a child's Aadhaar number remains suitable for identity verification as the child grows.
When a child is enrolled for Aadhaar before turning five, fingerprints and iris scans are generally not collected.
Instead, Aadhaar enrolment is completed using the child's demographic information, photograph and the required parent or guardian details.
Once the child reaches five years of age, biometric information must be captured.
This first Mandatory Biometric Update includes the child's fingerprints, iris scans and photograph.
The information becomes part of the child's Aadhaar record and helps support biometric authentication where applicable.
Importantly, completing the update does not result in the allocation of a new Aadhaar number. The existing 12-digit Aadhaar number remains unchanged.
Children undergo significant physical development as they grow older.
For this reason, UIDAI requires a second Mandatory Biometric Update when a child reaches 15 years of age.
During this process, biometric information is captured again to refresh the records associated with the Aadhaar number.
Keeping these details updated can help reduce potential authentication difficulties when Aadhaar-based identity verification is required.
This may be relevant when accessing services that use Aadhaar authentication, subject to the rules and eligibility requirements of the particular service.
Parents should therefore ensure that both age-based updates are completed.
How to Update Your Child's Aadhaar Biometrics for FreeParents can arrange a Mandatory Biometric Update by visiting an authorised Aadhaar enrolment or update centre.
The process generally involves the following steps:
Eligible children aged 5–17 should not be charged for the Mandatory Biometric Update during the announced waiver period.
Is the Free Aadhaar Update Available Online?Parents can use UIDAI's online services to locate Aadhaar centres, check relevant information and access supported appointment facilities.
However, the actual biometric update cannot be completed entirely from home.
Fingerprints, iris scans and photographs must be captured using authorised biometric equipment at an enrolment or update centre.
Therefore, parents should not trust websites or messages claiming that a child's complete biometric update can be performed remotely through an ordinary mobile phone.
For official services and information, visit the UIDAI website.
Parents should carry the child's existing Aadhaar details when visiting the centre.
For a straightforward Mandatory Biometric Update, the existing Aadhaar number is generally sufficient to identify the record. Additional documents may be required if the family is also requesting changes to demographic information or if the centre identifies a specific verification requirement.
It is advisable to check UIDAI's latest document requirements before visiting.
Parents should also ensure that the update is recorded under the correct service category so that the applicable fee waiver is provided.
How to Check Aadhaar Update StatusAfter completing the biometric update, parents can track the request through UIDAI's official online services.
The acknowledgement provided at the centre contains the details needed to identify the update request.
Parents can visit the official myAadhaar portal and use the available status-checking facility.
Processing time may vary, so parents should retain the acknowledgement until the update is completed.
The child's Aadhaar number will remain the same after the biometric information is updated.
Parents should avoid delaying the Mandatory Biometric Update because outdated biometric information may create difficulties during Aadhaar authentication.
If the required update has not been completed, families should arrange it at an authorised centre.
The September 30, 2027 deadline relates to the announced free-update arrangement for eligible children aged 5–17. It does not mean that the child's Aadhaar number automatically expires on that date.
Parents should also remember that the fee waiver applies to the specified MBU service. Other Aadhaar-related changes may be subject to separate rules and charges.
UIDAI's Latest Reminder: What Parents Should KnowThe latest announcement highlights the importance of completing Aadhaar biometric updates at the correct age.
Parents of children who have recently turned five or 15 should review whether the required update has been completed.
Families with children aged between five and 17 who have missed an earlier mandatory update should also check their eligibility for the free service.
The key takeaway: UIDAI has confirmed that Mandatory Biometric Updates for children aged 5–17 will remain free until September 30, 2027. Parents should ensure that their children's Aadhaar biometrics are updated at age five and again at age 15 to maintain accurate identity records.
Source Credit: UIDAI (@UIDAI), Official X Announcement, November 2, 2026. Additional reference: Unique Identification Authority of India — Official Website.