Child Aadhaar biometric update (MBU) at age 5 and 15: when it is free and when it costs ₹125
Every child’s Aadhaar needs a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) — fingerprints, iris and photo — after age 5 and again after age 15. It is free at ages 5–7 and 15–17. Between 7 and 15 it costs ₹125 — the one-year UIDAI waiver that made it free for all 5–17 year-olds ended on 30 September 2026. Go to any Aadhaar enrolment/update centre with the child and the Aadhaar; no other documents are needed.
Key facts Last verified: 1 Oct 2026
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| When MBU is due | After age 5 (first biometrics) and after age 15 (second update) | UIDAI |
| Waiver period | Free for ages 5–17 from 1 Oct 2025 to 30 Sep 2026 | UIDAI / Govt announcement |
| Always free | Ages 5–7 and 15–17 | UIDAI |
| Fee outside free ages | ₹125 (biometric update) | UIDAI |
| Documents needed | None — only the child’s Aadhaar and the child in person | UIDAI |
Why do children need a biometric update?
Children below 5 get a Baal Aadhaar with only a photo — their fingerprints and iris are not taken because they are still developing. So UIDAI asks for:
- First MBU at age 5: fingerprints, iris and a new photo are captured for the first time.
- Second MBU at age 15: biometrics are captured again as the child becomes an adult.
If the update is not done, the child’s Aadhaar may stop working for authentication. This can block school admission records, scholarships (including DBT), board exam registration and other services that use Aadhaar.
Fees: what you pay and when
| Child’s age | Fee |
|---|---|
| 5 to 7 years | Free |
| 7 to 15 years | ₹125 (was free from 1 Oct 2025 to 30 Sep 2026) |
| 15 to 17 years | Free |
| Above 17 years | ₹125 |
Child is 7–15 and missed the age-5 update? It now costs ₹125, but do it anyway — without it the child’s Aadhaar may stop working for authentication.
How to do it
- Find a centre. Use “Locate Enrolment Centre” on uidai.gov.in, or the Aadhaar app. Many schools also host UIDAI update camps.
- Book an appointment (optional) at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra through the UIDAI website to avoid waiting.
- Take the child and their Aadhaar (number or card). No other documents are required for a biometric-only update.
- Biometrics are captured: 10 fingerprints, both irises and a photo. You get an acknowledgement slip with an Update Request Number (URN).
- Track the status online with the URN. It is usually processed within a few weeks.
If you also want to change the child’s name, address or date of birth, that is a separate demographic update and needs documents. See Aadhaar update fees.
Frequently asked questions
Is the child Aadhaar biometric update free?
It is free at ages 5–7 and 15–17. Between 7 and 15 it costs ₹125; the waiver that made it free for all children aged 5–17 ended on 30 September 2026.
What documents are needed for the mandatory biometric update?
No documents. Only the child and their Aadhaar number or card are needed.
Can I do the child’s biometric update online?
No. Fingerprints and iris must be captured at an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre.
What happens if I miss the MBU?
The child’s Aadhaar may stop working for authentication, which can hold up school, scholarship and other Aadhaar-based services. Do it as soon as possible.
My child is 6. Is the update due now?
Yes. The first MBU is due once the child turns 5. It is free between 5 and 7 years of age.
Official links
Use only these government websites. HumainOne is not connected to any of them.
- UIDAI — AadhaarLocate enrolment centres, book appointments, check update status
- UIDAI enrolment & update charges (PDF)Official fee list
- UIDAI helplineCall 1947 for Aadhaar help
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