Parents with children between the ages of 5 and 17 should check whether their Aadhaar biometric details need to be updated. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is currently allowing Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) free of cost for children aged 5-17 until September 30, 2026.

The facility can help parents update their child's fingerprints, iris scan and photograph without paying the applicable biometric-update fee during the waiver period.

Why Do Children Need an Aadhaar Biometric Update?

Children's physical and biometric characteristics change as they grow. For this reason, UIDAI requires biometric information to be updated at specified stages.

Biometric information associated with Aadhaar includes fingerprints, iris scans and a facial photograph. Updating these details can help maintain accurate records and reduce the possibility of biometric authentication problems later.

Parents whose children have crossed the relevant age should therefore check whether the Mandatory Biometric Update has already been completed.

Aadhaar Update Is Free Until September 30

The important deadline for parents is September 30, 2026.

UIDAI currently states that the Mandatory Biometric Update for children between 5 and 17 years is available free of cost until this date.

Parents should remember that this fee waiver applies to the specified Mandatory Biometric Update. It does not necessarily mean that every Aadhaar correction or service is free.

Where Can You Update Your Child's Aadhaar?

Biometric details cannot simply be changed by typing new information online because fingerprints, iris scans and photographs have to be captured through authorised equipment.

Parents can visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorised Aadhaar enrolment/update centre to complete the process.

At the centre, the child's required biometric information can be captured and submitted for updating.

Parents should preserve the acknowledgement or update reference received after completing the process. This can be useful for checking the status later.

Check Whether the Mobile Number Is Correct

A registered mobile number is important for accessing several Aadhaar-related online services.

Parents should therefore also check whether their Aadhaar-linked contact details are current. If a mobile number needs to be registered or changed, the applicable process may require a visit to an Aadhaar centre.

Keeping contact details updated can make it easier to use Aadhaar services and receive relevant information.

Free Online Document Update Has a Different Deadline

Parents should not confuse the biometric-update waiver with UIDAI's online document-update facility.

The free Mandatory Biometric Update for children aged 5-17 is currently available until September 30, 2026, while UIDAI has separately extended the fee waiver for eligible online Document Update through myAadhaar until June 14, 2027.

These are different Aadhaar services with different processes and deadlines.

Beware of Fake Aadhaar Update Messages

Aadhaar-related deadlines can also be exploited by scammers.

Do not click unknown links received through SMS, WhatsApp or email claiming that your child's Aadhaar will immediately be cancelled unless an urgent update is completed.

Never disclose an OTP, UPI PIN, card PIN, CVV or banking password to someone claiming to be an Aadhaar representative.

For Aadhaar-related updates, use UIDAI's official services or visit an authorised Aadhaar centre.

What Should Parents Do Now?

If your child is between 5 and 17 years old, check whether the required biometric update has already been completed.

If it is still pending, consider visiting an authorised Aadhaar centre before September 30, 2026 to take advantage of the current free Mandatory Biometric Update facility.

Completing the process early can also help parents avoid a last-minute rush as the deadline approaches.

Disclaimer: Aadhaar rules, charges and deadlines can be revised by UIDAI. Users should verify the latest information through UIDAI's official channels before completing an update.