The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that parents will not need to pay any fees for updating their children’s Aadhaar biometrics until October next year. The decision covers the mandatory biometric updates required when a child turns five and again when the child reaches fifteen. UIDAI stated that the waiver is valid from October 1, 2025, until September 30, 2026, allowing families to complete the updates at authorised Aadhaar centres without any cost.
Every Aadhaar card includes biometric data such as fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs. As children grow, their facial features and biometric patterns change, making periodic updates essential. These updates help maintain the accuracy of the Aadhaar database, ensuring that each card remains a valid proof of identity throughout life. Until now, parents had to pay a small fee of ₹125 for each update at service centres. With the new decision, the fee is completely waived during the specified period.
UIDAI clarified that the waiver applies only to mandatory updates for children between the ages of five and fifteen. Regular demographic or document updates for adults will continue to attract standard charges. The authority explained that this move aims to encourage more families to update children’s biometrics on time and reduce data discrepancies in the system. Officials said many families often postpone updates due to lack of awareness or the cost involved, which can cause issues when using Aadhaar for government services or school admissions.
During this one-year period, parents can visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or authorised enrolment centre to complete the process. They must carry the child’s Aadhaar number and identity documents such as the birth certificate or school ID. After capturing the updated biometrics, the system automatically links them to the existing Aadhaar record. The update ensures that the child’s identity details match accurately with the latest information.
UIDAI also reminded parents that regular updates are important for accessing welfare schemes, scholarships, and digital verification systems linked to Aadhaar. The authority will continue to review the update process and may revise the fee structure after the waiver period ends. Officials said the step reflects UIDAI’s ongoing efforts to make the Aadhaar system more inclusive, particularly for children and families with limited resources.
By removing the fee, the agency hopes to improve participation in biometric updates across India. This initiative supports the government’s larger goal of maintaining a secure and reliable national identity database that accurately represents every citizen from early childhood to adulthood. Families are encouraged to complete their child’s update within the waiver period to avoid future inconvenience or costs.
