Aadhaar MBU: Essential Guide for Parents to Secure Children’s Biometric IDs
Discover how to update your child's biometric data for their Aadhaar by age seven. Learn why timely updates are crucial for accessing essential services.
Key Takeaways
- Parents must update their child's biometric data for Aadhaar by age seven to avoid deactivation.
- The update process is free until age seven, but a fee of ₹100 applies afterward.
- Failure to complete the MBU can disrupt access to critical services like school admissions and scholarships.
Understanding the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for Children’s Aadhaar
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a new requirement for all parents: the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for their children’s Aadhaar numbers. This update must be completed once the child turns five, and it is free of charge until the child reaches age seven. If the update is not completed by the child’s seventh birthday, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated, affecting access to essential services.
Why the MBU is Necessary
The MBU addresses a significant limitation in the initial Aadhaar enrollment process for children under five. At this young age, only demographic information and a photograph are captured because fingerprints and iris patterns are not sufficiently developed. Once the child is older, biometric data, including ten fingerprints, iris scans, and a new photo, must be collected to ensure a robust and secure identity record.
The MBU Process Explained
To complete the MBU, parents or guardians must visit an authorized Aadhaar Seva Kendra or a designated enrollment center. The required documents include:
- The child’s birth certificate or school certificate.
- One parent’s Aadhaar number or a valid government-issued ID.
- Proof of address.
- A recent passport-sized photo of the child.
These documents ensure that the child’s updated biometric record is correctly linked to their original Aadhaar identity. The process is designed to be straightforward and secure, ensuring that the child’s identity is protected and their access to services remains uninterrupted.
The Consequences of Not Completing the MBU
UIDAI has emphasized the importance of completing the MBU. A suspended Aadhaar number can disrupt eligibility for several critical services, including:
- School Admissions: Many schools require a valid Aadhaar number for enrollment.
- Scholarships: Government scholarship programs often use Aadhaar for verification.
- Direct Benefit Transfers: Various public programs, such as subsidies and benefits, rely on Aadhaar for accurate and timely distribution.
Secure Updates Reflect Broader Aadhaar Integration
The MBU requirement is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the security and functionality of the Aadhaar system. UIDAI has implemented advanced anti-spoofing measures, such as Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) certification for biometric devices, and approved third-party technologies like Precise Biometrics’ BioLive system to verify data authenticity during enrollment and authentication.
UIDAI has also launched mobile applications that support secure Aadhaar sharing and self-service profile updates. These tools are designed to make the process of managing and updating Aadhaar information more convenient and accessible.
State-Specific Implementation
States and union territories across India are working to implement the MBU at scale. For example, in Uttar Pradesh, officials estimate that biometric updates are pending for over 4.6 crore Aadhaar cardholders under the age of seven. UIDAI has called on parents to act promptly to avoid interruptions to their children’s identity-linked services.
The Bottom Line
The MBU is a critical step in ensuring that your child’s Aadhaar remains valid and functional. By completing the update before the child’s seventh birthday, you can avoid the potential deactivation of their Aadhaar number and the associated disruptions to essential services. Stay informed, gather the necessary documents, and visit an authorized enrollment center to secure your child’s identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children's Aadhaar?
The MBU is a requirement by UIDAI for parents to update their child's biometric data for their Aadhaar number once the child turns five. This includes fingerprints, iris scans, and a new photo.
What happens if the MBU is not completed by the child's seventh birthday?
If the MBU is not completed by the child's seventh birthday, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated, which can disrupt access to critical services like school admissions, scholarships, and direct benefit transfers.
What documents are required for the MBU?
The required documents include the child’s birth certificate or school certificate, one parent’s Aadhaar number or a valid government-issued ID, proof of address, and a recent passport-sized photo of the child.
Is the MBU process free?
Yes, the MBU process is free of charge until the child reaches age seven. After that, a fee of ₹100 applies.
What are the benefits of completing the MBU?
Completing the MBU ensures that your child’s Aadhaar remains valid and functional, allowing them to access essential services like school admissions, scholarships, and direct benefit transfers without interruption.
