Having a baby is like welcoming a tiny, adorable tornado into your life. From sleepless nights to diaper explosions, your world changes in unimaginable ways. Amidst the chaos, there’s one thing you might not have thought about: getting an Aadhaar card for your little one. Yes, even infants need their own identity in this digitized world! Let’s dive into why your baby needs an Aadhaar card, the benefits, and how to get one, from a parent who’s been there, done that!
1. What is an Aadhaar Card and What is its Validity for Infants?
Think of the Aadhaar card as your baby’s first official “Hello, world!” It’s a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This number is not just a random assortment of digits; it’s linked to your baby’s biometric and demographic data, creating a unique identity that’s valid for a lifetime.
For infants, the process is a tad different. Babies don’t have fingerprints or iris patterns as developed as adults. So, the Aadhaar card for your tiny human is based on their photo and demographic details, and once they turn five, you’ll need to update their biometrics. It’s like upgrading from the baby cot to the toddler bed – just another milestone in their growing journey.
2. The Benefits of Aadhaar for Infants
Now, you might wonder, “Why does my baby need an Aadhaar card? They don’t even know what day it is!” Well, here’s why:
A. Access to Government Services:
From the day your baby is born, they’re entitled to a slew of government services and schemes. The Aadhaar card ensures they can access benefits like healthcare services, vaccinations, and schooling without a hitch.
B. Proof of Identity:
An Aadhaar card is the gold standard for ID proof in India. Whether it’s opening a bank account under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana or applying for school admissions later, having an Aadhaar simplifies the process.
C. Easy Travel:
Planning to take your baby on their first vacation? Having an Aadhaar card helps in booking tickets and other travel-related formalities. It’s like their tiny passport, minus the visa hassle. Plus, if you’re interested in international travel, Aadhaar is a pre-requisite of applying for an actual passport. Interested to know more about this? Head to our blog, Indian Passport Guide for Your Little One, where we share all lessons, tips, tricks, and hacks to get the passport for your kiddo.
D. Digital India:
We’re living in a digital age, and having an Aadhaar number for your baby is a step towards integrating them into the digital ecosystem right from the start.
3. Pre-requisites to Apply for an Aadhaar Card
Before you march into the Aadhaar enrolment center with your bundle of joy, here’s a checklist to make the process smoother than a baby’s bottom:
- Birth Certificate: Your baby’s birth certificate is a must. This proves they exist (as if the crying wasn’t proof enough) and confirms their date of birth.
- Parent’s Aadhaar Card: One of the parents needs to have an Aadhaar card. It’s like a family membership to the Aadhaar club.
- Proof of Address and Identity: Carry your proof of address and identity documents. A utility bill, passport, or driving license should do the trick.
- Baby’s Photograph: While the Aadhaar center will take a fresh photo, it’s good to have a recent passport-sized photograph handy. Babies are notorious for changing their looks overnight!
4. How to Apply for an Aadhaar Card
Ready to take the plunge? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your baby enrolled for their Aadhaar card. But first, let’s focus on the journey!
Okay… time to roll!
Step 1: Locate the Nearest Enrolment Center:
Head to the UIDAI website to find the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center. Pro tip: Call ahead to check if they handle infant enrolments. Alternatively, you can check if your local Post Office provides this service.
Step 2: Gather the Documents:
Ensure you have all the necessary documents. A checklist always helps – birth certificate, parent’s Aadhaar, proof of address, and identity documents.
Step 3: Fill the Enrolment Form:
At the center, you’ll be asked to fill out an enrolment form. If forms bore you to tears, bring a pen that writes in fun colors. It helps. Trust me.
Step 4: Photograph and Data Submission:
This is where the magic happens. The center will take your baby’s photo (brace yourself for that first official pout) and capture demographic details. Since biometrics aren’t captured for infants, you’re good to go!
Step 5: Acknowledge and Wait:
You’ll receive an acknowledgement slip with an enrolment number. Use this to track your baby’s Aadhaar status online. The card will arrive in the mail within a few days or a week. Keep an eye on the mailbox!
The Day of Aadhaar… A Story to Remember!
Getting an Aadhaar card for your baby might seem like a daunting task amidst the whirlwind of new parenthood, but think of it as your baby’s first step into the big, wide world of officialdom. Plus, it’s a story to tell – “Remember when you got your Aadhaar card, and you refused to smile for the photo?”
