New Aadhaar Name Update Rules: How to Change Your Name

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for correcting and changing names on Aadhaar cards. Under the new procedure, name changes have been divided into four categories to make the process more transparent and easier to follow.

Minor Name Corrections

Small errors in a person`s name are considered minor corrections. These include expanding or shortening an initial, adding or removing a middle name or surname, correcting spelling mistakes that do not change the pronunciation and changing the order of the name.

Removing a dot between initials, such as changing “S.J. Surya” to “SJ Surya”, or correcting unnecessary capitalisation, such as changing “SenThil” to “Senthil”, are also treated as minor corrections.

For such corrections, the applicant needs to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra and submit a valid identity document.

Name Changes After Marriage or Divorce

Special provisions apply to changing a surname after marriage or restoring an earlier name after divorce.

Applicants must submit a valid identity document along with the prescribed Annexure D affidavit. The affidavit confirms that the name change is related to marital status and does not alter the person`s basic identity.

Special provisions have also been made for changing a name following gender transition and for replacing the “Baby of” entry on a newborn`s Aadhaar with the child`s actual name.

Data Entry Errors

If an applicant provides the correct documents but the Aadhaar centre operator mistakenly enters the name incorrectly during enrolment or an update, it is treated as a data entry error.

In such cases, adults must submit an identity document or Proof of Relationship (PoR) along with the Annexure B affidavit. For minors, an identity document or Proof of Relationship along with the Annexure C affidavit is required.

Separate provisions apply when the name is correct in English but contains an error in the regional language.

Major Name Changes

Changing the entire name or making a change that completely alters the existing identity is considered a major name change.

In such cases, the applicant must submit a Government Gazette notification along with a valid identity card.

How to Update Your Name on Aadhaar

The following steps can be followed to update or correct the name on an Aadhaar card:

Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Submit the required forms and supporting documents based on the type of name change, such as a minor correction, major change or marriage-related change.

Complete the biometric verification and o other verification procedures at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Pay the prescribed update fee of Rs 75.

Collect the acknowledgement receipt and use the Update Request Number (URN) mentioned on it to check the status of the request.

Before applying for a name change on Aadhaar, applicants should identify the category of change and keep the required documents, such as Annexure B, C, D or a Government Gazette notification, ready.