Aadhaar Card Name Change: The Aadhaar card is one of the most important identity documents in India and is required for a wide range of government and financial services. Since personal details can change over time, UIDAI allows Aadhaar holders to update information when necessary.
One common update is a name or surname change after marriage. UIDAI has prescribed different document requirements depending on the reason for the name change, including marriage, divorce or a complete change of name.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Aadhaar name change process and required documents.
Why Should You Update Your Name on Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is widely used as proof of identity and is required while completing various official applications, financial transactions and other important processes.
If your name on Aadhaar does not match your current legal documents, you may face problems during verification. Keeping your Aadhaar information updated can therefore help avoid unnecessary complications.
Updating your details is particularly important after major life events such as marriage or divorce, when your name or surname may change.
How to Change Your Name on Aadhaar After Marriage?
If you want to change your name or surname on Aadhaar after marriage, you need to submit the appropriate supporting documents as prescribed by UIDAI.
A marriage certificate can be submitted along with the required proof of identity, address and relationship, as applicable under UIDAI’s accepted document list.
If you do not have a marriage certificate, another valid document containing a photograph and your previous name may be required to support the update request.
Before visiting an Aadhaar centre, make sure that your documents are valid and that the details across your supporting documents are consistent.
Aadhaar Name Change After Divorce: Which Document Is Required?
Aadhaar holders who want to update their name after divorce also need to provide appropriate legal documentation.
In such cases, a divorce decree issued by the family court can be submitted as supporting evidence.
If the divorce decree does not contain a photograph, an older valid document containing a photograph may also need to be provided as per the applicable UIDAI requirements.
What If You Want to Change Your Full Name?
A different process applies if you want to completely change your name and the change is not related to marriage or divorce.
For a full name change, a Gazette Notification is required as the supporting document.
It is important to remember that a Gazette Notification is specifically applicable for a name change. It cannot be used as a document for changing details such as your address or date of birth.
How to Apply for an Aadhaar Name Update?
Once you have arranged the required documents, you can proceed with the Aadhaar update process through the applicable UIDAI service or by visiting an Aadhaar centre.
At the centre, you will need to complete the relevant update form and provide the necessary supporting documents. The submitted information and documents will then be verified by the concerned official.
After completing the update request, you will have to pay the applicable ₹75 fee.
Once your request has been submitted successfully, you will receive a receipt containing an Update Request Number (URN). This number can be used to track the status of your Aadhaar update request.
Documents Required for Aadhaar Name Change
The document you need depends on the reason for changing your name:
- After marriage: Marriage certificate or another applicable valid document reflecting the previous name, along with required supporting documents.
- After divorce: Family court divorce decree and, where required, an older photograph-bearing document.
- Complete name change: Gazette Notification.
Keep Your Aadhaar Details Updated
Your Aadhaar details should match your current and valid identity records wherever possible. Whether you are changing your surname after marriage, reverting to an earlier name after divorce, or legally changing your full name, having the correct supporting documents ready can make the update process smoother.
Before submitting your request, check the latest UIDAI requirements and ensure that all documents are valid and readable.