Aadhaar Name Correction: The process for correcting or changing a name on an Aadhaar card has come under a new set of rules issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 2026 came into effect on September 18, 2026.
Under the revised procedure, applicants seeking a name correction or change may have to provide specific documents, affidavits and, in certain cases, a Gazette notification. UIDAI will verify the submitted documents and the authenticity of the affidavit before processing the request.
The documentation required depends on whether the applicant is making a minor correction, changing the name after marriage or divorce, correcting an operator-related error or seeking a complete name change.
What Counts as a Minor Name Change?
Certain limited modifications are treated as minor name changes under the new procedure. These can include:
- Expanding abbreviations or initials in a name.
- Adding or removing a middle name or surname.
- Changing the order of words in the name.
- Correcting minor spelling errors where the pronunciation remains similar.
- Removing a dot from the name or correcting formatting issues such as random capitalisation.
For instance, changing “Rama Prasad” to “Rama Shyam Prasad” would fall under a name modification rather than a complete change of identity.
Name Change After Marriage or Divorce
Specific provisions apply when a person wants to change their surname after marriage or modify their name following divorce.
Applicants in such cases will be required to submit the prescribed Annexure D affidavit along with Proof of Identity (PoI).
The affidavit must clearly establish that the name change is being made because of marriage or divorce and does not represent a change in the person’s original identity.
Correction of Data-Entry Errors
A separate process applies when an applicant had submitted correct documents but the Aadhaar name was entered incorrectly because of an operator or data-entry mistake.
For adults, the applicant must submit the Annexure B affidavit along with Proof of Identity (PoI) or Proof of Relationship (PoR).
For minors, the prescribed Annexure C affidavit along with PoI or PoR is required.
The same procedure may apply when the name is correct in English but has been incorrectly entered or printed in another language, subject to the prescribed affidavit and supporting documents.
Gazette Required for a Complete Name Change
A complete change of name, or a modification that substantially alters the person’s previous identity, is treated as a Major Name Change.
In such cases, a Government Gazette notification is mandatory. A complete name change cannot be processed without the required Gazette notification.
The new procedure also requires applicants seeking name correction to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre. The online name correction facility is no longer available under the stated procedure.
How to Correct Your Name in Aadhaar
Applicants can follow these steps to submit a name update request:
1. Identify the category: Determine whether the request is a minor correction, a marriage or divorce-related change, a data-entry error or a major name change.
2. Arrange the documents: Keep the required PoI, PoR or Gazette notification ready according to the applicable category.
3. Prepare the affidavit: Where required, obtain the prescribed affidavit or declaration in the applicable format, such as Annexure B, C or D.
4. Visit an Aadhaar centre: Go to the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre.
5. Submit the request: Complete the name update form and provide the required documents to the operator.
6. Complete verification: The operator will carry out the required biometric and document verification.
7. Collect the acknowledgement: Once the request has been submitted, obtain the acknowledgement containing details of the update request.
8. Track the request: Use the URN mentioned on the acknowledgement receipt to check the status through the official UIDAI portal.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the UIDAI SOP details provided in the source material. Document requirements and Aadhaar update procedures may be revised by UIDAI from time to time. Applicants should verify the latest requirements, applicable forms and procedures through official UIDAI channels before submitting a name correction or change request.