Aadhaar Name Correction Rules Changed: Which Document You Need for Spelling, Marriage or Full Name Change

Aadhaar Name Correction Rules Changed: Which Document You Need for Spelling, Marriage or Full Name Change

If your name is misspelled on Aadhaar, you want to add or remove a surname after marriage, or you want to adopt a completely different name, the document you need now depends on the type of change.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issued a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for updating names in Aadhaar on 18 September 2026. It supersedes the earlier name-update procedure and creates separate routes for minor corrections, data-entry errors, marriage/divorce-related changes and major name changes. UIDAI

The important point is that a Gazette notification is not automatically required for every spelling correction or surname change. The paperwork depends on what exactly you are changing.

First, identify what kind of name change you need

The revised SOP also deals with regional-language errors, aliases/"urf", children's names and other special situations. mint

1 Just a spelling mistake? You may not need a Gazette

A minor correction is different from changing your identity.

The revised procedure covers minor changes such as:

• correcting certain spelling errors where the name remains recognisably the same;
• expanding initials or abbreviations;
• adding or removing a middle name;
• adding or removing a surname;
• changing the sequence of the name;
• correcting certain formatting issues.

For example, changing the order of the existing name or expanding an abbreviated name can fall within the minor-name-update category rather than a complete name change. mint

What document should you carry?

Use a valid UIDAI-accepted Proof of Identity/supporting document in your name that establishes the requested name.

UIDAI's 2026 acceptable-document list includes documents such as a valid Indian passport, voter ID/e-Voter ID, driving licence and certain government-issued identity documents, subject to the specific document's permitted use. UIDAI

The document should support the name you are asking UIDAI to record.

Don't automatically get a Gazette for a typo

If your Aadhaar says one spelling and your valid supporting identity document has the correct spelling, first determine whether your request is a minor correction or a data-entry error.

A Gazette is intended for a major/complete name change, not simply every difference in spelling. India Today

2 What if Aadhaar was entered incorrectly by the operator?

This is a separate category.

Suppose you submitted the correct name during enrolment or an earlier update, but the name was subsequently recorded incorrectly in Aadhaar.

The revised SOP distinguishes such a data-entry error from a person voluntarily changing their name.

For adults, the procedure specifies an Annexure B affidavit along with the applicable Proof of Identity/Proof of Relationship document. For minors, the corresponding procedure uses Annexure C with the applicable supporting document. Business Today

This distinction matters because you should not treat an operator's mistake as though you are legally changing your name.

3 Changing your surname after marriage

Marriage-related surname changes have a separate route under the revised SOP.

For a surname change resulting from marriage or divorce, the prescribed procedure includes an Annexure D affidavit plus Proof of Identity (PoI). The affidavit establishes that the requested change is connected with the marriage/divorce and does not represent a change in the person's identity. mint

UIDAI's acceptable-document list also recognises a marriage certificate issued by the Central or State Government as an acceptable document for specified identity/address/relationship purposes. Where the marriage certificate does not contain a photograph, the prescribed supporting old-name PoI with photograph may also be required. UIDAI

Practical example

Suppose your Aadhaar currently says:

Priya Sharma

and after marriage you want it to reflect:

Priya Verma

This is not automatically treated in the same way as changing your entire identity to an unrelated name. The marriage/divorce-specific procedure applies, subject to UIDAI's document requirements.

Do not assume that a marriage certificate alone is always the complete paperwork. Check the current prescribed format and supporting PoI before visiting the centre.

4 Divorce-related surname change

The revised SOP also specifically covers surname changes following divorce.

The same marriage/divorce-related route is relevant, with the prescribed affidavit and supporting identity documentation. UIDAI's acceptable-document list separately recognises a divorce decree issued by a family court for specified identity-update purposes; if the decree does not contain a photograph, additional old-name PoI requirements can apply. UIDAI

Carry the original documents to the Aadhaar centre so the operator can verify and scan them as required.

5 Want to change your entire name? Gazette notification becomes important

This is the major distinction.

If you are not merely correcting your existing name but want a complete name change or a first-name change that amounts to a change in identity, the revised procedure requires a Gazette Notification of the name change along with the applicable Proof of Identity.

UIDAI's existing FAQ also states that complete/first-name changes require a Gazette notification and supporting old-name PoI. UIDAI

For example:

Ramesh Kumar → Arjun Mehta

is fundamentally different from:

Ramesh Kumar → Ramesh Kumarr

The first is potentially a major identity/name change; the second may be a minor correction depending on the supporting documents and UIDAI's assessment.

What to carry for a major name change

Typically prepare:

• Gazette notification showing the name change;
• applicable Proof of Identity;
• Aadhaar;
• the acknowledgement/application details from the update request;
• any additional documents specifically required for your case.

UIDAI can verify the authenticity of the submitted documents, affidavits and Gazette notification before processing the request. mint

6 Some formatting corrections are treated differently

The revised SOP also addresses cases where the underlying name is not actually being changed.

Examples include certain corrections involving:

• random capitalisation;
• removal of dots/full stops;
• standardising the way the name is recorded.

UIDAI's revised procedure reportedly specifies cases where no document is required for such formatting corrections. India Today

This is different from adding a completely new surname or adopting a new first name.

7 What about "alias" or "urf" in the name?

The revised SOP also addresses names containing terms such as "urf" or "alias".

If a person wants to retain one of the names in such an entry, the prescribed procedure includes specific affidavits:

• Annexure E for adults;
• Annexure F for minors;

along with the applicable supporting documents. Business Today

Aadhaar names are otherwise expected to follow the prescribed format and should not contain unnecessary aliases, prefixes, ranks or designations. smlegalis.in

Can you change your Aadhaar name online?

This is an important practical point.

UIDAI's current update information says the online MyAadhaar facility is available for address updates, while demographic updates such as name changes are handled through an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre. UIDAI

So, for a name correction or name change, be prepared to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre/Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Do not assume that because you can update your address online, you can also complete a name change entirely online.

How to update your name at an Aadhaar centre

Step 1: Identify your category

Before visiting the centre, decide whether your case is:

• minor spelling/name correction;
• data-entry error;
• marriage/divorce-related change;
• regional-language correction;
• alias/"urf" case;
• complete/major name change.

Step 2: Check UIDAI's current document list

UIDAI maintains a current list of acceptable supporting documents. The list was updated on its website in 2026. UIDAI

Do not rely only on an old photocopy of a document list circulating on WhatsApp.

Step 3: Carry original documents

At the Aadhaar centre, carry the original supporting documents. UIDAI's process requires the originals to be presented for verification; they are returned after the required electronic copy/verification. UIDAI

Step 4: Submit the update request

The operator will enter the requested name and process the demographic update.

The name should be entered in the prescribed format. The revised SOP also sets rules around prefixes, aliases, punctuation and other name formatting issues. The Economic Times

Step 5: Complete authentication and pay the applicable fee

The update request is processed after the required verification/authentication.

UIDAI's current centre fee schedule lists ₹75 for a demographic update when done separately. If a demographic update is carried out together with a biometric update, the demographic component is currently shown as free, subject to the applicable fee schedule. UIDAI

Always check the fee displayed at the centre before paying.

Step 6: Keep the acknowledgement

Do not throw away the acknowledgement slip.

It contains the reference details you need to track the update request.

What happens after you submit the request?

UIDAI does not simply change the name because a form has been submitted.

The supporting documents are subject to verification. The revised SOP specifically provides for verification of the genuineness of documents, affidavits and Gazette notifications where applicable. mint

If the requested name does not satisfy the applicable document or procedural requirements, the update can be rejected.

What if you have already changed your name twice?

UIDAI's current FAQ states that a name can ordinarily be updated twice using valid supporting documents.

If a further name update is required after the prescribed limit has been exhausted, UIDAI provides an exception route involving a Gazette notification and supporting documents, with the request handled through the prescribed exception process. UIDAI

Because UIDAI issued a new name-update SOP in September 2026, anyone dealing with a third or subsequent name update should follow the latest UIDAI instructions rather than relying on an old exception-handling article or video.

If the request is rejected because the update limit has been exceeded, UIDAI's published guidance directs residents to contact 1947 or use the prescribed Regional Office/exception process. UIDAI

Don't confuse a spelling correction with a legal name change

This is the easiest way to avoid unnecessary paperwork.

If your name is:

"Rahul Kumar" → "Rahul Kumarr"

First check whether it is a minor spelling correction supported by your valid identity document.

If your name is:

"Rahul Kumar" → "Rahul Sharma" after marriage

Use the marriage-related procedure and prescribed supporting documents.

If your name is:

"Rahul Kumar" → "Aarav Mehta"

This may amount to a complete name/identity change and therefore requires the Gazette route prescribed by UIDAI.

The classification matters because the document requirements are different. mint

Keep these documents ready

Depending on your case, your file may include:

• Aadhaar;
• valid Proof of Identity;
• marriage certificate;
• divorce decree;
• Gazette notification;
• prescribed affidavit;
• Proof of Relationship where applicable;
• old-name identity document;
• update acknowledgement/EID/URN details.

Not every applicant needs every document.

Do not submit documents that are irrelevant to your category simply because someone told you that "Gazette is compulsory for Aadhaar."

What if your Aadhaar name and other documents don't match?

Before applying, check the name across your major records:

• Aadhaar
• PAN
• passport
• voter ID
• bank account
• driving licence
• education records
• employment records

If one document has a fundamentally different name, decide which record reflects your legally correct/current name before starting multiple updates.

Aadhaar is not itself the document that legally creates a person's name. The Aadhaar update process relies on prescribed supporting evidence.

Aadhaar number will not change

Updating your name does not create a new Aadhaar number.

UIDAI's FAQ states that the Aadhaar number remains the same after an update. UIDAI

The change is to the demographic information associated with the existing Aadhaar.

What if the request is rejected?

First check the rejection reason rather than submitting the same request repeatedly.

Possible issues include:

• supporting document not acceptable for the requested update;
• name on the document does not support the requested change;
• missing affidavit;
• Gazette requirement not met;
• update-limit issue;
• document/authentication problem;
• mismatch between the requested name and previously recorded information.

If you believe the request has been wrongly rejected, UIDAI provides support through 1947 and its grievance mechanisms. UIDAI

Aadhaar Name Correction Checklist

Before visiting the centre:

• Identify whether this is a minor correction or major name change.
• Check UIDAI's latest acceptable-document list.
• If marriage/divorce related, prepare the prescribed supporting documents.
• If it is a complete name change, prepare the Gazette notification.
• Carry original documents.
• Carry Aadhaar.
• Check whether you have already used your name-update opportunities.
• Pay only the prescribed UIDAI fee.
• Keep the acknowledgement/reference number.
• Track the request after submission.
• Do not pay an agent simply because they claim a Gazette is compulsory for every correction.

Bottom line

The document you need now depends on the type of Aadhaar name change.

A minor spelling, initials, surname or name-order correction can follow the minor-update route with the prescribed supporting document. A surname change after marriage or divorce has its own affidavit/document procedure, while a complete name or first-name change amounting to a change of identity requires the Gazette route. mint

The revised UIDAI SOP took effect in September 2026, so check the latest UIDAI document list and procedure before visiting an Aadhaar centre. UIDAI's official helpline is 1947. UIDAI