Aadhaar Name Change Rules Revised: Documents Needed and Changes Allowed

UIDAI has changed the SOP in respect of name update in the Aadhaar card. This new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on 18 September 2026 has replaced the previous procedure for name update of Aadhaar number holders using the exception handling system. The new procedure has made the distinction between name changes which are minor and those which are major in nature. The proof of relationship (PoR), proof of identity (PoI) as per the requirement can be sought from the applicant in different situations.

What constitutes a Minor Change in the Name of an Aadhaar Card holder?

Following changes would constitute a minor change in the name of the person where the identity of the person remains substantially unchanged.

• Change from an abbreviation in the name to the full form of the name
• Change from the full form to abbreviation of the name
• Addition of a middle name
• Deletion of a middle name
• Addition of a surname
• Deletion of a surname
• Reordering of the name
• English spelling error correction that makes the name phonetic

In respect of above mentioned name changes, the proof of identity (PoI) is applicable.

For name update of children using HoF (Head of Family) based process, the applicable PoI/PoR (Proof of Relationship) may be required.

Aadhaar Name Change Post Marriage/Divorce

SOP has separately provided procedures for name change post marriage or divorce.

In such a case, a prescribed affidavit along with the PoI is mandatory. Name change post marriage or divorce will thus be considered as distinct from a total name change process.

UIDAI has separately laid down the procedure for a name change on account of change in gender with applicable PoI for name change.

How Does UIDAI Handle the Case if Name is Wrongly Entered in Aadhaar?

There is a separate procedure where the name on the document submitted at the time of enrolment or update was correct but name was wrongly entered in Aadhaar.

In the case of an adult, UIDAI requires a prescribed affidavit along with the applicable PoI or PoR.

In the case of a minor, a prescribed affidavit of minors along with the applicable PoI or PoR is needed.

Certain Corrections of Names on Aadhaar Card Are Done Without Documents

As per the new format, certain corrections related to formatting can be done without any documents, provided the correct process is followed.

These include the following corrections,

Remove

• Capitals randomly present in the name
• Dots present in the name

UIDAI has restricted certain things that cannot be added to Aadhaar names. “Alias”, “Urf”, prefixes, military titles, ranks, designation and service information, honors, awards, decorations cannot be included in the Aadhaar name.

Special characters such as dots and others cannot be added to Aadhaar names.

Removal of “Urf” or “Alias” Requires an Affidavit

In case the terms “urf” or “alias” is present in the name recorded in Aadhaar, then its removal requires an affidavit as well as proof of identity.

It differs from formatting correction as it involves the removal of a particular term from the Aadhaar name.

Full Name Change Needs Gazette Notification

The most significant difference that exists within the new system is with regard to a full name change.

In case the name change entails a full change of name or alteration of the identity of the Aadhaar cardholder, merely an ordinary identity proof will not suffice.

Along with the relevant Proof of Identity, the applicant will have to produce a Gazette notification regarding the name change.

UIDAI will authenticate the documents submitted by the applicant, which include identity proofs, affidavits, and Gazette notifications, where necessary.