Updating a name on an Aadhaar card now requires closer attention to the type of correction being requested. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has revised its process for handling name-related updates, with different procedures and supporting documents depending on whether the request involves a minor correction, a change after marriage or divorce, or a major change to a person's full name.

According to the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) cited in the report, the updated process came into effect on September 18, 2026.

The revised framework is intended to distinguish simple corrections from substantial changes in identity details. Therefore, someone correcting a spelling mistake may not have to follow the same process as a person seeking to replace their entire name.

Here is what Aadhaar holders should understand before requesting a name update.

What Counts as a Minor Name Change in Aadhaar?

UIDAI's revised process places several common name corrections in the minor-change category.

These may include expanding initials or abbreviated parts of a name, adding or removing a middle name or surname, and changing the sequence in which different parts of a name appear.

Small spelling corrections where the original and revised names have similar pronunciation may also fall under this category.

Other examples include removing unnecessary dots or periods from initials and correcting inappropriate use of uppercase or lowercase letters.

For instance, correcting a small spelling error without changing the person's identity may be treated differently from replacing the existing name with an entirely new one.

Depending on the type of correction, the applicant may need to provide an acceptable Proof of Identity (PoI) document carrying the correct name.

Different Process for Name Change After Marriage or Divorce

Aadhaar holders who want to change their name or surname following marriage or divorce may have to follow a specific documentation process.

According to the revised procedure described in the source, applicants may need to submit the prescribed declaration or affidavit under Annexure D, along with an acceptable identity document.

The declaration is intended to establish that the requested change has arisen because of marriage or divorce and that the person behind the Aadhaar number remains the same individual.

Applicants should ensure that the supporting documents clearly establish the required details before submitting the request.

What If UIDAI Entered Your Name Incorrectly?

There can also be situations where the applicant originally submitted a document containing the correct name, but the name was entered incorrectly into the Aadhaar record during enrolment or a previous update.

Such cases may be treated as data-entry errors rather than a voluntary change of identity.

For adult Aadhaar holders, the applicable process may require a declaration under the prescribed Annexure B, together with the relevant Proof of Identity or Proof of Relationship document, depending on the case.

For minors, the process may involve the prescribed declaration under Annexure C along with the necessary supporting documents.

The exact requirement can depend on the circumstances of the error.

What If English Name Is Correct but Local-Language Name Is Wrong?

Aadhaar records can display demographic information in English as well as a regional language.

Sometimes, the English version of a person's name may be correct while the transliterated name in the regional language contains an error.

Such cases can be handled differently from a request to change the person's actual name.

Applicants facing this issue should explain clearly at the Aadhaar update centre that the correction relates to the regional-language version rather than a change in their identity.

This can help ensure that the request is processed under the appropriate category.

What Happens If You Want to Change Your Full Name?

A request becomes more significant when the proposed change is substantial enough to make the new name materially different from the existing Aadhaar record.

Such cases may be classified as a major or complete name change.

For a major name change, UIDAI may require stronger documentary evidence. According to the revised process cited in the report, a Gazette Notification may be required along with the prescribed identity documents.

This is different from correcting one or two letters in an otherwise unchanged name.

Therefore, Aadhaar holders planning a complete name change should check the documentation requirements before visiting an enrolment or update centre.

How to Update Your Name on Aadhaar

For a name update, applicants can visit an authorised Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar enrolment/update centre.

At the centre, inform the operator about the type of change required and provide the supporting documents applicable to that category.

The submitted details and documents will then go through the prescribed verification process. Biometric authentication or other verification may also be required as part of the update process.

The applicant will need to pay the applicable demographic update fee.

After submitting the request, make sure to collect and safely keep the acknowledgement receipt.

Keep Your Update Request Number Safe

The acknowledgement issued after an Aadhaar update request contains a reference number that can be used to track the application.

Aadhaar holders should retain this receipt until the requested change has been successfully processed.

If the update is delayed or rejected, the acknowledgement details can also be useful when seeking clarification.

Applicants should check the updated Aadhaar carefully once the request has been completed to make sure the name appears correctly in both English and the applicable regional language.

Documents Depend on the Type of Name Change

One of the biggest takeaways from the revised process is that there is no single document requirement for every Aadhaar name correction.

A simple spelling error, an expansion of initials, a surname change after marriage, a correction caused by an earlier data-entry mistake and a complete change of name can all require different supporting documents.

Applicants should therefore first identify which category their requested update falls under.

Carrying the wrong documents can result in additional visits to the Aadhaar centre or delays in processing the request.

Check Details Carefully Before Submitting the Request

Before finalising an Aadhaar name update, check the spelling, order of the name, surname and other details displayed on the update form.

Even a small mistake at this stage can require another correction later.

The name should also be consistent with the supporting document being used for the update.

People who use Aadhaar for banking, PAN linkage, government schemes or other services should also consider whether a name change could create mismatches with their records elsewhere. After a successful Aadhaar update, other important records may need to be updated separately where required.

UIDAI's New Process Makes the Type of Change Important

Under the revised Aadhaar name-update procedure cited in the report, minor corrections, marriage or divorce-related changes, data-entry mistakes and complete name changes are treated differently.

Small corrections may be processed using appropriate identity documents, while specific declarations may be required in cases involving marriage, divorce or earlier data-entry errors. A major change to the full name can require more extensive proof, potentially including a Gazette Notification.

Anyone planning to change their Aadhaar name should therefore check the exact category and document requirements before visiting an Aadhaar centre. This can reduce the risk of rejection and make the update process smoother.