Changing or correcting a name in Aadhaar may now require different supporting documents depending on the type of correction requested. According to the supplied report, UIDAI's updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 2026 separates minor corrections, marriage or divorce-related changes, data-entry errors and major name changes.

The report states that the revised SOP became effective from September 18, 2026.

This means that someone correcting a small spelling mistake may face different documentation requirements from a person completely changing their name. Similarly, changing a surname after marriage or correcting an error made during Aadhaar enrolment may require category-specific declarations and identity documents.

Another important point mentioned in the report is that Aadhaar name corrections are not being handled through the online update facility. Applicants seeking a name correction need to visit an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre and complete the prescribed verification process.

What Is Considered a Minor Aadhaar Name Change?

Small corrections that do not fundamentally alter a person's identity can fall under the minor-change category.

According to the supplied information, this can include expanding an abbreviated name or initials.

Adding or removing a middle name or surname can also be treated as a minor change in applicable cases.

Changes to the order of words in a name may also fall into this category, provided the correction does not effectively create an entirely different identity.

Small spelling corrections where the pronunciation or identity remains substantially the same can also be considered minor corrections.

Formatting errors, such as an unnecessary dot or incorrect random capital letters, may similarly be corrected under the relevant process.

For example, the supplied report gives the illustration of changing “Rama Prasad” to “Rama Shyam Prasad” as a type of change that may be treated differently from a complete replacement of the person's identity.

The final classification, however, would depend on UIDAI's applicable rules and verification.

Changing Aadhaar Name After Marriage

A surname change after marriage is common, but applicants still need to provide the required documentation.

According to the supplied report, marriage-related name changes require the prescribed Annexure D affidavit or declaration, along with an accepted Proof of Identity (PoI) document.

The declaration is intended to establish that the requested change is connected with marriage and is not an attempt to create a completely different identity.

Applicants should make sure the supporting documents contain accurate information and correspond with the requested Aadhaar update.

What About a Name Change After Divorce?

The process described in the report also covers applicable name changes following divorce.

For example, a person who adopted a different surname after marriage may later want to return to an earlier surname.

Such a request may require the prescribed Annexure D documentation and relevant identity proof, depending on the applicable UIDAI requirements.

The purpose of the supporting documentation is to establish the connection between the previous and requested names.

Applicants should check the latest accepted-document list before visiting the Aadhaar centre because the document requirements can depend on the nature of the change.

What If the Aadhaar Operator Entered Your Name Incorrectly?

A different process may apply when the applicant originally provided the correct documents but the name was entered incorrectly during Aadhaar enrolment or an earlier update.

This is essentially a data-entry error rather than a voluntary change of identity.

According to the supplied report, adult applicants in such cases may need the prescribed Annexure B declaration or affidavit along with an accepted Proof of Identity or Proof of Relationship, depending on the circumstances.

The applicant should ideally retain the documents showing the correct name because these can help establish that the Aadhaar entry does not match the original supporting record.

Different Requirement for Minors

The documentation described for minors is different.

According to the supplied information, a data-entry-related name correction for a minor may require the prescribed Annexure C declaration or affidavit along with the applicable Proof of Identity or Proof of Relationship documents.

Parents or guardians applying for a child's correction should make sure that the documents used to establish the relationship and the child's identity are consistent.

Incorrect or inconsistent information across documents can delay the update process.

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

Sometimes the name printed in English may be correct while the name displayed in the local language contains a spelling or transliteration error.

The supplied report states that such language-related errors can also be corrected through the prescribed procedure.

The applicant may need the relevant declaration or affidavit and an accepted Proof of Identity document.

When submitting the request at an Aadhaar centre, carefully review both the English and local-language versions of the name before approving the update.

This can help prevent another spelling or transliteration error from being submitted.

Complete Name Change May Require Gazette Notification

A more substantial change is treated differently from a minor spelling correction.

According to the supplied report, if someone wants to change their name completely or make a change that effectively replaces the earlier identity, the request can fall under the Major Name Change category.

For such cases, a government Gazette notification is stated to be mandatory under the new procedure described in the report.

This is significantly different from fixing a small spelling error.

Applicants planning a major name change should therefore complete the required legal documentation before approaching the Aadhaar update centre.

A simple affidavit intended for a minor correction may not be sufficient for a complete identity-level name change.

Aadhaar Name Change: Documents at a Glance

The requirements described in the supplied report can be summarised as follows:

Applicants should treat this table as a general guide based on the supplied report. The exact documents accepted in an individual case should be checked against UIDAI's current requirements.

Can You Change Your Aadhaar Name Online?

According to the supplied information, name correction is not currently being offered as a fully online Aadhaar update facility.

Applicants seeking a name correction need to visit an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre.

This is important because some other Aadhaar-related services may be available digitally, which can create confusion about whether every demographic update can be completed from home.

Users should check the current UIDAI service options before starting the process.

How to Change Your Name in Aadhaar

The first step is to identify what type of correction you need.

Determine whether your case involves a minor spelling correction, marriage or divorce-related surname change, a data-entry error, a local-language problem or a major name change.

Once the category is clear, collect the documents required for that type of request.

If the applicable procedure requires an affidavit or declaration, prepare it in the prescribed Annexure format.

For a major name change, ensure that the required Gazette documentation has been completed where applicable.

You can then visit an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre and submit the name-update request with the required supporting documents.

Complete Verification at the Aadhaar Centre

At the centre, provide the requested information and documents to the authorised operator.

Complete the identity, document and biometric verification required for the update.

Before final submission, carefully check how your new or corrected name has been entered.

Pay attention to spelling, spacing, middle names, surnames and the local-language version.

A small mistake at this stage could require another correction request later.

Keep the Acknowledgement Receipt

After the update request has been submitted, collect the acknowledgement receipt.

The receipt contains the reference details needed to monitor the request.

According to the supplied report, applicants can use the Update Request Number (URN) or other reference information provided on the acknowledgement to check the status of the Aadhaar update through the official UIDAI system.

Keep this receipt until the requested change has been successfully processed.

Don't Use Unofficial Agents for Aadhaar Corrections

People seeking urgent Aadhaar corrections should be cautious of anyone promising a guaranteed update in exchange for an unofficial payment.

Use authorised Aadhaar enrolment or update centres and official UIDAI services.

Never share Aadhaar-linked OTPs, banking passwords, UPI PINs or other sensitive information with unknown individuals claiming that they can approve a name change.

An Aadhaar update request still needs to satisfy the applicable documentation and verification requirements.

Check the Category Before Starting the Process

The most important part of the updated procedure is understanding which category your correction falls under.

A minor spelling correction is not necessarily handled in the same way as a complete name change.

Similarly, a surname change following marriage or divorce can have different documentation requirements from a mistake caused by incorrect data entry during enrolment.

According to the supplied report, the revised SOP effective from September 18, 2026 introduces category-specific documentation, including Annexure B, C or D in applicable cases and a Gazette notification for major name changes.

Applicants should collect the correct documents before visiting an Aadhaar centre and carefully verify the updated name before the request is finally submitted.

Note: Aadhaar update procedures, accepted documents, fees and Annexure requirements can be revised by UIDAI. Applicants should verify the latest official requirements for their specific type of name correction before submitting an update request.