Aadhaar Name Correction Rules: Check UIDAI Process and Documents Before Updating Your Name

A small spelling error in your Aadhaar name may appear harmless, but it can potentially create problems when Aadhaar details are matched with other documents. Differences in a first name, surname, middle name, initials or even spelling can cause difficulties during identity verification for banking, government benefits, employment and other services.

The process for correcting such errors has now been further clarified under UIDAI's updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), according to the information provided in the report.

The new SOP, stated to be effective from September 18, 2026, does not treat every Aadhaar name correction in the same way. The process and supporting documents can differ depending on whether the request involves a minor spelling correction, a data-entry mistake, a surname change following marriage or divorce, or a complete change of name.

Therefore, Aadhaar holders should first understand which category their request falls under before beginning the update process.

Minor Aadhaar Name Correction: What Can Be Included?

A minor spelling difference may generally fall under the minor name-change category when the corrected name continues to represent essentially the same identity.

For example, the category described in the report may cover situations where one or more letters have been entered incorrectly but the pronunciation and identity remain substantially unchanged.

Other changes that may fall under the minor category include expanding an initial or abbreviated name, adding or removing a middle name or surname, changing the sequence of different parts of a name, removing a dot or correcting inappropriate capitalisation.

However, the exact classification of an update depends on UIDAI's applicable rules and the nature of the requested correction.

What if the Mistake Happened During Aadhaar Data Entry?

A different process may apply when the applicant originally submitted the correct supporting document but the name was entered incorrectly during Aadhaar enrolment or updating.

Such a case may be treated as a data-entry error rather than a normal request to change one's identity details.

According to the procedure described in the report, adults aged 18 years or above may be required to submit an Annexure-B affidavit along with applicable identity or relationship-related supporting documents in such cases.

A separate Annexure-C provision is stated to apply in relevant cases involving children.

The important distinction is that the Aadhaar holder is not necessarily asking UIDAI to recognise a newly adopted name. Instead, the request may be to correct information that was incorrectly entered despite the correct documents being provided.

Regional Language Error May Have a Different Process

Another situation can arise when the Aadhaar holder's name is correct in English but incorrectly displayed in a regional language.

According to the supplied information, such cases are also handled separately under the applicable process.

This is important because the person may not actually be changing their name. The issue could simply involve correcting the regional-language representation of the existing name.

Aadhaar holders should therefore explain the exact nature of the discrepancy when requesting an update.

Different Rules for Name Changes After Marriage or Divorce

Marriage and divorce can lead to surname or other name changes, and the updated process described in the report provides a separate route for such requests.

For an eligible name or surname change connected with marriage or divorce, applicants may be required to provide an Annexure-D affidavit along with an acceptable Proof of Identity.

The documentation is intended to establish that the change is associated with marriage or divorce while the person requesting the update remains the same individual.

Applicants should ensure that the documents they submit meet UIDAI's current requirements before visiting an Aadhaar centre.

Complete Name Change May Require Gazette Notification

Changing an entire name is different from correcting a spelling mistake.

If a person wants to change their first name or adopt a substantially different full name, the request may fall under the major name-change category.

According to the UIDAI-related information cited in the report, a Gazette Notification may be required for first-name or complete-name changes.

The applicant may also need to provide a valid Proof of Identity carrying the previous name, along with the required Gazette document.

This additional documentation helps establish the connection between the old identity record and the newly adopted name.

How Many Times Can You Change Your Aadhaar Name?

Aadhaar holders should also be aware that name updates are subject to limits.

According to the information provided, a person's name can generally be updated in Aadhaar up to two times during their lifetime under the standard process.

If another change is required after the prescribed limit has been exhausted, the request may need to be considered through UIDAI's exception-handling process.

Additional supporting documents, including a Gazette Notification where applicable, may be requested depending on the case.

This is another reason to carefully check spelling and supporting documents before submitting a name-update request.

Can You Change Your Aadhaar Name Online?

According to the process described in the supplied information, a standard name update cannot currently be completed entirely through the normal online Aadhaar update facility.

For a name correction or change, an Aadhaar holder generally needs to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

The online update facilities available to Aadhaar holders cover services such as eligible address and document updates, while a name update requires an in-person process under the stated procedure.

How to Correct Your Name at an Aadhaar Centre

An applicant seeking a name correction should visit an authorised Aadhaar centre with the documents required for the specific type of change.

At the centre, the applicant needs to provide the requested update information and submit the appropriate supporting documents.

The documents and identity details are then checked as part of the update-request process. Once the request has been accepted, the applicant can use the acknowledgement or request details provided to track its progress through the appropriate UIDAI channel.

Because different name corrections can require different evidence, applicants should avoid assuming that one document will work for every type of request.

Check the Category Before Submitting Your Request

The most important point under the revised process is that all Aadhaar name changes should not be treated alike.

A small spelling correction, an error made during data entry, a surname change following marriage or divorce and a complete change of identity name can each involve different documentation.

For this reason, Aadhaar holders should first identify the nature of the change, check the latest UIDAI document requirements and then visit an authorised Aadhaar centre with the appropriate records.

Correcting even a minor discrepancy can be useful because consistent identity information across Aadhaar, bank accounts and other official documents can reduce complications during future verification.