The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for updating names on Aadhaar, bringing clearer rules for different types of name corrections and changes.
The new SOP came into effect on September 18, 2026, replacing the earlier process issued in 2021. Under the revised rules, Aadhaar name-update requests have been divided into different categories, including minor spelling corrections, data-entry errors, regional-language corrections, surname changes after marriage or divorce and major name changes.
The new process also requires stricter verification of supporting documents, affidavits and Gazette notifications in applicable cases to prevent misuse and identity-related fraud.
What are the new Aadhaar name-change rules?
Under the revised SOP, the name recorded on Aadhaar must be written in block letters. Titles and prefixes such as Shri, Smt, Ms, Dr and Prof, along with aliases, ranks and certain special characters, are not permitted.
The name will be updated exactly as it appears on the supporting document submitted by the applicant, including its spelling, sequence and abbreviation.
Minor name changes
Several routine corrections have been classified as minor name changes. These include expanding or abbreviating initials, adding or removing a middle or last name, changing the sequence of an existing name and making minor spelling corrections where the pronunciation remains similar.
For instance, a name such as "T R D Prasad" can be expanded, while a minor spelling correction such as "Ram" to "Rama" may also fall under this category, provided the revised name matches an acceptable supporting document.
For children below 18, the prescribed Proof of Relationship (PoR) route may apply in relevant cases.
Name changes after marriage or divorce
UIDAI has also specified a separate process for surname changes following marriage or divorce.
Applicants seeking such changes may need to submit an affidavit along with the required Proof of Identity (PoI), depending on the circumstances of the request.
Regional-language errors
The revised SOP also addresses cases where the name is correctly recorded in English but contains an error in the regional-language version.
Such corrections have been placed under a separate category and can be processed using the prescribed Proof of Identity document.
Major name change requires Gazette notification
For people looking to make a complete or major change to their name, UIDAI has prescribed stricter requirements.
For example, changing a name from "Ram Gupta" to "Shyam Gupta" would be treated as a major name change. In such cases, a Gazette Notification is required along with the prescribed identity documents. UIDAI will also verify the authenticity of the Gazette notification and other documents submitted with the request.
Some corrections do not require supporting documents
The SOP also provides for certain formatting-related corrections without supporting documents. These include removing titles, ranks or designations and correcting random capitalisation or dots in the name.
However, removing an "urf" or alias from an Aadhaar name follows a separate process and requires the prescribed affidavit along with the applicable identity or relationship document.
How to change your name on Aadhaar
Name changes are currently processed through an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre rather than through a fully online process for most name-change categories.
Applicants need to:
- Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre.
- Fill out the Aadhaar Enrolment/Update form with the revised name.
- Submit the documents required for the specific type of name change.
- Complete identity verification and biometric authentication at the centre.
- Pay the applicable demographic update fee, currently Rs 75 when a name update is processed as a standalone request.
- Collect the acknowledgement receipt containing the Update Request Number (URN), which can be used to track the request.
How many times can you change your Aadhaar name?
Under UIDAI's existing framework, an Aadhaar holder can generally update their name twice. Once the permitted limit has been exhausted, further changes require an exception-handling process and additional documentation, including a Gazette notification where applicable.
The revised SOP is aimed at making the process clearer while ensuring that substantial changes to an Aadhaar holder's identity are supported by verifiable documents. UIDAI has advised applicants to submit the documents applicable to their specific type of name-change request.
