Aadhaar has become an important identity document for a wide range of services in India, from banking and mobile connections to government schemes and identity verification. Because Aadhaar information is frequently used for authentication, incorrect details—particularly an incorrect or outdated name—can create problems while completing KYC or matching records with other documents.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has revised the procedure governing certain types of name updates in Aadhaar. Under the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which is stated to have taken effect from September 18, name-change requests can be handled differently depending on the nature and extent of the correction.

This means that a simple spelling correction may not require the same supporting documents as a complete change of identity name. People planning to update their Aadhaar should first understand which category their request falls under and prepare the appropriate documents before visiting an Aadhaar centre.

What Counts as a Minor Name Correction?

Small changes that do not substantially alter a person's identity may be treated as minor corrections.

This category can include expanding initials or abbreviated names, adding or removing a middle name or surname, rearranging the order of parts of a name, correcting a minor spelling error where the pronunciation remains similar, or removing punctuation such as a dot or period.

Corrections involving differences in uppercase and lowercase letters may also fall under this category where applicable.

For example, changing “Gaanesh” to “Ganesh” could be considered a minor spelling correction. Similarly, removing punctuation from a name written as “R.P. Singh” may be treated as a limited correction rather than a completely new name.

Applicants may still need to provide an accepted Proof of Identity (PoI) or another applicable document that supports the requested name.

Name Change After Marriage or Divorce

A person's surname or full name can sometimes change following marriage or divorce. Such requests may be handled differently from ordinary spelling corrections.

Depending on the circumstances and documents available, the applicant may be required to provide a valid Proof of Identity along with an affidavit in the prescribed format.

Under the revised procedure described for such cases, an Annexure D affidavit may be required. The document is intended to establish that the requested change is connected with marriage or divorce while confirming that the Aadhaar holder remains the same individual.

Applicants should check the latest UIDAI document requirements applicable to their particular case before submitting the request.

What If Aadhaar Has a Data Entry Error?

There can also be situations where the supporting identity document contains the correct name but an error was introduced while Aadhaar details were originally entered or during an earlier update.

Such cases may be treated as data-entry errors rather than voluntary name changes.

For an adult applicant, a valid Proof of Identity or Proof of Relationship, as applicable, may need to be accompanied by an affidavit in the prescribed Annexure B format.

For minors, the required supporting records may need to be submitted along with an affidavit in the Annexure C format, depending on the circumstances.

A different process may also apply when the name is correctly displayed in English but contains an error in the local-language version.

Applicants should therefore identify the exact nature of the discrepancy instead of treating every Aadhaar name issue as the same type of correction.

Major Aadhaar Name Change May Require Additional Documents

A request becomes more complicated when a person wants to replace their existing name entirely or make a substantial change that could make the identity appear different from the existing Aadhaar record.

Such cases may be categorised as a major name change.

For a significant name change, applicants may be required to provide stronger supporting evidence. Depending on UIDAI's applicable rules, this can include a Gazette Notification along with prescribed identity documents.

People considering a complete name change should therefore arrange the relevant legal and identity documents before visiting an Aadhaar update centre.

How to Update Your Name on Aadhaar

Unlike some Aadhaar demographic services that may be available online, a name-update request generally requires the Aadhaar holder to visit an authorised Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Centre.

At the centre, inform the operator about the correction required and make sure the requested spelling matches the supporting documents.

Submit the applicable Proof of Identity and any additional supporting documents required for your category. If your case requires an affidavit or Gazette Notification, those documents should also be provided in the prescribed form.

The applicant will then need to complete the applicable verification and authentication process and pay the prescribed demographic update fee.

After the request is submitted, keep the acknowledgement receipt safely. It contains the Update Request Number (URN) or other tracking information that can be used to check the progress of the Aadhaar update.

Check Your Documents Before Submitting the Request

A small difference between Aadhaar and other identity documents can create complications during banking, KYC and other verification processes. It is therefore important to check the spelling, sequence and format of the requested name before completing an update.

More importantly, applicants should not assume that every name correction follows an identical procedure. A spelling mistake, a data-entry error, a surname change after marriage and a complete legal name change can have different documentary requirements.

Before visiting an Aadhaar centre, users should check the latest list of accepted documents and applicable conditions issued by UIDAI, as procedures and document requirements may be revised over time.

Preparing the correct documents in advance can help avoid rejection or the need to make repeated visits for an Aadhaar name update.