Date: October 14, 2026
Place: New Delhi, India
Current Affairs: Government Policy, Aadhaar Updates and Public Services
Planning to correct a spelling mistake or change your name on your Aadhaar card? The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced revised guidelines explaining how residents can request name corrections and changes, which documents they need and when a Gazette notification becomes necessary.
The new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), issued on September 18, 2026, replaces the earlier process introduced in 2021. It separates requests into categories, including minor spelling corrections, changes after marriage or divorce, regional-language errors and complete name changes. The revised procedure also calls for closer verification of supporting documents to help prevent identity-related fraud.
For Aadhaar holders, the main takeaway is that the documents required depend on the type of name change. A minor correction and a complete change of name do not follow the same documentation process.
Key Highlights of UIDAI’s New Aadhaar Name Change Rules
- New SOP: UIDAI issued revised name-update guidelines on September 18, 2026.
- Minor corrections: Standard proof of identity may be sufficient for eligible corrections.
- Major name changes: A Gazette notification is required under the revised procedure.
- Marriage or divorce: Specific documentation requirements apply to surname changes.
- Regional-language errors: A separate category covers mistakes in the regional-language version of a name.
- Name-update limit: The existing general limit is two name updates, with an exception process for cases beyond the limit.
- Verification: UIDAI will verify supporting documents and relevant details more closely.
What Are the New Aadhaar Name Change Rules in 2026?
The revised SOP sets out different procedures depending on the nature of the requested change. The objective is to ensure that Aadhaar records match valid supporting documents while making the requirements clearer for applicants.
Under the guidelines, names are recorded according to the spelling, sequence and abbreviations shown in the accepted supporting document. Names must be entered in block letters, and titles such as Shri, Smt, Ms, Dr and Prof are not permitted as part of the Aadhaar name field.
The rules also address aliases, ranks, special characters and formatting issues. Some changes, such as removing a title or correcting random capitalisation, have different requirements from changing a person’s actual name.
Which Documents Are Required for an Aadhaar Name Change?
The documents depend on the category of update. Applicants should check the relevant UIDAI instructions and accepted-document list before visiting an Aadhaar centre.
| Type of name update | General documentation requirement |
|---|---|
| Minor spelling correction | Accepted proof of identity, subject to the applicable rules |
| Expanding or abbreviating initials | Accepted supporting identity document |
| Adding or removing a middle or last name | Accepted supporting document matching the requested name |
| Correcting regional-language spelling | Proof of identity as required under the SOP |
| Surname change after marriage or divorce | Prescribed affidavit and proof of identity |
| Complete change of name | Gazette notification and applicable identity documents |
| Removing an alias such as “urf” | Prescribed affidavit and proof of identity or relationship, as applicable |
| Removing titles or correcting certain formatting issues | Supporting documents may not be required for the specified categories |
These are general categories, not a substitute for checking the exact requirements for an individual case. UIDAI may require additional verification depending on the circumstances.
When Is a Gazette Notification Required for Aadhaar Name Change?
A Gazette notification is required for a major or complete change of name under the revised SOP.
For example, a substantial change from one full name to a different full name falls into a stricter category than correcting a spelling error. In such cases, UIDAI requires a Gazette notification along with the applicable identity documents.
The authority may also compare the proposed name with names previously recorded against the Aadhaar number and verify the authenticity of submitted documents.
Applicants should not assume that a standard identity card alone will be sufficient for a complete name change.
How Many Times Can You Change Your Name on Aadhaar?
Under UIDAI’s existing rules, a name can generally be updated twice. Once the permitted limit has been exhausted, further changes must follow the applicable exception-handling procedure.
A request beyond the normal limit is not automatically approved. Applicants may need to submit additional supporting documents and request review through UIDAI’s prescribed process.
The general limits for other demographic details are different: date of birth and gender can ordinarily be updated once each, subject to the applicable rules and exception procedures.
How to Change Your Name on Aadhaar Under the New Rules
Residents seeking a name correction or change should follow the procedure applicable to their category.
- Identify the type of correction. Determine whether the request involves a spelling error, a surname change, a regional-language correction or a complete name change.
- Check the document requirements. Consult UIDAI’s official instructions to confirm which proof of identity, affidavit or Gazette notification is required.
- Visit an Aadhaar centre. Name changes generally require an in-person visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre.
- Submit the request. Complete the relevant update form and provide the required supporting documents.
- Complete verification. Follow the centre’s identity-verification procedure.
- Keep the acknowledgement receipt. Retain the Update Request Number (URN) so you can check the status of your request.
The fee and processing time may depend on the service and applicable UIDAI schedule. Check the current official fee list before submitting the application.
What Should Aadhaar Holders Know Before Applying?
Applicants should ensure that the requested name matches the supporting document they submit. Differences in spelling, name order or abbreviations may lead to additional checks or rejection if the documentation does not meet the requirements.
It is also important to distinguish between correcting an existing record and legally changing a name. A spelling correction may require a different set of documents from a complete change of identity details.
For the latest instructions, visit the official UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/ and check the section on Aadhaar enrolment and updates.
Aadhaar Name Change Rules 2026: Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) |
| Revised SOP issued | September 18, 2026 |
| Main subject | Aadhaar name correction and change |
| Minor corrections | Accepted supporting documents, subject to the applicable category |
| Major name change | Gazette notification required |
| Marriage or divorce-related change | Specific supporting documentation required |
| General name-update limit | Twice |
| Where to apply | Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre for applicable name changes |
| Official website | uidai.gov.in |
FAQs on Aadhaar Name Change Rules 2026
1. What are the new Aadhaar name change rules in 2026?
UIDAI issued a revised SOP on September 18, 2026, with separate procedures and document requirements for minor corrections, marriage or divorce-related changes, regional-language errors and major name changes.
2. Is a Gazette notification mandatory for every Aadhaar name correction?
No. It is required for major or complete name changes under the revised procedure. Minor corrections generally follow different documentation requirements.
3. How many times can a name be updated on Aadhaar?
The general limit is two name updates. Further changes require the applicable exception-handling process and are subject to verification.
4. Can I correct a spelling mistake in my Aadhaar name?
Eligible spelling corrections can be requested with accepted supporting documents. The exact document requirement depends on the nature of the correction and UIDAI’s rules.
5. What documents are needed to change a surname after marriage or divorce?
Specific documentation requirements apply, including the prescribed affidavit and proof of identity. Applicants should confirm the applicable checklist with UIDAI before applying.
6. Can I change my Aadhaar name completely?
A complete name change is subject to stricter requirements, including a Gazette notification and applicable identity documents.
7. Can I complete an Aadhaar name change entirely online?
Most name-change categories require an in-person visit to an Aadhaar centre. Check UIDAI’s official portal for the current services available online and the procedures applicable to your request.
8. Where can I check the official Aadhaar name-update rules?
Visit the UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/ and look for the latest SOP on updating names in Aadhaar.
Conclusion
UIDAI’s revised Aadhaar name-update procedure clarifies how different types of corrections should be handled and strengthens verification for major changes. For residents, the most important step is to identify the correct category and prepare the required documents before visiting an Aadhaar centre.
A spelling correction, a surname change after marriage and a complete change of name may involve different requirements. Checking the official instructions in advance can help applicants avoid unnecessary visits and delays.
Global Education News will continue to track important changes in government services, identity documentation and public policy that affect residents across India.
