Archive · 6 Oct 2026
UIDAI Revises Aadhaar Name Update Rules and Document Requirements
UIDAI has made new rules for changing names on Aadhaar.
The documents people need depend on the kind of change they want.
Small corrections, such as fixing a similar-sounding spelling, usually need a document showing the correct name.
Some fixes, like changing random capital letters or removing dots, may not need a separate document.
If Aadhaar was typed incorrectly, adults and children need different affidavits.
People changing a surname after marriage or divorce need an affidavit and identity proof.
A complete name change needs a Gazette notification and identity proof.
One report also says newspaper advertisements are needed, but the other reports do not mention them.
UIDAI says it will check submitted documents before processing requests.
UIDAI’s revised SOP, dated September 18, 2026, replaces the earlier name-update procedure.
Minor corrections generally require Proof of Identity or, in applicable child updates, Proof of Relationship.
Adults correcting enrollment or update data-entry errors need an Annexure B affidavit; minors need an Annexure C affidavit.
Marriage- or divorce-related surname updates require an Annexure D affidavit and identity proof; a registered marriage certificate may also support an application.
Complete name changes require a Gazette notification and identity proof; one article additionally says published newspaper advertisements are required.
- Who
- The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and people requesting Aadhaar name updates.
- What
- UIDAI issued a revised procedure with different document requirements for different types of name changes.
- When
- The revised SOP was issued and came into effect on September 18, 2026.
- Where
- India; the procedure applies to Aadhaar name updates.
- Why
- To distinguish types of name updates and verify supporting documents before processing requests.
Newspaper advertisements required
Gazette notification and identity proof
Documentation for complete name changes
Newspaper advertisements required
One report says applicants must provide a central Gazette notification, published newspaper advertisements and standard identity proof.
Gazette notification and identity proof
The other reports specify a Gazette notification and applicable Proof of Identity, without mentioning newspaper advertisements.
- Issuing authority
- Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
- Effective date
- September 18, 2026
- Minor corrections
- Generally require applicable Proof of Identity; applicable Proof of Relationship may be accepted for some Head of Family-based updates involving children.
- Data-entry errors
- Adults need an Annexure B affidavit; minors need an Annexure C affidavit, with applicable identity or relationship documents.
- Marriage or divorce updates
- An Annexure D affidavit and Proof of Identity are specified; a registered marriage certificate may also be supporting documentation.
- Alias or 'urf' cases
- The reports describe an Annexure E affidavit and Proof of Identity for adults seeking to retain one of the names; minors require Annexure F and applicable identity or relationship proof.
- Complete name changes
- Require a Gazette notification and applicable Proof of Identity; one report also says published newspaper advertisements are required.
- Verification
- UIDAI says submitted documents, affidavits and Gazette notifications will be checked for authenticity.
