UIDAI Aadhaar Name Change New Rules: How To Change Name After Marriage, Fix Errors Or Spelling Mistakes?

The UIDAI has introduced a new standard operating procedure (SOP) that will allow Indian citizens to change their name on their Aadhaar card. These changes can be related to spelling mistakes, errors, style or simply changing surnames after marriage, etc. The new SOP was introduced in mid-September.

New Aadhaar Update

The SOP is part of Regulation 19 (Update of information of Aadhar number holder) of the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016.

According to UIDAI, during the process of Aadhaar enrolment, demographic information of an individual such as name, date of birth, gender, and address, is recorded based on the documents submitted, as per Schedule II.

Names in Aadhaar shall be recorded in block letters without the use of alias or urf, prefixes, military ranks, designations, service, awards/decorations, etc. Dots and other special characters shall not be permitted in the name.

However, an Aadhaar Number Holder (ANH) may need to update/correct the name as recorded in Aadhaar due to various reasons.

It added, "The ANH, seeking to update name, shall submit the request accompanied by the corresponding documents as laid down under Regulation 19 ibid. The name shall be updated as per the spelling, sequence, abbreviation, etc. mentioned in the submitted document."

How To Update Name in Aadhaar Card Offline?

The names currently cannot be updated online and hence follow the steps mentioned below to raise a request.

Step 1: Firstly, visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar enrolment/update centre.

Step 2: Ensure to carry Aadhaar number/card and valid supporting Proof of Identity (PoI) documents that showcases the correct name.

Step 3: Upon arriving at the centre, ask the operator for a name update/correction.

Step 4: The operator will guide you through the process. Submit the required document and complete the verification process.

Step 5: Also, submit biometric authentication, wherever required.

Step 6: Then, pay the applicable Aadhaar demographic-update fee.

Step 7: Lastly, collect the acknowledgement slip containing the Update Request Number (URN) and use it to track the request.

The current fee for a demographic update is Rs 50.

Here are some of the illustrations that are eligible for update of names in Aadhaar card, as per UIDAI.

The names should be minor changes.

1: Expanding the abbreviation or abbreviating the name to initials:

As per the new SOP guidelines, you can change the initials or abbreviation of your name. For example: TRD Prasad to Tadi Rama Durga Prasad

Or Ram Mohan Naidu to RM Naidu or Naidu RM or R M Naidu or Naidu R M.

2. Addition or Deletion of middle name.

You can definitely revise the full display of your name such as adding or deleting your middle name.

In case of addition, the example could be "Himanshu Gupta to Himanshu Chandra Gupta or Himanshu Bhimrao
Keshav Gupta"

In case of deleting, example could be "Himanshu Chandra Gupta to Himanshu Gupta"

3. Sequence of your name.

UIDAI has made it flexible to change the sequential order of your name. Example: Divakar Anand to Anand Divakar or Ravi Kishan to Kishan Ravi.

4. Minor correction in English spelling.

There are often some spellings of a name that sound similar are different. For example: Pooja or Puja, Ram or Rama, Sitaram or Sita Ram, Somya or Saumya, Sanjeev or Sanjiv, Abhishek or Abhisek, and Velayutham to Velayudham.

This is a very common error and can often arise. If you find that your name has been misspelled in the Aadhaar card and does not match your birth certificate, you can apply to rectify the mistake.

From first to third rules, applicants can submit proof of identity as compulsory documents. Proof of relationship will be required in case of update in a minor's name.

4. Data Entry Error

This situation can happen if name was incorrectly recorded in Aadhaar despite the previously submitted documents carrying correct name.

If the name in the instant update request matches the name in the previously submitted PoI/PoR document available with UIDAI, then the instant update request shall be accepted.

However, if the name in the instant update request does not match the name in the previously submitted PoI/PoR document available with UIDAI, then the instant update request shall be rejected.

For this, submit documents like Annexure B affidavits, proof of identity or proof of relationship. In case of minor, Annexure C will be submitted along with proof of identity and relationship.

5. File to update your name even when name in English was correctly recorded in Aadhaar, however the name in regional language is incorrect.

Example: Nirmal Sinha (निर्मला सिन्हा) to Nirmal Sinha (निर्मल सिन्हा).

You will be required to submit proof of identity in this case.

6. Change of surname

Women can change their surname post marriage or divorce. Annexure D along with proof of identity will be required.

7. Change in name due to gender.

For example: Sarita Kumari to Santosh Kumar.

Proof of identity will be required as documents.

8. Chane in baby name.

For this, you will be required to submit proof of relationship.

9. Dropping of ranks, designations, and other such prefixes.

UIDAI allows you to revise your name in case if your ranks or designations have changed. All you have to do is submit identity proof documents. These ranks can be Lt Gen, Maj Gen, Brig, Col, Lt Col, Sub Maj, Sub, Nb Sub, Hav, Nk. L Nk etc. Or Justice, Prof, Retd, Dr, Learned, Ld, etc., or Shri. Smt., Ms., Mr., etc.

10. Apart from this, you can apply to rectify your names in case of random occurrence of capital letters in your name (example: RaMesh to Ramesh); or removal of dots from the name (example: R.V.N Srinivas to RVN Srinivas); or name recorded as urf or alias (example: Jagdish Singh urf Jagga to either Jagdish Singh or Jagga.

Aadhaar Name Change: Proof Of Identity

PoI Document
Passport
PAN Card
Ration/PDS Photo Card
Voter ID
Driving Licence
Government/PSU Service Photo ID
NREGS Job Card
Photo ID from a recognised educational institution
Arms Licence
Pensioner Photo Card
Freedom Fighter Photo Card
Kisan Photo Passbook
CGHS/ECHS Photo Card
Disability ID Card/Certificate
Gazette notification for name change
Marriage certificate with photograph
SSLC book with photograph
SC/ST/OBC certificate with photograph
School Leaving/Transfer Certificate with name and photograph
Bank Passbook with name and photograph
EPFO certificate of identity with name, DOB and photograph

Aadhaar Name Change: Proof Of Address

PoR Document
PDS Card
MGNREGA/NREGA Job Card
CGHS/State Government/ECHS/ESIC Medical Card
Pension Card
Army Canteen Card
Passport
Birth Certificate
Government-issued family entitlement document
Government-issued Marriage Certificate
Address Card with name and photo issued by Department of Posts
Bhamashah Card/Jan-Aadhaar Card
Government hospital discharge card/slip for birth of a child
UIDAI-standard certificate showing identity, photo and relationship with HoF

You can submit either of the documents mentioned above.