Aadhaar Name Correction Rules 2026 have introduced a revised process for people who want to correct spelling mistakes, change surnames after marriage or divorce, or make a complete name change.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issued the updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on September 18, 2026, replacing the earlier procedure with separate requirements for different types of name updates.
The revised rules aim to improve document verification and reduce the risk of fraudulent identity changes.
Applicants must submit the documents and affidavits applicable to their particular case, while UIDAI officials will verify the authenticity of supporting records before approving requests.
For Aadhaar holders, the key change is that not every name correction follows the same process.
A minor spelling correction, an error made during data entry and a complete change of name are treated as separate categories.
Aadhaar Name Correction Rules 2026: Key Changes
The revised procedure classifies name updates according to the nature of the change.
Minor corrections include expanding initials, adding or removing a middle name or surname, rearranging the order of names and correcting small spelling mistakes where pronunciation remains similar.
Applicants generally need a valid Proof of Identity (PoI) showing the correct name.
Some formatting corrections, such as fixing random capitalisation or removing dots from a name, are also covered by the revised rules.
For example, correcting “RaMesh” to “Ramesh” is different from replacing a person’s existing name with an entirely new identity.
Applicants should ensure that the requested spelling and name sequence match their supporting documents.
The applicable requirements may differ depending on the type of correction and whether the applicant is an adult or a minor.
Different Documents Required for Different Cases
For data-entry mistakes, the rules prescribe additional documentation. Adults must submit an affidavit under Annexure B along with the applicable Proof of Identity or Proof of Relationship (PoR).
For minors, the prescribed Annexure C affidavit must be provided by a parent or guardian with the relevant supporting documents.
These provisions apply when the name was entered incorrectly in Aadhaar despite the correct name appearing in the documents originally submitted.
A separate process applies when the English version of a name is correct but the regional-language version contains an error.
Applicants should confirm the specific affidavit and documentary requirements for this situation before submitting their request.
Name changes following marriage or divorce have their own documentation rules. Applicants seeking a related surname change must submit the prescribed Annexure D affidavit along with Proof of Identity.
A registered marriage certificate may also be accepted as supporting documentation under the applicable procedure.
These categories are intended to distinguish corrections to existing records from changes that could affect a person’s identity.
Submitting the appropriate paperwork can help applicants avoid delays caused by incomplete documentation.
Complete Name Changes Require Gazette Notification
A complete name change or a change that amounts to a different identity falls under the major name-change category.
Under the revised SOP, applicants must provide a Gazette notification for the name change along with the applicable identity documents.
UIDAI will verify the submitted notification and other supporting records before processing the request.
This requirement is more stringent than the documentation generally needed for minor spelling corrections.
Applicants planning a complete name change should therefore arrange the required legal documentation before visiting an Aadhaar update centre.
The revised procedure also addresses other situations, including certain name corrections involving aliases and changes related to gender.
The documents required depend on the circumstances and the applicable category under the SOP.
How to Correct Your Name on Aadhaar
Aadhaar name updates under the revised procedure are handled through an Aadhaar Enrolment or Update Centre.
Applicants should first identify the category of their request and arrange the relevant proof of identity, relationship documents, affidavit or Gazette notification, as applicable.
At the centre, applicants must submit the required documents and complete the prescribed verification process.
They should collect the acknowledgement receipt and retain the Update Request Number (URN), which can be used to track the request.
A demographic update fee may apply. Applicants should confirm the current fee and any category-specific requirements through UIDAI’s official website before visiting a centre.
The revised Aadhaar name correction rules make it important to understand the difference between a spelling correction, an administrative error and a complete name change.
Checking the applicable documents in advance can help Aadhaar holders submit the correct request and reduce the likelihood of avoidable delays.
