Aadhaar Name Update Rules Changed: New Affidavit Process has been introduced under UIDAI’s revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), with different procedures and documents prescribed for different types of name corrections and changes.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a revised SOP for updating names in Aadhaar.
The document was uploaded on September 18, 2026, and categorises name-update requests according to the nature of the change.
What the New Aadhaar Name Update Rules Changed
Under the revised process, a simple data-entry error, a surname change after marriage or divorce, removal of “urf” or an alias, and a major name change are treated differently.
Applicants may therefore need to submit specific documents and affidavits according to their case.
For an adult whose name was entered incorrectly because of a data-entry error, the prescribed process requires an affidavit along with the applicable identity or relationship document.
A separate provision applies to minors.
Different Affidavits for Different Name Changes
For changes in surname following marriage or divorce, the revised procedure provides for a specific affidavit along with the required identity-related documents.
There is also a separate procedure where a person wants to remove “urf” or an alias from the Aadhaar name. Different affidavit formats are prescribed for adults and minors in such cases.
The revised process also covers the removal of ranks, titles and prefixes such as Dr., Colonel, Shri, Shrimati and Mr., with the required identity document used for the update.
Aadhaar Name Update Rules Changed for Major Changes
A major change in a person’s name or identity may require additional documentation.
UIDAI’s existing information says that a Gazette notification and an identity document showing the old name are required for a first or full name change.
The revised SOP is intended to make the process clearer by specifying the procedure and supporting documents for different types of name-update requests.
Applicants should use the affidavit and documents applicable to their specific category rather than relying on an old format.
Name-update requests are generally handled through an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre.
Name Update Limit and Gazette Requirement
UIDAI currently permits a name update twice using valid supporting documents.
If further changes are required after the permitted limit is exhausted, an exception process involving a Gazette notification and other relevant documents may apply.
The Aadhaar name update rules changed through the revised SOP are therefore particularly important for people seeking anything beyond a routine spelling or data-entry correction.
The exact documents required depend on the nature of the requested change.
Applicants should check the applicable UIDAI requirements before submitting their update request.
