Changing or correcting your name on your Aadhaar card has become easy; UIDAI has issued new guidelines—learn the complete process..

Aadhaar Update: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), revising the guidelines from 2021. Under these new rules, effective from September 18, name changes have been categorized into distinct groups: minor spelling corrections, surname changes following marriage or divorce, data-entry errors, and complete name changes.

Under these new regulations, name changes are classified based on their nature. Applicants are now required to submit specific proofs of identity or prescribed annexures tailored to their particular situation.

**Minor Name Corrections**
Small corrections or spelling errors in a name are classified as "minor changes." This category includes expanding initials, adding or removing middle or last names, rearranging the order of name components, and fixing minor spelling mistakes. It also covers adjustments such as removing a dot (e.g., changing "R.P. Singh" to "RP Singh") or correcting capitalization (e.g., changing "RaMesh" to "Ramesh"). To process this, a valid identity document must be submitted at any nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

**Surname Change After Marriage or Divorce**
Specific provisions have been introduced for changing a surname following marriage or divorce. Applicants must submit a prescribed affidavit (Annexure D) along with valid proof of identity. This affidavit confirms that the change is linked to the marriage or divorce and does not alter the individual's fundamental identity. Special guidelines have also been issued for changing a name following a gender transition or for replacing the "Baby of..." entry on a child's Aadhaar card with their actual name.

Data-Entry Error
If the name was recorded correctly in the original documents provided during enrollment or a previous update but was printed incorrectly on the card due to an operator error, an 'Annexure B' affidavit and proof of relationship (PoI or PoR) must be submitted. Additionally, an 'Annexure C' affidavit and the necessary supporting documents will be required. A different correction process applies if the name in English is correct but the translation in the regional language is incorrect.

Major Name Change
If an individual is changing their full name or making a change that completely alters their identity, the submission of a Gazette Notification issued by the UIDAI is mandatory. Along with this, the applicant must also present other legal identity documents.

Step-by-Step Process to Update Name on Aadhaar Card
Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrollment/update center. Submit the prescribed application form and the required PoI documents or Annexures based on the type of correction. Complete biometric verification via fingerprint or iris scan. Pay the prescribed fee of ₹75 for demographic updates. Obtain the acknowledgment receipt and track your application status on the UIDAI portal using the Update Request Number (URN) mentioned on it.

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