Learn the complete process for updating your surname and correcting spelling errors in your Aadhaar card after marriage..

Aadhaar Name Correction: If your name is misspelled on your Aadhaar card, or if you wish to change your surname after marriage or change your name entirely, the process will now be governed by new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) rules. Under the SOP issued by UIDAI, mandatory requirements regarding specific documents and affidavits have been implemented for name amendments.

This new UIDAI SOP came into effect on September 18, 2026. Under these guidelines, applicants must submit prescribed documents for name corrections in Aadhaar; UIDAI will rigorously verify the authenticity of these documents, affidavits, and gazette notifications.

What is included in a 'Minor Name Change'?

Under the rules, minor corrections are categorized as 'minor changes.' These include the following:

Expanding name abbreviations or initials.
Adding or removing a middle name or last name (surname).
Changing the sequence of words or names.
Correcting minor spelling errors (where the pronunciation/phonetic sound remains the same).
Removing dots (.) from the name or correcting errors involving random capital letters.
For example, if someone's name is 'Rama Prasad,' they can extend it to 'Rama Shyam Prasad.' This is not considered a complete change of identity.

2. Name change after marriage or divorce

Specific rules have been established for changing a surname after marriage or amending a name following a divorce:

Required Documents: A prescribed affidavit (Annexure D) and proof of identity must be submitted.

Condition: The affidavit must clearly state that the name change is solely due to marriage or divorce and does not alter the individual's original identity.

3. Spelling mistakes due to data-entry errors

If you provided the correct documents while enrolling for or updating your Aadhaar, but your name was recorded incorrectly due to an operator's mistake (data-entry error):

For adults: You must submit an affidavit (Annexure B) and Proof of Identity (PoI) or Proof of Relationship (PoR).

For minors: Submission of an affidavit (Annexure C) and PoI/PoR is mandatory.

Language-related errors: If your name is correct in English but printed incorrectly in the regional language, this can be rectified by submitting the prescribed affidavit and PoI.

4. Gazette notification for a complete name change

If you are changing your name entirely or making a change that alters your previous identity, it is considered a 'Major Name Change'.

Mandatory requirement: Submitting a government gazette notification is mandatory for a name change in this category. A full name cannot be changed without a gazette notification.

Important update: UIDAI no longer offers the facility to correct names online. For any kind of name correction, the applicant must visit the nearest Aadhaar enrollment/update center.

Step-by-step process for correcting your name in Aadhaar

To update your name in Aadhaar, you must follow these steps:

Identify the category: First, determine whether your name correction falls under minor correction, post-marriage change, data-entry error, or major name change.

Gather documents: Prepare the prescribed supporting documents (PoI, PoR, or gazette notification) based on your category.

Get an affidavit made: If applicable, prepare an affidavit or declaration in the prescribed format (Annexure B, C, or D). Visit an Aadhaar Center: Go to your nearest Aadhaar enrollment/update center.

Submit Application: Fill out the name update form and hand over copies of all necessary documents to the operator.

Verification: Complete the biometric and document verification process with the operator.

Collect Receipt: Obtain the acknowledgment receipt for the update request once the process is complete.

Track Status: Track the status of your request on the official UIDAI portal using the URN provided on the receipt.

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