New Aadhaar Name Update Rules Explained, What Documents You Need For Minor & Major Changes

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has updated its rules for modifying or correcting names associated with Aadhaar cards. These revised procedures, outlined in a September 18, 2026 circular, differ depending on whether the change is considered minor or major.

Under the new rules, during Aadhaar enrollment, personal information like name, date of birth, gender, and address is recorded based on the documents provided by the applicant. Names are captured using block letters and cannot include aliases, prefixes, military ranks, professional titles, service details, awards, or special characters such as dots.

A minor name change typically involves correcting spelling errors, shortening a name to initials, adding or removing middle names or surnames, or altering the sequence of the name. These adjustments usually follow the supporting document submitted with the request. Proof of Identity (PoI) or applicable Proof of Relationship (PoR) documents may be needed, particularly for updates concerning a Head of Family situation involving minors.

If there's a data entry error in the Aadhaar card, adults must submit an affidavit prescribed under Annexure B alongside PoI or PoR. For minors, an affidavit under Annexure C along with PoI or relevant PoR is required. Additionally, UIDAI allows correction of cases where an English name is accurate but the regional-language version is incorrect.

Major name changes, which involve a complete identity alteration, require a supporting gazette notification along with the prescribed PoI document. These requests may be rejected without such documentation. To remove randomly capitalized letters, or remove dots from names, no supporting documents are needed. To eliminate the 'urf' or 'alias' designation from an Aadhaar name, an affidavit under Annexure E and PoI is required.