New Aadhaar rules: How to update your name

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has updated its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for correcting the name associated with an Aadhaar card. The revised guidelines, effective from September 18, 2026, outline the various scenarios in which a name change can be requested and the supporting documents required for each case.

NAME UPDATES: The SOP clarifies that the Aadhaar name must be entered in block letters and cannot include aliases, prefixes, military ranks, designations, service details, awards, or decorations. Special characters like dots are also prohibited.

WHEN TO UPDATE: Name corrections can be sought for a multitude of reasons - correcting data entry errors, expanding abbreviations, shortening to initials, adding or deleting middle or last names, correcting spelling, changing the sequence, or removing prepositions like "alias" or "urf." The updated name must match the information provided in the supporting document.

MINOR CHANGES: Minor name alterations involve relatively small modifications that don't fundamentally alter the individual's identity. These include expanding abbreviations, converting the name to initials, modifying middle or last names, rearranging the order, or making minor spelling corrections while preserving phonetic similarity. Required documents vary depending on the nature of the change but typically include a Proof of Identity (PoI) or Proof of Relationship (PoR).

DATA ENTRY MISTAKES: In situations where a name was incorrectly entered during Aadhaar enrollment or update, specific documents are required. For adults, an affidavit and PoI or PoR are needed. Minors must provide an affidavit along with PoI or applicable PoR.

CORRECTING REGIONS MISMATCH: If an Aadhaar name is accurate in English but incorrect in a regional language, the update process still applies. Supporting documents like PoI can be submitted for correction.

SPECIAL CASES: The SOP also addresses unique scenarios such as surname change after marriage or divorce, name modifications following a gender change, Head of Family (HoF)-based updates for minors, dropping ranks or designations, correcting stray capital letters, and removing prepositions or aliases from the Aadhaar name. Affidavits and PoI are generally required for these cases.