Updating the name on an Aadhaar card is becoming more structured under a new process issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)..
UIDAI has issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for updating names in Aadhaar. The official UIDAI circular lists the SOP as a September 18, 2026 document. The revised process covers different situations such as data-entry mistakes, changes after marriage or divorce and other name-related corrections.
The development is important for Aadhaar holders who need to correct or change their name and want to know which documents may be required..
What Has Changed in Aadhaar Name Update?
Under the new SOP, different types of name-update requests can require different supporting documents.
According to a report published on October 4, the revised process specifically addresses cases such as data-entry errors, surname changes after marriage or divorce, and removal of an “alias” or “urf” name. Depending on the reason for the change, applicants may need to provide specific affidavits and identity-related documents..This means Aadhaar holders should not assume that the same document will work for every type of name correction..
Name Change After Marriage
Marriage is one of the common reasons for changing a surname or other name details.
Under the revised process, applicants seeking a name change because of marriage may have to provide documents supporting the change. The exact requirement depends on the nature of the request and the documents available with the applicant..Before visiting an Aadhaar centre, applicants should check the latest UIDAI requirements for their particular case..
What About Spelling Mistakes?
Aadhaar holders may also need to correct their name because of a spelling or data-entry mistake..The new SOP separately deals with such cases. This is important because a simple correction of an entry error is different from a legal change of name..Applicants should therefore clearly identify the reason for their request and carry the appropriate supporting documents..
Can You Change Your Aadhaar Name Online?
Not every Aadhaar name-change situation can necessarily be completed online..UIDAI provides several Aadhaar services through its digital platforms, but some services still require an Aadhaar Seva Kendra visit and document verification.
The official UIDAI website currently directs users to Aadhaar services including address updates, biometric services, update-status tracking and Aadhaar centre information.If your name-change request requires document verification or an exception process, you may need to visit an Aadhaar centre..
What Should Aadhaar Holders Do?
Before submitting a name-update request, check these points:-
1. Identify the reason for the change
Is it a spelling correction, data-entry error, marriage-related change, divorce-related change or another situation?
2. Keep supporting documents ready
The required documents can differ depending on the reason for the update.
3. Check UIDAI's latest instructions
Requirements can change, so use UIDAI's official website rather than relying only on old social-media posts.
4. Visit an Aadhaar centre if required
Some requests may require in-person verification.
5. Keep the acknowledgement details
After submitting an update request, keep the acknowledgement or update details so you can track its status..
Why This Update Matters
Aadhaar is used for identity verification across many government and private services. An incorrect name can create problems when Aadhaar details do not match other important documents.
For example, differences between Aadhaar and documents such as PAN, bank records or other identity documents can sometimes create verification difficulties.
Keeping Aadhaar information accurate can therefore make future verification processes easier..
Aadhaar App Is Also Expanding
The name-update SOP comes at a time when UIDAI is expanding the number of Aadhaar services available digitally..The Aadhaar App already allows users to access several services, including mobile-number and address updates, email updates, biometric lock/unlock and e-Aadhaar downloads.
According to the Press Information Bureau, the Aadhaar App had crossed 4 crore downloads by July 2026. The government also said that almost 49 lakh mobile-number updates and 11.65 lakh address updates had been completed through the app at that point.
However, users should distinguish between services available through the app and requests that require a physical Aadhaar centre visit..
