The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for updating names in Aadhaar. The new procedure sets out separate requirements for different types of name corrections and changes, including data-entry mistakes, surname changes after marriage or divorce, removal of “alias” names and major changes in the name.
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UIDAI uploaded the new SOP on its official circulars page on 18 September 2026. The objective is to bring greater uniformity to Aadhaar name-update requests and clarify which documents and declarations are required for different situations.
What Is the New UIDAI Aadhaar Name Update SOP?
SOP stands for Standard Operating Procedure. It provides a defined process that Aadhaar enrolment and update centres are expected to follow while processing name-update requests.
According to the latest reporting, the new SOP distinguishes between different reasons for changing or correcting a person’s name. Depending on the case, applicants may need to submit supporting identity documents along with a specified affidavit.
This means applicants should not assume that the same documents will work for every type of Aadhaar name change.
Aadhaar Name Change: Different Cases, Different Requirements
1. Correction Due to Data-Entry Error
If the name was incorrectly entered during Aadhaar enrolment or an earlier update, the applicant may need to provide an acceptable document showing the correct name along with the applicable declaration/affidavit prescribed under the SOP.
The purpose is to establish that the requested correction is a rectification of an error rather than an entirely new identity or name.
2. Surname Change After Marriage or Divorce
Aadhaar holders who want to change their surname following marriage or divorce fall under a separate category.
The new procedure provides for the relevant affidavit/declaration along with supporting documents establishing the name change. Applicants should carry original documents to the Aadhaar centre for verification.
UIDAI’s broader Aadhaar update guidance recognises life events such as marriage as a reason for demographic changes, including changes to name and address.
3. Removal of “Alias” or “Urff” From the Name
The SOP also addresses cases where an “alias” or “urff” name needs to be removed.
Separate documentation requirements apply depending on whether the Aadhaar holder is an adult or a minor. Applicants should therefore check the applicable category before visiting an Aadhaar centre.
4. Removal of Prefixes, Titles or Ranks
Some Aadhaar records may contain prefixes, titles or ranks such as Dr., Shri, Smt. or other designations.
Where the request is only to remove such additions while retaining the person’s primary name, the prescribed update procedure and acceptable identity documents may be used.
5. Major or Complete Name Change
A substantial change to the name is treated differently from a simple spelling correction.
For significant name changes, the applicant may be required to provide a Gazette notification and an identity document establishing the connection between the old and new names.
This additional documentation helps establish that the requested name change relates to the same Aadhaar holder.
What Documents Should You Carry?
The exact documents depend on the reason for the name update. Applicants should generally carry:
- Aadhaar number/card
- Original supporting identity document
- Relevant name-change document, where applicable
- Marriage or divorce-related document, where applicable
- Gazette notification for major name changes, where required
- Applicable affidavit/declaration prescribed under the new SOP
UIDAI’s regulations state that original documents presented for update are verified and electronically copied, after which the originals are returned to the applicant.
Can Aadhaar Name Be Updated Online?
Applicants should be careful about assuming that every Aadhaar demographic update can be completed online.
UIDAI’s current update guidance states that the online mode supports address update, while demographic and biometric updates can be submitted with assistance at an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre.
Therefore, for a name change requiring document verification or an affidavit, applicants should follow the applicable centre-based process.
How to Update Your Name in Aadhaar
The general process is:
Step 1: Identify the reason for the name change.
Step 2: Collect the documents applicable to that particular category.
Step 3: Prepare the required affidavit/declaration if applicable.
Step 4: Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre.
Step 5: Submit the Aadhaar update request and supporting documents.
Step 6: Complete the required biometric authentication/verification.
Step 7: Collect the acknowledgement containing the update request details.
Step 8: Track the status of the Aadhaar update request.
UIDAI says an acknowledgement receipt containing a tracking reference such as a URN can be provided for update requests.
Is There a Limit on Aadhaar Name Changes?
Aadhaar name updates are subject to limits under UIDAI’s regulations. Requests beyond the prescribed limits may require an exception-handling process and additional documentation.
The 2026 amended Aadhaar regulations specifically provide that name updates beyond the prescribed limits are to be processed according to the applicable procedure.
Therefore, applicants who have already changed their Aadhaar name previously should check whether their request falls within the normal limit before submitting another application.
What Has UIDAI Changed With the New SOP?
The major change is the case-specific approach.
Instead of treating every name-update request in the same way, the SOP provides different procedures depending on the circumstances, such as:
| Name Update Situation | Possible Requirement |
|---|---|
| Data-entry/name spelling error | Supporting document + applicable declaration |
| Marriage-related surname change | Supporting marriage/name-change documents + applicable affidavit |
| Divorce-related change | Relevant legal/supporting documents |
| Removal of alias/“urff” | Category-specific declaration and documents |
| Removal of title/prefix | Acceptable identity document |
| Major/full name change | Gazette notification and supporting old-name document |
| Name update beyond prescribed limit | Exception-handling process |
Note: The exact document requirement depends on the individual case and the applicable UIDAI SOP. Applicants should verify the current requirements before visiting an Aadhaar centre.
Why the New Aadhaar Name Update Rules Matter
Aadhaar is used for a wide range of government and private-sector services, making accurate demographic information important.
UIDAI says Aadhaar data may need updating because of life events such as marriage, migration, changes in contact details or errors made during enrolment.
The new SOP is intended to make the name-update process more consistent by providing specific procedures for different circumstances.
Aadhaar Name Update Fee
UIDAI’s current information lists ₹75 for a demographic update when it is performed separately. If demographic information is updated together with a biometric update, the applicable fee structure can differ.
Fees and concessions can change, so applicants should verify the latest charges on the official UIDAI website before visiting a centre.
Important Advice for Aadhaar Holders
Before submitting a name-update request:
- Check the exact reason for the change.
- Use documents that show the correct name.
- Carry original documents for verification.
- Prepare the applicable affidavit if required.
- For major name changes, check whether a Gazette notification is required.
- Keep the acknowledgement receipt safely.
- Track the update request after submission.
- Avoid relying on unofficial websites or agents for document requirements.
FAQs
Is a new SOP issued for Aadhaar name updates in 2026?
Yes. UIDAI’s official circular page lists a Standard Operating Procedure to be followed for updating name in Aadhaar, uploaded on 18 September 2026.
Is an affidavit required for every Aadhaar name change?
Not necessarily. The requirement depends on the type and circumstances of the requested name change. The new SOP specifies different procedures for different cases.
Do I need a Gazette notification to change my Aadhaar name?
For a major or complete name change, a Gazette notification may be required along with supporting documents. A simple spelling correction is treated differently.
Can I change my Aadhaar name online?
Name-update requests requiring document verification generally need to follow the applicable Aadhaar centre process. UIDAI’s current online update facility primarily supports address updates.
Where can I check the latest UIDAI rules?
Applicants should check the official UIDAI website and its latest circulars/SOP documents before submitting an update request.
Conclusion
UIDAI’s new Aadhaar Name Update SOP 2026 brings a more clearly defined process for different types of name corrections and changes. Data-entry errors, marriage or divorce-related surname changes, alias removal and major name changes can have different documentation requirements.
Applicants should identify their specific situation first and then submit the required documents and affidavit, where applicable. Since UIDAI rules and fees can be updated, checking the latest official information before visiting an Aadhaar centre is recommended.
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