Aadhaar Name Correction New Rules 2026: Documents Required for Spelling Mistake, Marriage and Major Name Change
Summary
- UIDAI’s revised Aadhaar SOP, effective 18 September 2026, categorises name-change requests according to the nature of the change.
- A minor spelling or phonetic correction is treated differently from a complete change of identity.
- For marriage or divorce-related surname changes, the prescribed Annexure D affidavit along with Proof of Identity (PoI) is required.
- For marriage or divorce-related surname changes, the prescribed Annexure D affidavit along with Proof of Identity (PoI) is required.
Aadhaar Name Correction New Rules 2026
Changing or correcting your name on Aadhaar is not the same in every case. The documents required by UIDAI depend on why you want to change the name and how significant the requested change is.
For example, correcting a small spelling or phonetic mistake is different from changing your surname after marriage. Similarly, a complete change of name that amounts to a change in identity is treated differently from a simple correction.
Under the revised 2026 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which came into effect on 18 September 2026, Aadhaar holders are required to submit the supporting documents prescribed for their particular type of name-update request.
This means that before applying for an Aadhaar name correction, it is important to understand which category your request falls under and whether you need an affidavit, Proof of Identity (PoI), Proof of Relationship (PoR), or a Gazette Notification.
For readers looking for other Aadhaar and government-document updates, you can also explore related personal finance and government updates on EduTaxTuber.
Aadhaar Name Change: Which Document Is Required for Which Change?
The following table provides a simple overview of the major categories covered under the revised procedure:
| Type of Aadhaar name change | Examples | Document required |
|---|---|---|
| Minor name change | Adding/removing middle or last name, expanding initials, changing name order, minor phonetic spelling correction | Prescribed supporting documents, as applicable |
| Name change after marriage/divorce | Surname change following marriage or divorce | Annexure D affidavit + Proof of Identity (PoI) |
| Data-entry error | Name entered incorrectly even though the enrolment/update document had the correct name | Adults: Annexure B affidavit + PoI/PoR; Minors: Annexure C affidavit + PoI/PoR |
| Regional-language error | Name correct in English but incorrectly recorded in regional language | Prescribed affidavit + PoI |
| Major name change | Complete name change or change amounting to a change in identity | Gazette Notification for name change |
The important point is that not every Aadhaar name correction requires a Gazette notification. The requirement depends on the nature of the requested change.
Aadhaar Spelling Mistake: Which Document Is Required?
A small spelling mistake does not necessarily mean that you have to go through the process of changing your entire name.
Under the revised classification, minor name changes include certain phonetic spelling corrections and other limited modifications to the name.
Examples include:
- Minor phonetic spelling corrections
- Expanding initials or abbreviations
- Adding a middle name
- Removing a middle name
- Adding a last name
- Removing a last name
- Changing the sequence or order of names
- Removing unnecessary dots from a name
- Correcting inconsistent use of capital letters
These types of changes are treated differently from a substantial change that alters the identity associated with the name.
Does a spelling mistake require a Gazette notification?
Not necessarily.
If the requested correction falls within the minor name-change category, the applicable prescribed supporting documents are required. A Gazette Notification is associated with a major name change, where the requested alteration amounts to a change in identity.
Therefore, Aadhaar holders should first determine whether their request is simply a correction or a substantive name change.
Aadhaar Surname Change After Marriage or Divorce
A common reason for changing the name on Aadhaar is a surname change following marriage or divorce.
Under the revised procedure, this type of request has a separate requirement.
The applicant needs to submit:
Affidavit in Annexure D + Proof of Identity (PoI)
The affidavit is intended to establish that the requested name change is related to the person’s marriage or divorce and does not represent an unrelated change of identity.
This distinction is important because a surname change following marriage or divorce is not treated in the same way as a person adopting an entirely new name.
What document is required for Aadhaar surname change after marriage?
For the marriage/divorce-related category, the prescribed requirement is:
Annexure D affidavit along with Proof of Identity (PoI).
Applicants should ensure that the documents submitted match the nature of the request before visiting the Aadhaar centre.
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Aadhaar Name Entered Incorrectly: What Is a Data-Entry Error?
Another situation covered by the revised SOP is a data-entry error.
This applies when the name was entered incorrectly in Aadhaar even though the enrolment or update document submitted at the time contained the correct name.
In other words, the problem may have occurred while the information was being entered rather than because the applicant wanted to change their actual name.
The document requirements differ depending on whether the Aadhaar holder is an adult or a minor.
For adults
For an adult, the revised procedure requires:
- Annexure B affidavit
- Proof of Identity (PoI) or Proof of Relationship (PoR)
For minors
For a minor, the applicable requirement is:
- Annexure C affidavit
- Proof of Identity (PoI) or Proof of Relationship (PoR)
Therefore, applicants should not automatically treat a data-entry mistake as a normal name-change request.
Aadhaar Name Correct in English but Wrong in Regional Language
The revised procedure also addresses situations where the name appears correctly in English, but the corresponding name has been entered incorrectly in the regional language.
For this category, the prescribed affidavit along with Proof of Identity (PoI) is required.
This is particularly relevant for Aadhaar holders whose names are displayed in both English and a regional language and who notice that the two versions do not correspond correctly.
Before submitting an update request, check both language versions of your Aadhaar details carefully.
Complete Name Change in Aadhaar: When Is Gazette Notification Required?
A major name change is different from correcting a spelling mistake.
If the requested alteration amounts to a change in the person’s identity, UIDAI classifies it as a Major Name Change.
In such cases, the prescribed document is:
Gazette Notification for name change
This requirement is intended for substantive changes rather than minor corrections.
For example, if a person is not merely correcting an incorrectly spelled name but is seeking a completely different name, the request may fall under the major-name-change category.
Therefore, a person should not assume that a simple spelling correction and a complete name change follow the same procedure.
How to Change Your Name in Aadhaar in 2026
Once you understand the category applicable to your request, the next step is to arrange the required documents and submit the Aadhaar update request.
Step 1: Identify the reason for the name change
First determine why you want to change the name.
Is it:
- A spelling or phonetic correction?
- Addition or removal of a surname?
- A marriage-related change?
- A divorce-related change?
- A data-entry mistake?
- A regional-language error?
- A complete change of name?
Step 2: Identify the applicable category
Match your request with the relevant category under the revised procedure:
Minor name change → Marriage/divorce → Data-entry error → Regional-language error → Major name change
The category determines the supporting documents you may need.
Step 3: Collect the required documents
Depending on your case, arrange the applicable:
- Proof of Identity (PoI)
- Proof of Relationship (PoR)
- Prescribed affidavit
- Gazette Notification, where applicable
Step 4: Prepare the affidavit or Gazette Notification
If your particular category requires an affidavit, prepare the prescribed affidavit applicable to your case.
For a major name change, obtain the required Gazette Notification for name change.
Step 5: Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre
Take the required documents and submit the name-update request at an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre.
Step 6: Submit the supporting documents
Submit the documents applicable to the category of your request.
The documents, affidavit or Gazette Notification may be subject to verification as part of the update process.
Step 7: Complete verification
Complete the verification process required for the Aadhaar update.
UIDAI will verify the authenticity of the documents submitted for the requested update.
Step 8: Collect the acknowledgement
After submitting the update request, keep the acknowledgement or acknowledgement details safely.
Step 9: Track the Aadhaar update
Use the details provided in the acknowledgement to track the status of your Aadhaar update request.
Aadhaar Name Change 2026: Which Document Do You Need?
The easiest way to remember the revised requirements is to connect the document with the reason for the change.
Spelling or minor correction: Prescribed supporting documents, depending on the request.
Marriage or divorce: Annexure D affidavit + PoI.
Adult data-entry error: Annexure B affidavit + PoI/PoR.
Minor data-entry error: Annexure C affidavit + PoI/PoR.
Regional-language error: Prescribed affidavit + PoI.
Major name change: Gazette Notification for name change.
The key difference is between a correction and a change of identity. A person making a minor correction should not automatically assume that a Gazette Notification is required.
What Should You Check Before Applying for Aadhaar Name Correction?
Before visiting the Aadhaar centre, check the following:
- Identify exactly what is wrong with your name.
- Check whether the change is a spelling correction or a substantive name change.
- Determine whether your request is related to marriage or divorce.
- If the original Aadhaar data was entered incorrectly, determine whether it is a data-entry error.
- Check the English and regional-language versions of your name.
- Arrange the applicable PoI or PoR.
- Prepare the prescribed affidavit if required.
- Obtain a Gazette Notification if your request falls under the major-name-change category.
- Keep the acknowledgement after submitting the update request.
- Track the request using the acknowledgement details.
Aadhaar Name Correction New Rules 2026: FAQs
Is a Gazette notification required for every Aadhaar name correction?
No. The requirement depends on the type of name change. A Gazette Notification is specified for a major name change where the alteration amounts to a change in identity. Minor corrections and marriage/divorce-related changes have separate requirements.
Which affidavit is required for an Aadhaar name change after marriage?
For a name change related to marriage or divorce, the revised procedure specifies an Annexure D affidavit along with Proof of Identity (PoI).
What document is required if my Aadhaar name has a spelling mistake?
If the correction falls under the minor name-change category, the prescribed supporting documents applicable to that request are required. Minor phonetic spelling corrections are included in this category.
What if my Aadhaar name was entered incorrectly by mistake?
If the Aadhaar name was entered incorrectly even though the enrolment or update document contained the correct name, it may be treated as a data-entry error. Adults require an Annexure B affidavit with PoI/PoR, while minors require an Annexure C affidavit with PoI/PoR.
What if my name is correct in English but wrong in the regional language?
The revised procedure covers this situation separately. The prescribed affidavit along with Proof of Identity (PoI) is required.
Is changing or removing a surname considered a major name change?
Not necessarily. Adding or removing a middle or last name is included among the changes treated as minor name changes, depending on the circumstances and applicable supporting documents.
Can I change my Aadhaar name after divorce?
Yes, the revised procedure specifically provides for name changes following marriage or divorce. The prescribed requirement is an Annexure D affidavit along with Proof of Identity (PoI).
Where should I submit the Aadhaar name-update request?
The supplied information states that the process involves visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre, submitting the applicable documents and completing the required verification.
Important Note
The documents required for an Aadhaar name update depend on the specific nature of the requested change. Applicants should therefore avoid submitting documents based only on someone else’s experience, because a spelling correction, marriage-related surname change, data-entry error and major name change can fall under different categories.
UIDAI may verify the authenticity of the supporting documents, affidavits and Gazette Notification submitted with an update request.
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