The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has actually provided a modified Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for upgrading the name of an Aadhaar number holder. The modified treatment changes the earlier procedure for name updates under the exception dealing with procedure.
The brand-new SOP sets out the various circumstances in which a name can be upgraded in Aadhaar and the files needed for each kind of demand.
According to a UIDAI circular provided on September 18, 2026, “In supersession of the name upgrade procedure as explained in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of Name & & Gender Update Request under Exception Handling Process released vide F.no. HQ 16022/2/2020-EU-I-HQ-Part( 1) on October 28, 2021, a modified SOP (together with Annexures) is being released to be followed for performing the upgrade of name in Aadhaar by an Aadhaar number holder.”
What does the Aadhaar name upgrade SOP state?
At the time of Aadhaar enrolment, information such as name, date of birth, gender and address are tape-recorded based upon the files sent by the Aadhaar number holder.
The name in Aadhaar is tape-recorded in block letters. Alias or ‘urf’, prefixes, military ranks, classifications, service information and awards or decors are not allowed in the name. Dots and other unique characters are likewise not enabled.
When can you upgrade your name in an Aadhaar card?
An Aadhaar number holder might require to remedy or upgrade the name tape-recorded in Aadhaar for numerous factors. The name upgrade demand needs to be supported by the appropriate files recommended under the brand-new Aadhaar guidelines.
The name will be upgraded according to the spelling, series, and abbreviation discussed in the file sent by the Aadhaar number holder.
The UIDAI has actually supplied a sign list of various scenarios in which a name upgrade might be asked for.
What are small name modifications in an Aadhaar card?
A small name modification usually includes a correction or adjustment that does not lead to a total modification of the individual’s identity.
The following circumstances are covered under small name modifications:
- Broadening an abbreviation in the name
- Abbreviating the name to initials
- Addition or removal of middle name(s)
- Addition or removal of the surname
- Modification in the series of the name
Small correction in the English spelling of the name, where the name stays phonetically comparable
The files needed will depend upon the nature of the correction and the appropriate case. Evidence of Identity (PoI)/ Applicable Proof of Relationship (PoR) in cases of the Head of Family (HoF)-based name upgrade for kids listed below 18 years of age can be kept convenient.
Information entry mistake in Aadhaar name
There might be a case when a name might likewise have actually been improperly gone into in Aadhaar despite the fact that the file sent at the time of enrolment or upgrade brought the right name.
For grownups, the files needed in such cases are:
Affidavit as recommended in Annexure B
Evidence of identity (PoI) or evidence of relationship (PoR)
For minors, the files needed are:
Affidavit as recommended in Annexure C
Evidence of identity (PoI) or relevant evidence of relationship (PoR)
What if the name is appropriate in English however incorrect in the local language?
There will be some cases where your English name in Aadhaar is right and in the local language, it is inaccurate. Such cases are likewise covered under the name upgrade procedure and can be remedied according to the relevant treatment. A file such as the PoI can be kept convenient.
Diplomatic immunities for Aadhaar name upgrade
The SOP likewise covers particular unique scenarios where a name requires to be customized. These consist of:
Modification of surname of a lady after marital relationship or divorce- a file such as an affidavit (Annexure D) and PoI need to be sent
Modification of name following a modification of gender- PoI must be sent
Head of Family (HoF)-based name upgrade for a kid- Applicable evidence of identity (PoI) must be sent
Dropping of ranks, classifications and other prefixes from the name- Applicable evidence of identity (PoI) ought to be sent
Correction of arbitrarily taking place uppercase in the name- No files needed.
Elimination of dots from the name- No files needed.
Elimination of ‘urf’ or ‘alias’ from a name taped in Aadhaar- Affidavit (Annexure E) & & Pol need to be sent
For names tape-recorded with ‘urf’ or ‘alias’, the upgrade includes eliminating these terms from the Aadhaar name.
What is a significant name modification in Aadhaar?
A significant name modification describes a total modification of name or a modification that totals up to a modification in the identity of the Aadhaar number holder.
Such a demand is accountable to be turned down if it is not supported by a gazette notice for the name modification.
For a significant name modification, the needed PoI file should be accompanied by the gazette alert connecting to the name modification.
The reliability of the files sent for the upgrade will likewise be validated. This consists of PoI, PoR, affidavits and gazette notices, any place relevant.