The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced new guidelines to prevent the misuse of Aadhaar services by restricting arbitrary name changes and curbing fraud through fake documents. Aadhaar Card New Rules: Separate Documents Mandatory for Name and Address Updates.
The revised rules, which have been in effect since September, classify different types of name corrections into separate categories, with each requiring specific supporting documents.
For minor corrections such as spelling mistakes, adding or expanding initials, or correcting a surname, applicants must submit a valid identity proof such as a Passport, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving Licence.
Women seeking to add their husband’s surname after marriage or change their name following a divorce must submit a marriage registration certificate along with an affidavit in the prescribed format specified by UIDAI.
Similarly, if the English version of a person’s name in Aadhaar is correct but contains errors in the regional language, such as Kannada, the correction can be made only by submitting the prescribed supporting certificate.
The new rules make it significantly more difficult to completely change an individual’s original name. Applicants requesting a full name change must now provide an official Gazette notification issued by the Central or State Government, along with a copy of the newspaper in which the new name has been officially published.
At present, only address updates can be completed online. For any name correction, applicants must visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra in person, complete biometric verification, and pay the prescribed fee of Rs 75.
Importantly, UIDAI permits an individual to change their name only twice during their lifetime. Therefore, applicants are advised to exercise caution before requesting any name change in their Aadhaar records.
