Aadhaar Name Change New Rules: Big change in the rules for changing name in Aadhaar card, from minor improvements to gazette notification. – ..

by


The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has made important amendments to its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to make the process of name correction and change in Aadhaar card secure, transparent and systematic. In the past, due to lack of clear classification regarding small changes in name or major amendments, many times applicants’ forms were rejected or security risks were created. Now UIDAI has divided the name correction process into two clear categories—’Minor Change’ and ‘Major Change’. Along with this, it has also been made clear that due to demographic security, it is now mandatory to appear in person at the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Enrollment Center for name correction.

As per UIDAI rules, a citizen can retain his name on Aadhaar card only during his lifetime. 2 times Can update only. If a person has exceeded this limit and still it is mandatory to change the name, then for this, special permission from the Regional Office of UIDAI, valid reason and extraordinary procedure has to be adopted through Central Gazette Notification. Therefore, while making name correction, it is important to check all the documents with full caution.

If there is only a spelling mistake in your name or there is no major change in your identity, then it will be considered as a minor change. This includes the following changes:

  • Minor spelling errors in the name (e.g. phonetic correction in English).

  • Write the full abbreviation of the name or abbreviate the full name.

  • Adding or removing middle name or surname.

  • Changes in the order of names (such as changing the place of first name and surname).

  • Required Documents: There is no need of any gazette for this. The applicant only has to submit a valid Government recognized Certificate of Identity (Proof of Identity – PoI) which has the correct name mentioned on it.

Adding husband’s surname by women after marriage or re-registering old name after divorce comes under a separate category:

  • Required Documents: Marriage Certificate or legal divorce decree order issued by the competent authority. Along with this, an affidavit in the prescribed format and old identity card have to be attached.

If a person is completely changing his original name (First Name) or his personal identity is completely changing, then it will be considered as ‘Major Name Change’.

  • Gazette Notification Mandatory: Full name cannot be changed on the basis of ordinary voter ID or PAN card. For this, it is mandatory to submit a copy of the official gazette notification issued by the Central Government (The Gazette of India) or the concerned State Government.

  • Old Identity Proof: Along with the gazette notification, the identity card (Old PoI) with the old name already registered in Aadhaar will also have to be provided.

Under the new UIDAI rules, some common formatting corrections do not require any documentation:

  • Fixing unexpected capital letters in names.

  • Removing incorrectly placed full stops or dots (.) in the middle of the name.

  • Banned words: Adding ‘Alias’, military ranks, designations, honorary titles (like Doctor, Pandit, Colonel etc.) or special symbols in the Aadhaar card is not allowed. If ‘alias’ is already registered, then the prescribed affidavit has to be given to remove it.

For Minor Name Change, one of the following original documents should be a valid Proof of Identity (PoI) bearing a clear photograph and correct name of the applicant:

  1. Passport

  2. PAN Card (PAN Card / e-PAN)

  3. Voter ID Card

  4. Driving License

  5. Ration Card / PDS Photo Card

  6. Photo Service ID issued by Central/State Government or Public Undertaking (PSU)

  7. Marksheet or certificate (with photograph) issued from a government recognized board.

  8. Marriage Certificate – For name modification after marriage

  9. Government Gazette Notification — Mandatory for full name change

Follow the following steps to complete the process of name modification in Aadhaar:

  1. Book an Appointment: To save time, book a slot at your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra by visiting the official portal of UIDAI (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in). (Direct walk-in facility is also available).

  2. Carry original documents: According to the category in which the name is to be changed (Minor or Major), go to the center with your original documents.

  3. Form Fill and Biometric Verification: Fill the Aadhaar amendment form at the centre, where the documents will be scanned by the operator and biometric authentication will be completed through fingerprint/iris.

  4. fee payment: Pay the prescribed government fee of ₹ 50 to ₹ 75 for demographic update correction.

  5. Acknowledgment Receipt (URN): Upon completion of the process, receive a receipt from the operator containing the Update Request Number (URN). With the help of this URN number, the status of your name correction can be tracked on the portal. Generally within 7 to 15 working days the details are verified and the new e-Aadhaar becomes available online.

Leave a Comment