New rules for changing Aadhaar card name and address: UIDAI’s new SOP, affidavit and online process

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has implemented important amendments to its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to make the system of updating name and address in Aadhaar card more transparent, secure and systematic. To prevent misuse and unauthorized changes of fake identity cards, UIDAI has divided the name correction processes into clear categories. Now the full name cannot be changed by just giving a simple ID proof, but as per the nature of the change, prescribed affidavit and gazette notification has been made mandatory. At the same time, to make change of address easier, online and Head of Family (HoF) based processes have been strengthened with new guidelines. If you are also planning to modify your name or address in your Aadhaar, then it is very important to understand these new rules.

Under UIDAI’s revised SOP, name corrections have been categorized into Minor Changes, Data-Entry Error, Marital Status and Major Changes:

• Minor Name Corrections: Minor improvements include expanding or abbreviating name initials (e.g. T.R.D. Prasad to Tadi Rama Durga Prasad), adding or deleting middle names, changing the order of names (e.g. Diwakar Anand to Anand Diwakar) and correcting minor spelling mistakes. For this, the applicant has to submit only a valid identity proof (Proof of Identity – PoI).

• Changing surname after marriage or divorce: Prescribed affidavit for change of surname after marriage or divorce.Annexure DIt is mandatory to attach Proof of Identity (PoI) or Marriage Registration Certificate.

• Correction of data-entry errors: If the document was correct at the time of enrollment but the name was entered incorrectly due to operator error, then for adults Annexure B Affidavit and by guardian for minors Annexure C The previously submitted documents are matched with the affidavit.

• Removing aliases: Adults to remove ‘Alias’ from name Annexure E and for children Annexure F Valid PoI has to be given along with the affidavit.

• Major/Full Name Change: If a person changes his first name completely or makes extensive changes in identity, the ordinary identity card will not be valid. For this, the central or state government Official Gazette Notification And it is mandatory to present the old identity card with the name already registered in Aadhaar.

• Undocumented fixes: No documentation is required to remove capital letters at wrong places in the name (Random Capitalization like changing ‘RaMesh’ to ‘Ramesh’) or unnecessary dots/full stops.

Under UIDAI rules, a citizen can keep his/her name in the Aadhaar card for maximum number of years in his/her lifetime. two (2) times Can update only.

• If this prescribed limit of any citizen has expired and he has to correct his name again due to unavoidable reasons, then this application will not be accepted from the General Aadhaar Centre.

• For this, under the ‘Exception Handling Process’ of UIDAI, one has to apply for special permission, gazette copy and valid reasons from the concerned Regional Office.

Citizens do not need to visit the center for change of address; This can be done completely online through ‘My Aadhaar’ portal. There are two main paths to address modification:

• Document-based Update: The applicant must have a valid Proof of Address (PoA) in his/her name—such as electricity bill, water bill, bank passbook/statement (latest 3 months), ration card, passport, voter ID, or registered rent agreement.

• Head of Family (HoF) based updates: If there is no independent address certificate in the name of a person (like wife, child or elderly parents), they can get their address updated based on the address of the Head of Family. For this, a document showing the relationship between the two (Proof of Relationship – PoR such as ration card, marriage certificate, or birth certificate) is necessary. The address is automatically updated after the head of the family gives OTP based consent.

For Name Correction (Offline Aadhar Seva Kendra Mandatory):

1. UIDAI official website (uidai.gov.in) and book a slot for the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra through the ‘Book an Appointment’ option (walk-in is also valid).

2. Fill the Aadhaar Correction Form and write the name in block letters.

3. Submit required original documents (PoI, Affidavit or Gazette copy) as per category.

4. Complete the biometric verification and pay the prescribed demographic fee (approximately ₹50 to ₹75).

5. Obtain an Acknowledgment Slip from the operator, on which the 14 digit Update Request Number (URN) is recorded. To change address (online myAadhaar portal):

6. myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in Go to the portal and click on ‘Login’ option.

7. Enter your details and captcha and log in through the OTP received on the registered mobile number.

8. on the dashboard ‘Address Update’ Select the option.

9. If own document then select ‘Update Address Online’; If you want to change on the basis of Head of Family then select ‘Head of Family (HoF) based’ option.

10. Enter the new address carefully and upload a clear scanned copy of the relevant PoA document (in PDF or JPEG format).

11. Pay the portal fee of ₹50 online and download the URN receipt.

After submitting the update request, the backend team of UIDAI checks the authenticity of the documents. Usually name and address correction is completed within 3 to 7 working days. Citizens can check the application status through their URN number by going to ‘Check Enrollment & Update Status’ on the myAadhaar portal. Once the request is approved, e-Aadhaar can be immediately downloaded digitally or a new PVC card can be ordered by post directly to your address by paying a fee of ₹ 50.