New Aadhaar name change rules from 18 September 2026: documents you need
UIDAI's new rules from 18 September 2026 for fixing your name in Aadhaar: which changes need only ID proof, an affidavit or a Gazette notice.
UIDAI issued a new process for changing your name in Aadhaar on 18 September 2026. Its circulars page lists the new standard operating procedure as uploaded that day. It sets different documents for small fixes and big changes, as reported by Business Standard and The Statesman.
This matters for your money. Banks, EPFO and the Income Tax Department match your name across Aadhaar, PAN and your accounts. A mismatch can hold up KYC, PAN and Aadhaar linking, or an EPF claim.
How your name must be written
- In English block letters.
- No titles such as Shri, Dr or Prof, no military ranks or awards.
- No aliases or "urf" (two names joined), and no dots or special characters.
Which documents you need
- Small fix (expanding or shortening initials, adding or removing a middle or last name, changing the order, a small spelling fix): a valid identity proof. Children under 18 can use a proof of relationship.
- Typing mistake in your Aadhaar record (the document you gave earlier had the right name): an affidavit in UIDAI's format plus an identity proof.
- Name wrong only in the regional language (English name correct): an identity proof, as reported by The Statesman.
- Surname change after marriage or divorce: an affidavit in UIDAI's format plus an identity proof.
- Removing an alias or "urf" name: an affidavit plus an identity proof.
- Removing extra capital letters or dots: no document.
- A completely new name: a Gazette notification plus an identity proof. Without the Gazette notification, the request can be rejected.
Limits and fees
The Statesman reports that a name can generally be updated only twice, with any further request going through a separate exception process. It also reports that an update at an Aadhaar centre costs ₹75 and that you get a number to track your request online. UIDAI will check documents, affidavits and Gazette notifications more strictly, the paper says.
What to do
- Check that your name is the same on Aadhaar, PAN, your bank account and your EPF account.
- If it is not, pick the record that is wrong and fix that one first.
- Carry the right document for your type of change to the Aadhaar centre.
Sources: UIDAI: circulars, SOP for updating name in Aadhaar, uploaded 18 September 2026, Business Standard: Aadhaar name change rules revised, The Statesman: UIDAI issues new SOP for Aadhaar name changes, Business Today: which Aadhaar name corrections need an affidavit.
Rules, rates and limits change. Check the official source linked above before you rely on a figure here. Posts never contain referral or affiliate links from the writer.
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