Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.If you want to correct a spelling mistake in your Aadhaar card, change your surname after marriage or divorce, or replace your entire name, the documents required will depend on the type of change. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues Aadhaar cards, has introduced revised rules for name corrections and changes.
Under the new rules, applicants must submit specific documents for different categories of changes. A single document will not be sufficient for every request. UIDAI will also scrutinise submitted documents to prevent fraud and ensure that name changes are supported by valid records.
Five Categories Of Aadhaar Name Changes Explained
The rules classify name changes into five categories, with different documentary requirements for each.
- Minor spelling corrections and changes to the middle or surname require valid identification.
- Corrections caused by data-entry errors need the prescribed affidavit and supporting documents.
- Surname changes after marriage or divorce require additional proof.
- Certain formatting corrections can be made without documents.
- Complete name changes require a government Gazette notification.
Minor Corrections Require One Valid Identity Proof
Minor changes include correcting spelling mistakes, adding or removing a middle or surname, and changing the order of names. For example, changing “Ram” to “Rama” falls under this category. Applicants need to submit one valid identity document. For children below 18, proof of relationship based on the Aadhaar details of the head of the family is also acceptable.
Data-Entry Errors Need Prescribed Affidavits
If the original documents were correct but an operator entered the name incorrectly, applicants must submit an affidavit to rectify the error. Adults must submit Annexure B, while children must provide Annexure C, along with identity or relationship proof, as applicable. The corrected name must match the previously submitted documents. A mismatch could lead to rejection of the request.
Marriage And Divorce Require Additional Proof
Applicants seeking to change their surname after marriage or divorce must provide identity proof and an affidavit under Annexure D. The affidavit must clarify that the change is being made because of the marriage or divorce.
A registered marriage certificate is an alternative document. Applicants changing their names following a gender change must also provide identity proof.
Formatting Corrections Need No Supporting Documents
Certain corrections do not require documentary evidence. These include correcting random capitalisation, such as changing “RaMesh” to “Ramesh”, and removing dots from a name.
However, applicants choosing between names containing “alias” or “urf” must submit an affidavit. Adults need Annexure E, while children require Annexure F.
UIDAI does not permit military ranks or official designations to be added to Aadhaar names.
Full Name Changes Require Gazette Notification
A complete name change, or a change that alters a person's identity, is classified as a major name change. Applicants must submit a Gazette notification issued by the Central or a state government, along with identity proof. UIDAI will compare the new name with its existing records and verify the documents before updating Aadhaar details.
Applicants should therefore identify the correct category of change and arrange the required documents before submitting their requests.
