Aadhar Card Name Change Rules 2026: SOP, Documents, ₹75 Fee and New UIDAI Services

New SOP for Aadhar Card Name Updates (Effective Sept 2026)

The SOP came into force on 18 September 2026 (source). It divides name‑change requests into:

• Minor spelling corrections (e.g., fixing a typo, adding/removing a middle name)
• Marriage or divorce‑related surname changes
• Major name changes not tied to a marital event, which require a Gazette notification

Document Requirements for Each Category

For minor corrections, applicants need an Annexure B affidavit, proof of identity and, if necessary, proof of relationship. No Gazette notification is required.

For marriage‑ or divorce‑related surname changes, an Annexure D affidavit, a marriage certificate or divorce decree, and proof of identity must be submitted. A Gazette is needed only when the change is unrelated to the marital event.

Major name changes (e.g., completely new name) demand a Gazette notification along with the appropriate affidavit and identity proof.

Fee Structure and Process Steps

UIDAI charges a uniform fee of ₹75 for any demographic update—including name, address, mobile number or email—payable at the enrolment centre (source). After submitting the form and documents, biometric verification (fingerprint or iris) is mandatory. The centre issues an Update Request Number (URN) that tracks the status of the request.

Note that after two routine updates, further name alterations follow a special process and may require direct UIDAI involvement, including Gazette submission for major changes.

Recent UIDAI Reforms Linked to the SOP

Parallel to the name‑change SOP, UIDAI has launched:

• Face‑authentication for ration distribution, allowing beneficiaries to verify identity via a scan at fair‑price shops.
• A token‑based queue system at Aadhaar centres to reduce crowding and waiting time.
• Simplified Aadhaar linking for small institutions.
• The SWIK 2.0 portal for NGOs and service‑oriented organisations to obtain authentication approvals quickly.
• An upgraded multilingual website with accessibility features such as screen‑reader support and high‑contrast fonts.

Important Cautions and Tracking Your Request

Ensure affidavits are self‑attested and match the exact Annexure format (B or D) specified in the SOP; otherwise the request may be rejected. Keep the URN safe—it is the only way to check progress. Submitting false information or forged documents can attract penalties under the Aadhaar Act.