Aadhaar Name Change: Documents Requirement & Guide

Changing your name on your Aadhaar card is not rocket science. But if you don’t do it right, it can be as frustrating as trying to find a working ATM on a bank holiday. Whether you got married, changed your name for numerology, or just want to correct a spelling mistake, this blog will show you how to update your name on Aadhaar step-by-step. Here we will focus on the Aadhaar name change process.

Why Would You Need to Change Your Name on Aadhaar?

Here are the most common reasons:

• You recently got married and adopted your spouse’s surname (mostly for women).
• Your name is spelled wrong (example: “Ramesh” printed as “Rameesh”).
• You legally changed your name for personal or religious reasons.
• Numerology or astrology told you to add an extra “A” in your name.
• You’re a trader and want your PAN and Aadhaar to match perfectly (important for KYC on stock trading apps).

Documents Required for Aadhaar Name Change

UIDAI accepts official proof-of-identity (PoI) documents to update your name. Here’s a list of some of the most accepted documents:

• PAN
• Passport
• Ration Card/ PDS Card
• Pensioner Card
• Voter ID
• Driving License 
• CGHS/ ESIC/ ECHS/ Medi-Claim Card with photo issued by the state/ PSUs/ Central Government
• Government-issued marriage certificate with photograph
• Disability Card

Aadhaar Card Name Change Form

You don’t need to fill out a physical form if you're updating online. But if you’re going to a center, they’ll give you a printed form like this:

• Name
• Aadhaar Number
• New Name (as you want it to appear)
• Reason for change
• Signature + supporting document

Example: If your name was Surbhi Sharma, and you want it changed to Surbhi Jha after marriage, you'll write that clearly and attach your marriage certificate.

How to Change Name on Aadhaar Card?

Here are the steps to change the name on your Aadhaar card, as you cannot change your name online, so here are the steps,

1. Visit the Official website of UIDAI.

2. Download the Aadhaar Enrolment and Update form.

3. Go to the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

4. Now fill in the important information and provide this form to the executive.

5. Then submit the original proof of identity document to the executive.

6. Submit the fee of INR 50 to update your name.

Here you will receive an acknowledgement slip containing an updated URN, so by using this updated request number, you can check your update status of your Aadhaar.

Also, Check - UAN Activation: A Complete Guide For Employees

Aadhaar Name Change After Marriage

This is super common. If you're changing your surname (like “Priya Mehta” to “Priya Kapoor”), here's what you need:

• Marriage Certificate (preferred)
• Gazette Notification (if the marriage certificate isn’t available)
• Joint photo ID with spouse (like a passport)

You’ll follow the offline method, because most Aadhaar Seva Kendras want to verify this in person.

Can You Change Your Name Without Proof?

No. You can’t just wake up and change your name on Aadhaar like Instagram. UIDAI needs valid documents. If you have no document at all, you’ll first need to:

• Get a legal affidavit
• Get it published in the Gazette of India
• Use that gazette copy as proof

Warning: Don’t try fake documents. Your Aadhaar might get suspended.

Aadhaar Name Change Status Check

After applying, you’ll get a URN (Update Request Number). Use it like a tracking number. Steps to check status:

1. Go to the UIDAI Website
2. Click on ‘My Aadhaar’ From the top menu, select ‘My Aadhaar’, then choose ‘Check Aadhaar Update Status’.This is where you track your URN.
3. Enter URN, select ‘Update Request Number (URN)’.
4. Enter your 14-digit URN (you got this when you applied).
5. Type the captcha code shown on the screen.
6. Click ‘Submit’.
7. Once you click ‘Submit’, the website will show your status: Approved / Rejected / In Progress.

If Rejected?

• Usually due to blurry or incorrect documents.
• Just re-upload with a better document and make sure names match exactly.

How to Download Aadhaar After Name Change?

Once your name is updated and approved, you can download the new Aadhaar PDF easily.

1. Visit the UIDAI Website.
2. Hover or tap on the "My Aadhaar" menu.
3. Click on 'Download Aadhaar'
4. Under the ‘Get Aadhaar’ section, click on ‘Download Aadhaar’. It might also be listed as ‘e-Aadhaar download’.
5. Select Identification Option, now choose how you want to identify yourself: Aadhaar Number (12-digit), easiest and most common, or you can use Enrolment ID or VID (Virtual ID) if available, enter the number, then solve the Captcha (those weird letters you type in a box).
6. Click on ‘Send OTP’, now you’ll get a One-Time Password (OTP) on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
7. Enter OTP & Download Aadhaar.
8. Click on ‘Verify and Download’

Your e-Aadhaar PDF will be downloaded!

Password to open the PDF? It’s the first 4 letters of your name in CAPS + your birth year. Example: RAJU1993

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing your name on Aadhaar is not complicated, but you must follow the rules.

• Use valid documents.
• Follow the correct method.
• Be patient while it gets updated.

Remember, if your Aadhaar name doesn’t match your PAN or bank account, you might face issues in IPOs, stock trading, UPI, and more. So update it now and save headaches later. We hope our blog on Aadhaar name change documents is helpful.