Aadhaar Name Change in 2026: Complete Guide to Rules, New Aadhaar App, Limits, and Legal Exceptions

Quick Answer: How to Change Name in Aadhaar (Step-by-Step)

To change your name in Aadhaar in 2026, visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, submit valid identity proof, complete biometric verification, and pay the update fee. You can update your name only twice in a lifetime; further changes require UIDAI Regional Office approval with a Gazette notification.

Short Summary of Aadhaar Name Correction Process

• Locate a Centre: Visit the UIDAI official website to locate the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or search on Google Maps “Aadhaar Seva Kendra Near Me”.
• Fill the Form: Download and fill out the Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Form (available online or at the centre).
• Submit Proof: Provide a valid Proof of Identity (PoI) document that shows your correct name (e.g., Passport, PAN Card, Marriage Certificate, or gazette notification).
• Biometric Verification: An executive will verify your biometrics (fingerprints or iris scan) to authorise the change.
• Pay the Fee: Fee may vary based on UIDAI updates or state.
• Track Status: Collect the Acknowledgement Slip containing your 14-digit Update Request Number (URN) to track the status online.

Accepted Documents for Name Change in Aadhaar in 2026

• Proof of Identity: PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License.
• For Marriage: Original Marriage Certificate.
• For Legal Name Change: Gazette Notification and a copy of an old ID.

Note: You can only change your name on Aadhaar twice in your lifetime. For any changes beyond this limit, you must visit a UIDAI Regional Office for exception handling.

Introduction: Updating Name on Aadhaar Card in 2026

If you are someone who is struggling with an incorrect or mismatched name on your Aadhaar card in 2026, then you are at the right doorstep. In this updated guide on how to change name in Aadhaar card, I, your trusted Aadhaar name change consultant, will take you through the entire legal procedure of Aadhaar name correction. 

As of 2026, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) upgraded Aadhaar into a high-security, privacy-first digital identity ecosystem. Which means, your Aadhaar card is more secure than before. 

But more security means stricter rules. Which means, updating Aadhaar now involves strict limits, advanced verification technology, and strict legal procedures and formalities. 

This article is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to Aadhaar name change in 2026, covering:

• Standard Aadhaar name correction procedures,
• The New Aadhaar App and selective sharing technology,
• The UIDAI lifetime name change limit,
• The “Limit Exceeded” exception process,
• And the Gazette notification workflow required for legal name changes.

Quick Summary: Aadhaar Name Change Rules (2026)

• Maximum name updates allowed in Aadhaar: 2 (lifetime, standard process)
• Fee at Aadhaar Seva Kendra: ₹75 (May vary based on the type of Aadhaar update request and the state you are applying from)
• Free online POI/POA update deadline: 14 June 2026
• Third name change allowed? Yes, only via the UIDAI Regional Office exception
• Gazette notification required: Mandatory for limit-exceeded and full legal name changes
• Processing time: 7–30 working days (up to 90 days for exceptions)

Section 1: Understanding the 2026 Aadhaar Update System 

Updating your Aadhaar and keeping your Aadhaar details safe has become easier in 2026 thanks to the recent technological breakthroughs by the UIDAI. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest features available to you to keep your Aadhaar details updated and safe: 

The New Aadhaar App (Launched January 2026)

On January 28, 2026, the Government of India launched a new Aadhaar App that makes verifying your identity online easier, faster, and more secure than ever.

This new Aadhaar App has replaced the need for physical photocopies with “Selective Share” digital credentials, allowing Aadhaar users to disclose only the required identity attributes (such as name or photograph) without revealing the full 12-digit Aadhaar number.

Key Features of the New Aadhaar App (2026)

• In App Aadhaar Mobile Number Update: Many people often search for “how to change Aadhaar-linked mobile number” on Google.  Earlier, to update your registered Aadhaar number, you would have to visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra, but with this new Aadhaar App, you can easily update your Aadhaar-linked mobile number on your own without having to visit the Aadhaar Enrollment Centre. 

• Selective Data Sharing (Privacy-First): Earlier, you were required to share your complete details on Aadhaar card, such as your photo, name, address, 12-digit Aadhaar number, etc. But with this app, you can control what information you want to share. 

The new Aadhaar app allows you to generate a unique QR code that only shows your name and age (for a cinema) or just your address (for a delivery), hiding your Aadhaar number and other sensitive details.

The Aadhaar number masking features allow you to hide your 12-digit Aadhaar number, and verifiers only receive a digitally signed “credential”.

• One Family – One App: The new Aadhaar app allows you to manage up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device. This feature is specifically designed to help families where an elderly member or children might not have their own personal device. 

• Advanced Security Features: The new app consists of advanced security features, including “Face ID Authentication”. This feature uses your phone’s camera for “Face RD” (Registered Device) service, allowing Aadhaar users to verify their identity for services without needing a fingerprint scanner. 

• One Tap Biometric Lock: On this new Aadhaar App, you can lock your biometrics with one single tap to prevent the unauthorised use of your Aadhaar details.

• Authentication History: You can view a detailed log of exactly when and where your Aadhaar was used for verification.

• Offline Aadhaar Verification on New Aadhaar App: One of the best things about this new Aadhaar app is that you can use it offline, even if you have no internet. Even if you have no internet, you can still show a secure, encrypted QR code to service providers, such as hotels or airports, who can verify your identity offline using their own Aadhaar scanner app. 

Comparison Summary Table: mAadhaar vs. New Aadhaar App

Feature	mAadhaar (Old)	New Aadhaar App (2026)
Mobile Number Update	Not available (Centre visit required)	Available in-app
Family Profiles	Up to 3	Up to 5
Verification Method	Mostly OTP/Biometric	Face ID & Offline QR
Data Sharing	Shared full digital card	Selective sharing (only what’s needed)

How Udai, the UIDAI Resident Companion, Simplifies Your Aadhaar?

Unveiled in January 2026, Udai (उदय) is the official resident-facing mascot of UIDAI. 

Selected through a national competition, Udai functions as your digital guide. 

Udai is integrated into the New Aadhaar App and the myAadhaar portal to humanise digital identity systems and strengthen public trust.

How Udai Helps You Manage Your Aadhaar Easily?

Here’s how Udai helps you manage your Aadhaar or Aadhaar-related queries, easily:

• Simplifies the Complex: Udai’s job is to explain technical Aadhaar rules (like how to update your phone number or use Face ID) in a way that is easy to understand.

• A Multi-Platform Helper: You will see Udai across the new Aadhaar App, the official website, and as a smart chatbot (Aadhaar Mitra) to answer your Aadhaar-related questions instantly.

• Promotes “Privacy-First”: The mascot is used in tutorials to teach people how to use “Selective Sharing,” so they don’t accidentally share too much of their personal data.

• Family-Focused: Udai is the face of the “One Family – One App” initiative, helping families manage up to five profiles on a single phone.

• Education & Support: Udai provides step-by-step guidance for offline verification, helping you use your digital ID at hotels, airports, or cinemas without needing a paper copy.

Everything You Need to Know Before Updating Your Aadhaar Name in 2026

Before you apply for Aadhaar card name change procedure, let’s understand the latest rules and guidelines by UIDAI in 2026: 

• Aadhaar name change limit: A resident can update their name on their Aadhaar card only twice in their lifetime under standard Aadhaar name change/correction procedures.

• Fee structure: As of early 2026, demographic updates (name, gender, DOB, address) cost ₹75 at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK). Even for updating your Aadhaar-linked mobile number through the new Aadhaar app, you will be charged ₹75.

• Free online document update: Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of Address (POA) updates are free on the myAadhaar portal until 14 June 2026. 

Section 2: Step-by-Step Guide for Standard Aadhaar Name Correction Procedure 

This Aadhaar name update or correction process applies only to people who haven’t exhausted their Aadhaar name update limit (twice in a lifetime). 

Step 1: What Documents Do I Need to Change My Name on Aadhaar? (2026 Updated list)

To change or correct your name on your Aadhaar card, you will require a valid identity proof. 

Accepted POI Documents for Aadhaar Name Change (2026)

Given below is the list of documents that are legally accepted for Aadhaar name change: 

• Indian Passport
• PAN / e-PAN Card
• Voter ID / e-Voter ID (online verifiable)
• Driving License (RTO-issued with photo)
• Marriage Certificate (for surname change after marriage)
• Gazette Notification (mandatory for full legal name change)

Step 2: How to Book an Aadhaar Appointment Online and Skip the Queue?

To book your Aadhaar update appointment online to avoid facing long queues, follow these steps: 

• Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in or open the New Aadhaar App.
• Log in using Aadhaar number and OTP.
• Select “Book an Appointment”.
• Choose the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK).
• Enter the updated name exactly as per the POI (such as PAN card, Voter ID, Marriage certificate, gazette notification, etc.).
• Select appointment date and time.
• Pay the ₹75 fee online or at the centre.

Step 3: What to Expect at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) in 2026?

• Present original POI documents (photocopies are not accepted).
• The operator verifies document authenticity.
• Biometric authentication is completed using fingerprints or an iris scan and a live photograph.
• Collect the acknowledgement slip containing your Update Request Number (URN).

Step 4: How to Check Your Aadhaar Name Change Status in 2026?

To track the status of your Aadhaar name update, you can use your URN (Unique Request Number) on the official UIDAI portal. 

Given below are some other related details: 

• Normal Aadhaar name correction processing time: 7–30 working days
• Maximum UIDAI timeline: up to 90 working days
• Track status using URN on the UIDAI portal.
• Download updated e-Aadhaar, which is legally equivalent to a physical Aadhaar card.

Section 3: Aadhaar Name Change Limit Exceeded? How to Get a Third Update in 2026

If you have already changed your Aadhaar name twice, any standard request for name change in Aadhaar will be automatically rejected.

In 2026, the only method to change your name after limit exceeded is through Exception Handling by a UIDAI Regional Office (RO).

Role of the UIDAI Regional Office in Aadhaar Name Updates (2026)

Your local Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrollment Centres cannot approve an exception or limit-exceeding Aadhaar name change request. For exceptional cases, you will require manual approval from the Regional office that has jurisdiction over your state. 

Aadhaar Exception Request: Required Documents for Your Third Name Change

Given below is the updated list of the documents that you will need to update your name on your Aadhaar after exceeding your Aadhaar name update limit: 

• Gazette Notification (mandatory and non-negotiable)
• Rejection slip showing “Limit Exceeded”
• Self-declaration form explaining the necessity of a third name update
• Old POI document reflecting the name currently in the Aadhaar database

Step-by-Step: How Your Aadhaar Exception Request is Approved

Follow these steps to learn how your Aadhaar exception request is approved:

• Step 1: Get Your “Rejection Slip”: Go to a local Aadhaar centre and try to update your name. It will be rejected because of the limit, but this gives you a special receipt (EID/URN) that you need for the next step.

• Step 2: Send an Email: Send an email to help@uidai.gov.in or your specific Regional Office to explain your situation for the need of Aadhaar name change for the third time.

• Step 3: Attach Your Proof: Make sure to attach your URN receipt, the rejection slip, your Gazette notification, a signed note (self-declaration), and a copy of your valid ID proof.

• Step 4: The Background Check: The UIDAI might send someone to your house or call you to double-check to verify your details.

• Step 5: The Final Approval: Once they are satisfied, an officer will manually “unlock” your account to fix your name. This usually takes about 3 months (90 days) to process.

Section 4: How to Get a Gazette Notification for Your Aadhaar Name Update (2026)

For Aadhaar name change limit-exceeded cases or complete legal name changes, a Gazette notification is mandatory. The Gazette notification is an official notification published by the government of India that ensures your new or updated name is legally valid and recognised by the government and private authorities, such as the Passport Office, Bank, etc.

Here’s how you can get your name published in the official gazette of India to update your name on your Aadhaar card even after exceeding Aadhaar name change limit: 

Step 1: The Affidavit: First, you will need to visit a local notary to prepare an affidavit of name change, declaring your old (incorrect) name, new (corrected) name, and reason for the name change. 

Also, do not forget to get the affidavit notarised by a certified notary or a first-class magistrate. 

Step 2: Newspaper Ads: For a legal name change in India and to apply for gazette notification, you will need to publish a name change advertisement in two local or national newspapers (one in a daily English newspaper and one in a local or regional language newspaper) to announce your name in public notice. 

Step 3: The Digital File: Once you have prepared the affidavit and published the name change ad, you will be required to prepare a CD or a pen drive containing your old name, father’s/husband’s name, full residential address, and your new name.

Step 4: Government Submission: After you have prepared your gazette name change file including gazette name change application form, affidavit, newspaper ad copy, identity and address and other additional documents (marriage certificate, if required), you will be required to send your documents and a small fee (via the Bharat Kosh portal) to the Department of Publication in Delhi.

Step 5: Download the Gazette Notification: Once approved by the gazette officials, after 30–60 working days, your name change will be published in the e-Gazette. You can simply download the PDF from the official e-Gazette website and use it as your official proof of your legal name change at any Aadhaar centre.

Section 5: The Importance of Name Consistency Across All Digital IDs in 2026

In 2026, Aadhaar name accuracy affects multiple systems.

PAN–Aadhaar Linking

Mismatch may result in:

• PAN deactivation
• income tax filing failures
• blocked financial transactions

Banking and Passport Records

• Bank KYC: Aadhaar name mismatch can freeze accounts or stop DBT credits.
• Passport: Name discrepancies can delay passport issuance, visa processing, or immigration clearance.

Common Reasons Aadhaar Name Update Requests Are Rejected (2026)

Many people in India face rejection when applying for name change or name correction in their Aadhaar card despite following the official Aadhaar name change/correction procedure. Here are some of the most common reasons why your Aadhaar name update requests are rejected: 

Most Common Causes of Aadhaar Name Update Rejection

• Mismatch between POI and entered name: Even a minor spelling mistake, spacing issue or use of initials instead of a full name can lead to rejection. To avoid that, you must enter your name correctly, exactly as mentioned in the supporting identity proof documents. 

• Use of abbreviations or honorifics: Titles such as Mr., Mrs., Dr., Late, or initials are not accepted as part of the Aadhaar name. So make sure you do not use such titles when applying for the Aadhaar name update procedure. 

• Incorrect order of name components: First name, middle name, and surname must appear exactly in the same order as on the POI document.

• Photocopies instead of original documents: Aadhaar Seva Kendras accept only original POI documents for verification. So make sure to carry the original copies of identity proof documents. 

• Unverifiable or outdated POI: Documents that cannot be verified digitally or are issued by non-authoritative bodies may be rejected.

• Lifetime name change limit exceeded: Any attempt after two successful updates is automatically rejected unless processed through a Regional Office exception.

• Biometric authentication failure: Poor fingerprint quality or Face ID mismatch may invalidate the request.

Aadhaar Name Correction vs Aadhaar Name Change: Key Differences

Many people confuse name correction with name change, but UIDAI treats them differently in both their intent and scrutiny. 

Many people confuse name correction with name change, but UIDAI considers them different and reviews them differently. Here’s the key difference between Aadhaar name correction and Aadhaar name change: 

Aadhaar Name Correction

Here’s what an Aadhaar name correction looks like: 

• Used for minor spelling errors or typographical mistakes.
• Example: “Rahul Sharm” → “Rahul Sharma”
• Requires a POI reflecting the correct spelling.
• Counts toward the two-update lifetime limit.
• Does not always require Gazette notification.

Aadhaar Name Change

Here’s what an Aahdaar name change looks like:

• Used for substantial or legal changes to the name.
• Examples:
  • Change of surname after marriage
  • Complete legal name change
  • Change due to religion or identity reasons
• Requires strong legal proof.
• Gazette notification is mandatory in most cases.
• Also counts toward the two-update lifetime limit.

Why Does This Difference Matter in 2026? 

UIDAI no longer separates “minor” and “major” changes. Each successful update uses one of the two lifetime chances, so maintaining accurate details on your Aadhaar card is very important.

Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) vs UIDAI Regional Office (RO)

Let’s understand the difference between Aadhaar Seva Kendras and UIDAI Regional Offices and why it is important, especially for exception Aadhaar name update cases: 

Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK)

Aadhaar Sefa Kendra (ASK) is where the residents can get their work done directly. Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) is a place that interacts directly with people and provides services like Aadhaar applications, updates, or document submission on behalf of an authority. 

Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) Role

• Front-end service centre for residents.
• Handles:
  • standard name updates,
  • biometric authentication,
  • document verification,
  • URN generation.
• Operates under automated system limits.
• Cannot override name update limits.

UIDAI Regional Office (RO)

UIDAI Regional Office (RO) manually checks and approves Aadhaar-related requests. 

The UIDAI Regional Office (RO) is the authority that reviews certain Aadhaar update requests, such as name and date of birth changes and gives final approval after manual verification instead of automatic processing. 

UIDAI Regional Office (RO) 

• Supervisory authority with manual approval powers.
• Handles:
  • limit-exceeded cases,
  • exceptional legal scenarios,
  • system overrides.
• Requires:
  • Gazette notification,
  • rejection-proof,
  • self-declaration,
  • possible field verification.
• Approval timelines are longer (up to 90 days).

Key Insight for Residents

If your Aadhaar name update request is rejected due to “Limit Exceeded”, returning to an ASK will not help. Only a Regional Office exception request can resolve it.

Offline vs Online Aadhaar Update Limitations (2026)

While Aadhaar has moved toward digital-first services, name updates still have strict offline requirements.

Online Aadhaar Update Capabilities

Here are the details that you can update on your Aadhaar card online without having to visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra:

• Update:
  • Proof of Identity documents
  • Proof of Address documents
• Free until 14 June 2026.
• No biometric authentication required.
• Cannot directly change the Aadhaar name.

Offline Aadhaar Update Requirements

Details that cannot be done online and requires offline visit to Aadhaar Seva Kendra are mentioned below: 

• Mandatory for:
  • name change,
  • biometric verification,
  • limit-exceeded attempts.
• Requires physical visit to ASK.
• Biometric authentication is compulsory.
• Fee of ₹75 applies.

Why Name Changes Remain Offline?

UIDAI mandates physical verification for name updates to:

• Prevent identity fraud,
• Ensure biometric integrity,
• Maintain legal defensibility of Aadhaar data.

Final Advice for Aadhaar Name Change in 2026

• Verify spelling before submission—mistakes are costly.
• Carry original documents only.
• Preserve URNs, receipts, and Gazette copies permanently.
• Use Udai chatbot on the myAadhaar portal for clarification.

Disclaimer

This guide reflects UIDAI rules and procedures applicable in early 2026 and may change based on future UIDAI circulars or government notifications.