Updating your name in Aadhaar is no longer a casual correction process. With rising concerns over identity misuse and document mismatches, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has tightened its rules for Aadhaar name changes. Even a small error or mismatch in your Aadhaar details can create serious problems, from PAN linking issues to bank account verification failures and denial of government benefits.
To address these concerns, UIDAI has introduced stricter documentation requirements, including mandatory Gazette Notification in specific cases. Understanding these updated rules is essential before initiating a name change request.
Not all name updates require a Gazette Notification. UIDAI clearly differentiates between minor corrections and major name changes.
A Gazette Notification is not required in cases such as:
Minor spelling mistakes
Small typographical corrections
Adjustments due to clerical errors
However, a Gazette Notification becomes mandatory if you are:
Changing your full first name
Modifying or replacing your surname
Adopting a new name after marriage
Making any major alteration that changes your identity
This requirement ensures that the name change is legally recognised across all government and financial records, preventing duplication or identity fraud.
The updated Aadhaar name change process follows a structured legal route:
The first step is creating a notarised affidavit stating your old name, new name, and the reason for the change. This document acts as the foundation of your legal identity update.
You must publish your name change notice in:
One English newspaper
One regional language newspaper
These advertisements serve as public declarations of your name change.
Submit your affidavit, newspaper copies, identity proof, photographs, and application form to the Department of Publication, Government of India. Once approved, your name change will be officially published in the Gazette.
After Gazette publication, your new name becomes legally valid. You can then update your Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank records, and other official documents using the Gazette copy as proof.
Failing to follow the prescribed process can result in rejection of your Aadhaar update request. For example, submitting a major name change application at an Aadhaar centre without a Gazette Notification will likely be refused.
Such inconsistencies may lead to:
PAN and Aadhaar linking failures
Banking and KYC issues
Problems accessing government schemes
Delays in passport or document verification
Following the official process ensures uniformity across all identity records.
Many applicants assume UIDAI directly handles Gazette publications, but this is incorrect. Gazette notifications are issued only by the Department of Publication under the central government. Once your name is published, it holds nationwide legal validity and cannot be rejected by any institution.
Completing the formal process is the safest and most reliable way to update your identity.
