India’s Aadhaar card has become one of the most essential identity documents for residents across the country. From opening bank accounts and applying for government schemes to school admissions and mobile connections, Aadhaar is widely used for identity verification. However, many people often notice mistakes in their Aadhaar details such as incorrect name spelling, wrong date of birth, or outdated address.
To maintain the authenticity and security of Aadhaar data, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has established clear rules regarding how many times certain details can be updated. These guidelines help prevent misuse while allowing citizens to correct genuine errors in their Aadhaar records.
Below is a detailed explanation of the current Aadhaar update rules, including the limits on changing your name, date of birth, gender, and address.
According to UIDAI guidelines, Aadhaar holders can change or correct their name only twice during their lifetime. This rule applies to common situations such as correcting spelling mistakes or updating a surname after marriage.
For example, if someone initially had a spelling error in their name and later wished to add a spouse’s surname after marriage, both updates would count toward the two permitted corrections.
If a person needs to change their name for the third time, special approval from the regional UIDAI office is required. In such cases, individuals must provide strong supporting documents such as:
Gazette notification for name change
PAN card
Passport
Other valid government-issued identity documents
Name corrections can be done through the myAadhaar portal online or by visiting a nearby Aadhaar enrollment or update centre. UIDAI usually charges a fee of ₹50 for updating demographic details.
UIDAI has implemented stricter rules for updating the date of birth (DOB) and gender in Aadhaar records.
Aadhaar holders can correct their date of birth only once during their lifetime. If the date of birth mentioned in Aadhaar is incorrect, users must submit valid documents such as:
Birth certificate
Passport
School leaving certificate
Government-issued age proof
Once the correction is completed, UIDAI generally does not allow another change unless the individual can prove exceptional circumstances.
Similarly, gender details can also be updated only once in Aadhaar records. To make this change, individuals may need to provide supporting documents such as a medical certificate or official notification in certain cases.
This rule is particularly important for individuals undergoing gender transition, including transgender persons. However, due to the one-time limit, applicants are advised to verify all documents carefully before submitting a request.
Unlike other demographic details, there is no fixed limit on how many times you can update your address in Aadhaar.
UIDAI has kept this rule flexible because people frequently relocate due to employment, education, or personal reasons. If you move to a new city or change your residence, updating your Aadhaar address is relatively simple.
To update your address, you need to submit valid proof such as:
Bank passbook
Voter ID card
Electricity or utility bill
Rent agreement
Passport
The address update can be done online through the myAadhaar portal or at an Aadhaar service centre. A small fee may apply depending on the method used.
If you need to change the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar, the update must be done at an Aadhaar enrollment centre. This update cannot currently be completed fully online. Since mobile numbers are used for OTP verification and Aadhaar services, it is important to keep them active and updated.
UIDAI introduced these restrictions to protect Aadhaar data from misuse and fraud. Allowing unlimited changes to critical identity details like name or date of birth could create opportunities for identity manipulation or fraudulent activities.
By limiting the number of updates, the authority ensures that:
Aadhaar records remain accurate and reliable
Government benefits reach the correct beneficiaries
Identity-related fraud is minimized
Aadhaar continues to function as a trusted national identity system
The current update guidelines were introduced in 2019, and they remain in effect in 2026 as well. UIDAI advises Aadhaar holders to carefully review their personal details and correct any errors as soon as possible.
Since certain changes can be made only once or twice in a lifetime, it is important to verify all documents before submitting an update request.
Keeping your Aadhaar information accurate not only ensures smooth access to services but also helps maintain the credibility of India’s largest digital identity system.
