Your Aadhaar card is your most important identification, and any mistake on it can hinder your financial and legal matters. According to the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India)’s mandatory rules, how many times can you change your name on your Aadhaar card? Learn what special permission you need to obtain for a third name change after making two changes, and what form you need to fill out—this information is crucial for you.
Name Update in Aadhaar
Your Aadhaar card is the most essential document today. Without it, neither your KYC (Know Your Customer) nor can a new bank account be opened. The name on your Aadhaar card must be completely correct.
UIDAI has set strict rules for updating personal information (such as name and address) on your Aadhaar card. According to these rules, you can change your name on your Aadhaar card only twice. This includes minor changes like correcting minor spelling mistakes, changing the order of names, or updating your name after marriage.
It’s worth noting that only two opportunities are available for name updates, for which a nominal fee of ₹50 is charged, even if you update two fields in a single request. In contrast, you can change your gender only once and your date of birth only once.
Changing your name a third time is complicated
If, due to exceptional circumstances, you need to change your name a third time, the process is not straightforward. You will need to obtain special permission and provide a valid and compelling reason. You will need to contact the UIDAI Regional Office directly. You must submit a detailed written request, clearly explaining why you need a third change and why the previous two attempts were incorrect.
You may also need to submit additional legal documents (such as a gazette notification or affidavit) that legally certify your new name. Your request will be subject to review by UIDAI. Only if they deem your reason sufficiently valid will you receive special permission. This process can be time-consuming, so it’s essential to exercise utmost caution the first or second time around.
How to change your name on your Aadhaar card online
Now you don’t need to rush around to change your name. You can easily complete the process online from the comfort of your home.
First, you need to visit the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in).
Go to the “My Aadhaar” section and click “Update Your Aadhaar.”
Then select the “Update Demographics Data Online” option.
Log in by entering your Aadhaar number and captcha code.
An OTP (One Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Entering this will complete the verification.
Inside the portal, select the “Name Correction” option and enter the correct name. Upload a scanned copy of the required document (such as PAN card, passport, voter ID, etc.) as proof of name. Finally, pay the prescribed fee of ₹50 online.
Once this process is completed, your request will be processed further, and your name will be updated within a few days.