The Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is one of the most important identity documents for residents of India. It contains a 12-digit unique identification number linked to an individual’s demographic and biometric data. Whether for government services, financial transactions, or verifying identity for everyday needs, Aadhaar has become indispensable.
However, life circumstances often lead people to change their names—be it after marriage, legal reasons, or personal preferences. For those wanting to update their name on their Aadhaar card, it’s crucial to understand the guidelines around name changes and how many times you can update this particular field.
In this article, we will dive deep into the process, rules, and limitations for changing your name on Aadhaar, along with some practical advice on how to make the most of the online update services.
Why Would You Need to Change Your Name on Aadhaar?
Before exploring how many times you can change your name, let’s first consider the common reasons people might want to update their names on their Aadhaar cards:
1. Marriage: A large number of women in India change their surnames after marriage and wish to update the same in their official documents, including Aadhaar.
2. Divorce: In some cases, individuals may revert to their maiden name or make other changes after a divorce.
3. Spelling Mistakes: Some people may find that their name was entered incorrectly in the Aadhaar database, either due to data entry errors or confusion over regional languages.
4. Name Change for Personal Reasons: In rare cases, individuals may legally change their names due to religious, cultural, or personal reasons.
5. Transgender Individuals: After transitioning, some individuals may wish to update their names to reflect their gender identity.
6. Legal Reasons: Court orders can also lead to mandatory name changes in some cases.
No matter the reason, updating your name on Aadhaar is a straightforward process, but there are certain limitations and requirements to be aware of.
How Many Times Can You Change Your Name on Aadhaar?
As of the latest updates from the UIDAI, individuals are allowed to change their name on their Aadhaar card **only twice** during their lifetime. This limitation has been put in place to prevent misuse of the system and to maintain the integrity of the Aadhaar database.
Important Considerations:
– The limitation of two name changes applies *lifetime-wise* and is not reset after a certain period.
– The name change limit is also applicable whether the change is due to typographical errors, personal choice, or after legal procedures.
– Any further requests for name changes after the two permitted updates will likely be rejected by UIDAI unless a very strong legal justification is provided.
This makes it essential to ensure that your name updates are accurate and final when submitting them to avoid exhausting your two permitted changes unnecessarily.
How to Change Your Name on Aadhaar Online
Thankfully, UIDAI allows residents to update their name and other demographic details online through the Self-Service Update Portal (SSUP). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change your name on Aadhaar online.
1. Visit the UIDAI Portal
Go to the official website of UIDAI ([https://uidai.gov.in](https://uidai.gov.in)) and navigate to the ‘Update Aadhaar’ section. Click on the **Update your Aadhaar** option.
2. Log In Using Your Aadhaar Number
Enter your Aadhaar number and the Captcha code displayed on the screen. You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP to log in.
3. Select the ‘Name’ Update Option
Once logged in, you’ll see a list of details that can be updated. Click on the **Name** field to proceed with the name change request.
4. Upload Supporting Documents
To verify your new name, you need to upload a scanned copy of a valid supporting document. The accepted documents for a name update include:
– Passport
– PAN Card
– Marriage Certificate
– Divorce Decree
– Court Order or Gazette Notification for name change
– Any other government-issued ID that contains the new name.
Ensure the document is clear, in the correct format (PDF or JPG), and does not exceed the allowed size limit.
5. Submit the Request
After filling in all the necessary details and uploading the supporting documents, submit the request. You will receive a Service Request Number (SRN) that you can use to track the status of your request.
6. Wait for Verification
UIDAI will verify the details you have provided. If your request and documents are found to be in order, the name change will be approved, and you will receive a notification on your registered mobile number.
7. Download the Updated Aadhaar
Once your request is processed, you can download the updated Aadhaar card with the new name from the UIDAI portal.
Offline Method: Aadhaar Enrollment Centre
If you prefer to update your name in person, you can visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Centre or a bank/post office offering Aadhaar services. Here, the process is similar, but instead of submitting documents online, you will need to carry physical copies of the necessary documents.
1. Fill Out the Aadhaar Update Form
You will be required to fill out a form specifying the name change and attach copies of your supporting documents.
2. Biometrics and Verification
Your biometrics will be taken again to confirm your identity during the update process. The updated Aadhaar will be delivered to your postal address or made available for download online.
Key Points to Remember
1. Name Changes Are Limited to Twice: As emphasized, you can only change your name twice on Aadhaar, so make sure that your requests are final and based on proper documentation.
2. Check for Other Errors: If you are planning to update your name, it might be a good idea to review other Aadhaar details like your address, date of birth, or mobile number to avoid multiple update requests.
3. Document Requirements: Always ensure you have valid and accurate supporting documents for name changes, as mismatched or incomplete documents can lead to rejections.
4. Be Mindful of Processing Time: While online updates are usually processed within a few days, offline updates may take longer. Plan ahead, especially if you need the updated Aadhaar for any urgent matters.
Conclusion
Changing your name on your Aadhaar card is a relatively simple process, whether done online or offline. However, since you are only allowed to update your name twice in a lifetime, it’s important to approach this task carefully and ensure that the changes you are making are accurate and necessary. By following the right procedure and providing the correct documents, you can successfully update your Aadhaar card and continue to use it without any issues. Always keep in mind the limitations and ensure that you do not exhaust your allowed updates on minor errors or unnecessary changes.
