Gazette for Aadhar Name Change

The Aadhar card is the most crucial identification document for residents of India, serving as the basis for a multitude of services, from banking to government schemes. Therefore, ensuring the details on your Aadhaar card are accurate and up-to-date is paramount. A common requirement for many is a Name Change in Aadhar Card due to events like marriage, divorce, or a legal change of name. If you are looking to update Aadhar card online or offline, understanding the correct Aadhar Card Name Change Process is essential for a smooth experience. This guide will walk you through the precise steps, documents, and procedures required to successfully update your name and ensure your identity records are consistent across all platforms. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) manages the process, and knowing their guidelines is the first step to successfully performing an Aadhaar card change name. 

Understanding the Aadhar Card Name Change Process

The procedure for updating your name on your Aadhaar is primarily designed to ensure the highest level of security and verification. The process depends on the type of change you require: a minor correction or a complete change of your name.

Name Update Options: Online vs. Offline

While you may look for an Aadhar card name change online, the UIDAI currently has restrictions on what updates can be done through the Self Service Update Portal (SSUP).

• Offline/Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) Method: For a name change, the recommended and most reliable method is to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or a designated Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Center. This ensures proper verification of your supporting documents and biometrics by an official. This is the only official route for a complete Aadhaar card change name at the moment.

• Online Method (Limited): The online portal is primarily used for address updates and certain other demographic updates. While some sources may mention the online name change option, the facility often remains restricted for the most significant data fields like name, date of birth, and gender to ensure data integrity, making the ASK visit mandatory for most name-related updates.

Key Steps for the Offline Aadhar Card Name Change

If you need to change your name, here is the step-by-step procedure you should follow at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

1. Preparation of Required Documents

Before visiting the center, gather all necessary documents. The type of document depends on the nature of your name change.

• For Minor Changes (e.g., Typo Correction, Surname After Marriage):

  • Original Proof of Identity (PoI) document (e.g., Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License).

  • For a marriage-related surname change, a valid Marriage Certificate is required.

  • A completed Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Form (available at the center or the UIDAI website).

• For Complete Name Change (First Name and/or Full Name):

  • In addition to an old PoI document, a copy of the Gazette Notification of name change is mandatory. This is a crucial legal requirement for a full legal name update.

  • The address mentioned in the Gazette must also match your Aadhaar record.

2. Procuring the Gazette for Aadhar Name Change

If you are undergoing a major or full name change, getting the Central or State Government Gazette Notification is a mandatory preliminary step.

• Affidavit: First, get a name change affidavit notarized.

• Newspaper Publication: Publish advertisements in newspaper announcing your name change.

• Gazette Application: Apply for the name change to be published in the Central Government Gazette (Department of Publication) by submitting the affidavit, newspaper clippings, and required proforma. This official publication serves as the legal proof for your new name.

3. Visiting the Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK)

Once you have your documents, proceed with the update.

• Book an Appointment: It is highly recommended to book an appointment online on the UIDAI website for the ASK to save time.

• Submit Application: Fill out the form correctly and submit it along with your original PoI document and the Gazette (if required) to the executive.

• Biometric Verification: Your fingerprint and iris scans will be taken to authenticate your identity.

• Pay Fee: Pay the nominal fee for the demographic update.

4. Tracking and Completion

The executive will provide you with an Acknowledgement Slip containing the Update Request Number (URN).

• Tracking: You can use the URN to check the status of your Aadhar card update online on the UIDAI website.

• Download: Once the update is successful, you can download the electronic version (e-Aadhaar) with your updated name from the official portal.

Important Considerations and Limitations

• Update Limit: UIDAI generally allows a name update only twice in a lifetime. Be extremely careful when filling out your details, as exhausting this limit requires an appeal to the Regional UIDAI office.

• Accuracy is Key: The new name you enter must exactly match the name on your supporting Proof of Identity document (or the Gazette Notification). Any discrepancy will lead to rejection of your request.

• Registered Mobile Number: Ensure your mobile number is registered with your Aadhaar, as it is crucial for receiving OTPs and status updates, even for offline processes. Always keep your Aadhar card update details current.

By following this precise Aadhar card name change process and preparing your documents, including the official Gazette for Aadhar Name Change where necessary, you can ensure a hassle-free experience in getting your new details reflected on your Aadhaar card.

Conclusion

Keeping your Aadhar Card Name Change process compliant with UIDAI guidelines is vital for maintaining a valid and functional identity. Whether you are correcting a minor error or undertaking a complete Aadhaar card change name after a life event, following the proper procedure—which often involves visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra and, for major changes, providing a Gazette Notification—will ensure a quick and successful update. Don’t let an outdated name cause you future complications with bank accounts or government services. Take the proactive step to update Aadhar card online (for tracking) and complete the required physical verification today.