Aadhaar Card Name Change After Marriage

Why Is the Aadhaar Card Name Change After Marriage Important?

Your Aadhaar card serves as the foundational identity document in India. If you have officially changed your surname or middle name after your wedding, a name change in Aadhaar card is necessary to avoid discrepancies during KYC (Know Your Customer) verifications.

When your Aadhaar details match your other documents like PAN, Passport, and bank accounts, you avoid administrative hurdles. Whether you are applying for a joint home loan or updating your nominee details, having an updated name change in Aadhaar after marriage ensures that your legal rights are protected without delay.

Step-by-Step Guide: Aadhaar Card Name Change After Marriage

The process for an Aadhaar Card Name Change After Marriage involves a blend of demographic updates and, in some cases, legal notifications. Here is the standard procedure to follow in 2026:

1. Preparation of the Name Change Affidavit

The first step is to draft a name change in Gazette affidavit. This is a legal document printed on non-judicial stamp paper, usually of ₹10 or ₹100 value. It should state your maiden name, your new married name, your husband's name, and your residential address. This affidavit must be notarized by a public notary.

2. Newspaper Advertisement

Once the affidavit is ready, you must publish a public notice in local newspapers.The ad must clearly mention your old name, new name, and address to fulfill the "public notice" requirement.

3. Gazette Notification for Aadhaar Card Name Change

While a marriage certificate is often enough for a surname change, a Gazette for Aadhaar Card Name Change is the "gold standard" of proof. You must submit your application to the Department of Publication. Once your name is published in the Official Gazette of India, it becomes a legally binding document recognized by all authorities.

4. Visiting the Aadhaar Seva Kendra

With your documents ready, visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. In 2026, while address updates can be done online, material changes like a name update often require biometric authentication (fingerprints or iris scan) at the center to ensure security.

Documents Required for Name Change

To ensure your application for After Marriage Name Change in Aadhaar Card is not rejected, you must provide valid, self-attested documents. Ensure the names on these documents match your requested change exactly.

• Marriage Certificate: Issued by the Registrar of Marriages (Mandatory for most cases).

• Name Change Affidavit: Notarized on stamp paper.

• Gazette for Name Change: Copy of the notification published in the Official Gazette.

• Proof of Identity (PoI): Your old Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Passport.

• Newspaper Clippings: Original copies of the advertisements published.

• Passport Size Photographs: Recently taken photos as per government specifications.

Common Reasons for Rejection in 2026

Even with the right intent, many applications for Name Change in Gazette or Aadhaar are rejected due to minor errors. UIDAI has implemented stricter validation rules this year.

• Document Mismatch: If the spelling on your marriage certificate differs even slightly from your request, the application will be flagged.

• Poor Scan Quality: For online submissions, blurred or cropped images of documents are leading causes of rejection.

• Limit Exceeded: UIDAI allows a name change only twice in a lifetime. If you have already exhausted these attempts, you will need a special exception from the Regional Office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it mandatory to change my name on my Aadhaar card after marriage?

No, it is not legally mandatory. However, if you plan to use your husband's surname for other documents like a Passport or Bank Account, updating your Aadhaar is highly recommended for consistency.

2. Can I change my name in Aadhaar online in 2026?

Currently, UIDAI primarily allows address updates online. For a name change, you can initiate the request online, but you may still need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for biometric verification.

3. How many times can I change my name on an Aadhaar card?

You are allowed to change your name on the Aadhaar card only twice. Any further changes require a complex legal process and approval from UIDAI’s regional headquarters.

4. What if I don't have a marriage certificate?

If you lack a marriage certificate, a Gazette for Name Change combined with a notarized affidavit and newspaper advertisements serves as a valid legal substitute.

5. How can I track my update status?

Once you submit your request, you will receive an Update Request Number (URN). You can use this URN on the official UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app to track the status of your application.

Conclusion

The process of Aadhaar Card Name Change After Marriage is a vital step in establishing your new legal identity. While the steps involving affidavits and Gazette notifications might seem daunting, they provide a lifetime of legal security. By following the 2026 guidelines and ensuring your documentation is flawless, you can complete this transition smoothly.