UIDAI issues new SOP for name changes in Aadhaar, documents to depend on type of change
The Unique Identification Authority of India has issued a new procedure for updating names in Aadhaar, with the required documents set by the kind of change sought.
Aadhaar is today counted among the most important identity documents. It is used for services including bank accounts, government schemes, mobile connections and passports. Whether there is an error in the name on the card or a name has to be changed for some reason, it is important to get it updated in time. Significant changes have now been made to the process of updating a name.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for updating names in Aadhaar. Under it, one process will no longer apply to everyone for correcting or changing a name, as it did earlier. The process and the documents required may be decided according to what exactly is to be changed in the name.
If the name has a minor error and no major change is needed, different documents may be required. For changing the spelling of a name, correcting a part of it or making some other minor correction, valid supporting documents may have to be submitted. Before going to an Aadhaar centre, it is therefore necessary to check exactly how the name currently on Aadhaar differs from the name that is wanted.
If a major change is to be made to the name, the process may be stricter. In some cases an affidavit may have to be submitted. The update can proceed only after the reason for the change and the details in the submitted documents are checked.
Those seeking a name change after marriage, a major change in the name or for any other important reason would do well to keep the relevant documents ready in advance.
Before going to an Aadhaar centre, first check the name currently on Aadhaar. Then decide what kind of change is needed. After that, keep ready the documents required under UIDAI rules. Arriving at the centre with only the Aadhaar card will not be enough. Depending on the case, an additional identity document, documents relating to the name or, in some circumstances, an affidavit may be needed.
If the documents are incomplete, the name update may be held up and another visit to the Aadhaar centre may be needed. It is therefore important to find out the required documents before applying.
The aim of the new UIDAI SOP is to make the process of changing a name in Aadhaar clearer, more orderly and more secure. For this reason a distinction has been made between minor corrections and major changes in a name. Overall, before getting a name updated, understand the type of change in your case and keep documents ready accordingly. This will save time and make the Aadhaar update easier.
