Aadhaar Update & Correction in India: Name, DOB, Address

1. Introduction

A mismatch between your Aadhaar and your other documents can block a bank account, a PAN link, or a government benefit. Most Aadhaar corrections are straightforward, but some can only be made a limited number of times — so getting them right matters. This guide explains the process.

2. Who should read this?

• Anyone whose Aadhaar has a spelling error or an outdated address.
• People who have changed their name after marriage or by deed.
• Those who need to add or change the mobile number linked to Aadhaar.

3. What the law says

• Aadhaar is issued and maintained by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and updates are governed by UIDAI regulations and the myAadhaar portal.
• Demographic details — name, date of birth, gender, address, mobile number, and email — can be updated with valid supporting documents from UIDAI's prescribed list.
• UIDAI restricts how often certain fields can be changed: name changes are ordinarily permitted a limited number of times, and date of birth and gender changes are generally allowed only once, with exceptions requiring an escalation to UIDAI Regional Office.
• Address can usually be updated online through myAadhaar with an acceptable proof of address; changes to biometrics (fingerprints, iris, photograph) and to the linked mobile number require an in-person visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolment centre.
• UIDAI recommends updating supporting documents periodically for Aadhaar issued long ago, and has from time to time offered free online document-update windows.
• Children's Aadhaar requires mandatory biometric updates at prescribed ages (commonly at 5 and 15 years), which are free within the specified window.

4. Step-by-step process

1. Step 1Check what needs changing

   Download your current Aadhaar and note the exact fields that are wrong or outdated.

2. Step 2Gather a valid supporting document

   Pick a document from UIDAI's accepted list that evidences the corrected detail — a gazette notification or marriage certificate for a name change, for example.

3. Step 3Update online via myAadhaar

   Log in with your Aadhaar number and OTP on the myAadhaar portal for demographic updates such as address, and upload the proof.

4. Step 4Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra where required

   For biometrics, photograph, or a change of linked mobile number, book a slot and attend in person.

5. Step 5Track the update request

   Note the Update Request Number (URN) and track the status until the updated Aadhaar is generated.

5. Documents required

• Proof of identity (passport, PAN, voter ID, or other accepted document).
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, rent agreement, or other accepted document).
• Proof of date of birth (birth certificate, matriculation certificate, or passport).
• Gazette notification, marriage certificate, or affidavit for a change of name.
• Existing Aadhaar number and access to the registered mobile for OTP.

6. Fees and government charges

• A nominal prescribed fee for demographic updates and a slightly higher fee for biometric updates at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
• Mandatory child biometric updates within the prescribed age window are free, as are any UIDAI free document-update windows in force.

Fees vary by state and change over time; treat these as general pointers, not exact figures.

7. Expected timeline

Update requests are commonly processed within a few days to a couple of weeks. Requests requiring Regional Office escalation — repeated name changes or a second date-of-birth change — take longer and may need additional documentation.

8. Common mistakes to avoid

• Using up the limited number of permitted name or date-of-birth changes on a careless entry.
• Submitting a document that does not actually evidence the field being corrected.
• Not keeping the Update Request Number, leaving no way to track the request.
• Assuming the linked mobile number can be changed online — it requires an in-person visit.
• Leaving Aadhaar and PAN details mismatched, which can cause return-filing and banking problems.

9. Frequently asked questions

10. When you should consult a lawyer

• Your update request has been repeatedly rejected.
• You need a name or date-of-birth change beyond the permitted limit.
• An Aadhaar mismatch is blocking a benefit, pension, or property transaction.
• You suspect your Aadhaar has been misused rather than merely mis-recorded.

11. How LawMitran can help