How to change name in Aadhar card?
Aadhaar Update Rules: Often we ignore small mistakes in government documents, but when it comes to Aadhaar Card, even a small mistake can become a big problem. If you are thinking that changing your name in Aadhaar card or making correction in ‘Surname’ is as easy as before, then you need to update your information. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has tightened the rules and now just an affidavit will not be enough for any major change in the name. For this you may have to go through the long process of ‘Gazette Notification’.
Have the rules changed for the common man?
It is natural for the general public to ask whether the rules have really changed? The answer is, yes. Aadhar card The process of changing name has now been made more secure and formal than before. While earlier a letter from the local councilor or a simple notarized affidavit would suffice, now if you are making a significant change in your name (like changing the full name or adding/deleting the surname), then UIDAI may ask for a ‘Gazette Notification’ issued by the Central Government. These rules have been made strict so that identity theft can be prevented and the authenticity of the documents is maintained.
Gazette Notification, is it mandatory for everyone?
The biggest question is, does everyone have to go through this process? If there is only a minor spelling mistake in your name, then you may not need it. But, if your name is changing completely, or your surname is changing after marriage and you do not have any solid proof, then gazette notification is necessary.
Under this process, first of all you have to make an affidavit. After this, you have to advertise the name change in two newspapers (one English and one local language). Finally, all these documents, photos and application forms have to be sent to the Department of Publication of the Government of India. When your new name is published in the Government Gazette, then it becomes legally valid.
What harm can happen if you don’t follow the rules?
If a person does not follow this process, the result is simple, rejection of the application. Suppose you applied for name change at the Aadhaar Centre, but did not submit a copy of the Gazette, then your request may be rejected. Its impact is not limited to Aadhaar alone. If Aadhaar is not updated, the PAN card will not be linked, the name in the bank account will mismatch and even getting a passport will be a hassle. If there is discrepancy in government records, you may have to face difficulties in availing the benefits of government schemes.
Will help come from Delhi headquarters?
Many people feel that if work is not being done at the local level, then the headquarters in Delhi should be contacted. Let us tell you that the work of publishing the Gazette is done by the ‘Department of Publication’, which comes under the Ministry of Urban Development and its main office is in Delhi. Once your name is published in the gazette, it is valid throughout India. UIDAI or any other organization cannot deny this. Therefore, it is wise to follow the correct procedure instead of resorting to Jugaad. As soon as the copy of the Gazette arrives, you can make changes in your Aadhaar, PAN and all other documents without any fear.
How will the name change?
There is no need to panic about this process. If you proceed in the right manner, the work will become easy. Know the complete process here.
- Make an Affidavit: First of all you will have to get the affidavit made from a notary. Your old name, new name and the reason for changing the name should be clearly written in it.
- Advertisement in Newspaper: After this you will have to give advertisement in two newspapers. One in the local language newspaper of your area and the other in an English newspaper. This is a public announcement that you have changed your name.
- Application in Gazette Office: Now you have to apply in the ‘Department of Publication’ with your affidavit, newspaper cutting, ID proof, photograph and a CD (containing the typed matter).
- Awaiting Publication: The government department will check your documents and if everything is found correct, your new name will be published in the Official Gazette of India.
- Aadhaar Update: As soon as you receive the copy of the Gazette, you can upload it on the UIDAI website as a supporting document and get your Aadhaar updated.
What to do if it still doesn’t work?
Many times it happens that despite the gazette notification, the system does not take the update, especially in cases of ‘Exception Handling’. In such a situation you do not need to be disappointed. If your Aadhaar is not being updated even after the gazette notification, you can directly call the UIDAI helpline number 1947 or send an email to [email protected]. Gazette notification is such a powerful weapon which no government department can deny.
Also read- Tomorrow is the last date, check now whether Aadhaar-PAN is linked or not.