PAN Card for LGBTQ+ Persons

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is an identification proof mandatorily required to file taxes which is issued by the Income Tax Department. Details of your PAN Card are also asked by employers for salary transfers, TDS deductions, etc. and by banks while opening bank accounts. Initially, you will have to apply for a PAN Number. When your PAN Number is ready, you will be given a PAN Card with the details of your PAN Number on the card. Read here to understand about PAN and why you would require it.

Details for New PAN Number/Card

Applying for a PAN Number or Card is a cost – free process and you will have to give details such as your full name, gender, date of birth, residential address,, etc. After you apply for a PAN Number online or in person then you can apply for a PAN Card.

• Name: If you have changed your name to reflect the gender you identify with, you can fill your new name in the application forms (PAN Number Application Form (Form 49 A) and PAN Card Application Form). You should carry a copy of your changed name in the Central/State gazette and a copy of other Identification Proof which recognize your new name in case the authorities at the PAN Centre require it. 
• Gender Details: While obtaining a new PAN Number or card, you have 3 options for gender which is “male”, “female” and “transgender” (third gender). This option is available to you in all PAN centres across India and in the PAN Number Application Form and PAN Card Application Form.

Updating / Changing PAN Card Details

You can update the demographic information of your PAN Card and by doing so you will receive a newly issued PAN Card which will bear the same PAN Number but with updated information. Read here to understand in detail how to update PAN Card details. Remember that once PAN Number is assigned to you, it cannot be changed. Updation can only happen for PAN Card details.

• Changing Your Name: If you want to update your name to reflect the gender you identify with, you can fill your new name in the application form. You should carry a copy of your changed name in the Central/State gazette and a copy of other Identification Proofs which recognize your new name.
• Changing Gender Details: If you want to update your gender, then you can mark from the 3 options given which is “male”, “female” and “transgender” (third gender). This option is available to you in the application form as well as in all PAN centres across India.

The officials at the PAN centre may ask you for proof of gender identity or proof of change of name, but they cannot subject you to any form of harassment or gender verification on the spot. If you face any harassment or discrimination, you should complain to the PAN authorities. If these authorities do not respond, you can take help from lawyers, NGOs, etc. to make the process easier and take action by filing a complaint with the police.