Theme: Identification & Certificates

Driving License for LGBTQ+ Persons

A Driving License (DL) is an official document, issued in the form of a card, by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of each State, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which permits you to drive one or more types of vehicles, such as a motorcycle, car, etc. on a public road.

 

New Driving License 

You can register for a new Driving License after 30 days(( Rule, 15 (1), Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.)) and within 180 days (6 months)(( Section 14 (1), The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.)) of the issuance of the Learner’s License. To understand how to get a new Driving License, read here. 

  • Name: If you have changed 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 in case the RTO/RTA authorities require it. 
  • Gender Details: While obtaining a new Driving License, you may have 3 options for gender which is “male”, “female” and “third gender”. Since Driving Licenses are regulated state wise, sometimes there may not be an option to choose transgender and in such situations, you should:
    • Contact the RTO/RTA and ask what can be done
    • Carry proof of identity such as an affidavit which would have details such as gender that you identify with, your new name, etc.
    • Take the help of lawyers, NGOs etc.

 

Updating / Changing/ Renewing Driving Licence Details

You can update the demographic information of your Driving Licence and by doing so you will receive a newly issued card which will have updated information. Read here to understand in detail how to update Driving License details and read here to understand how to renew your driving license. 

  • 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 Proof which recognize your new name.
  • Changing Gender Details: Since Driving Licenses are regulated state wise, sometimes there may not be an option to choose transgender and in such situations, you should:
    • Contact the RTO/RTA and ask what can be done
    • Carry proof of identity such as an affidavit which would have details such as gender that you identify with, your new name, etc.
    • Take the help of lawyers, NGOs etc.

The RTO/RTA officials 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 Driving License 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.

Proof of Age

To issue different kinds of government proof of identification, you will have to submit a document for proof of age. For the kind of proof of identification you are applying for or updating, you can use any document from the list given below:

Aadhar Card, PAN Card and Passport

  • Birth Certificate
  • Voter ID
  • Depending on which you are applying for, you can use the other two options between Passport, PAN Card and Aadhar. For example, if you are applying for an Aadhar card, you can use either your PAN Card or your Passport as age proof.
  • PAN Card
  • Marksheet issued by any government board/recognized university
  • Photo ID including DOB issued by recognized educational institution

Refer here for a complete list for age proofs for Aadhar, PAN Card and Passport.

Voter ID(( Election Commission of India, From 6 – Application for inclusion of name in Electoral Roll, https://archive.india.gov.in/howdo/service_detail.php?formid=50&service=7))

  • Birth Certificate
  • Birth Certificate from the recognized school last attended by the applicant/any recognized educational institution
  • Class 10/12 Marksheet (if you have passed the grade)
  • Class 8 Marksheet (if it contains date of birth)
  • Class 5 Marksheet (if it contains date of birth)
  • A declaration in the prescribed format made by either of his parents if the person is not educated till class 10 (in those cases where parent has verified himself before BLO/ERO/AERO); or
  • A certificate of your age given by a sarpanch of the concerned Gram Panchayat/member of the concerned Municipal Corporation/Municipal Committee (if the person is not educated till class 10 and both parents are dead)
  • Any other government document showing age, e.g. Passport.

Driving License

  • School Certificate
  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Certificate from Central/State Government or a local body
  • Voter ID
  • PAN Card
  • Tax Card
  • Other authentic proof acceptable by M.L.O.

Read this government resource to know more

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.

Aadhar Card

Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number,(( Section 2(a), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016)) specific to each individual,(( Section 4(1), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016)) issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to the residents of India after satisfying a verification process based on demographic information and biometric information.(( Section 3(3), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016)) You will be assigned an Aadhaar number on a card with your personal details such as name, date of birth, address, etc., usually in English as well as the language of the State where you have your permanent address.

 

It is possible to download  your Aadhaar Card, termed as e-Aadhaar, which is a valid and secure password-protected electronic document as good as a physical Aadhaar.(( Ministry of Electronics & IT, Unique Identification Authority of India, Validity of e-Aadhaar as Proof of Identity, https://uidai.gov.in/images/uidai_om_on_e_aadhaar_validity.pdf

Your identity information and personal details are confidential and have to be kept secure by the Authority,((Section 28, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016))

which is restricted from sharing this information unless for certain legally authorized purposes.(( Section 29, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016)) For more information, refer to the Aadhaar (Data Security) Regulations, 2016 and the Aadhaar (Sharing of Information) Regulations, 2016 here.

An Aadhaar number is generated at random.(( Section 4(2), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016)) It is a unique number which eliminates the possibility of duplicate identities. In effect, the Aadhaar number is a portable proof of identity, applicable throughout India. However, merely having an Aadhaar does not mean that you are a citizen of India.(( Section 9, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016))

Aadhaar may be used as a primary identifier without any other documentation to avail the benefits of several Government welfare schemes, programmes, various subsidies, benefits and services.(( Section 7, Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016)) An Aadhaar Card can be used as a proof of identity, proof of address, as well as proof of age to avail various services.

Any individual, irrespective of age and gender, who is a resident of India, may voluntarily enrol to obtain an Aadhaar number. You are considered a ‘resident’ if  you have resided in India for a period amounting in total to at least 182 days in the twelve months immediately before the date of application for enrolment.(( Section 2(v), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016))

An Aadhaar number is permanently associated with one specific individual and does not require any renewal. You can get a new Aadhaar or update your Aadhaar. It is also possible to retrieve a lost Aadhaar. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Virtual Aadhar ID

VID(Virtual ID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped with the Aadhaar number. VID can be used intead of Aadhaar number whenever authentication or e-KYC services are performed.  To read more on VID, see here.

Read this Government website to know more about Aadhar

Aadhar Card for LGBTQ+ Persons

Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number(( Section 2(a), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other. Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.)), specific to each individual(( Section 4(1), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other. Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.)), issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to the residents of India after satisfying a verification process based on demographic information and biometric information.((  Section 3(3), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other. Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.)) You will be assigned an Aadhaar number on a card with your personal details such as name, date of birth, address, etc., usually in English as well as the language of the State where you have your permanent address.

Given below are some of the important rights you have while applying for or updating an Aadhar card.

 

Details in New Aadhar Card

The process for obtaining a new Aadhaar Card requires going in person to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, and cannot be done online. It is a cost-free process. To understand how to get a new Aadhar card, read here. 

  • Name: If you have changed your name to reflect the gender you identify with, you can fill your new name in the enrollment form. You should carry a copy of your changed name in the Central/State Gazette and a copy of other ID Proofs which recognize your new name in case the authorities require it.
  • Gender Details: While obtaining a new Aadhar card, you have 3 options for gender which is “male”, “female” and “transgender” (third gender). This option is available to you in all enrollment centres across India and in the Aadhaar Enrolment Form. 

 

Updating / Changing Aadhar Details

You can update your demographic information or your biometric information such as name, gender, fingerprints, etc. by physically going to the nearest Aadhar enrollment centre and requesting for a ‘Aadhar Data Update/Correction Form’. To understand how to update Aadhar details, read here.  

  • 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 enrollment 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 (if you have it).
  • 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”. This option is available to you in all enrollment centres across India and in every Aadhar Update Form. 

The officials at the enrollment 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 file a complain with the Aadhar 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.

Applying for New Aadhar Card

The process for obtaining a new Aadhaar Card requires going in person to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, and cannot be done online.

The cost-free Aadhaar enrolment process is as follows:

Step 1: You can visit any authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centre anywhere in India. This is an agency appointed for collecting demographic and biometric information of individuals,(( Section 2(l), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016)) and includes certain Banks and Post Offices which have been designated as Aadhaar Enrolment Centres. Locate the Enrolment Centre nearest to you here. Book an Appointment here.

Step 2: At the Centre, you will be required to fill in the Aadhaar Enrolment Form, available here. You will have to submit details (demographic information) such as:

    • Name
    • Date of birth
    • Address
    • Other relevant information as may be specified in the form(( Section 2(k), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016))

Step 3: While filling the Form in Step 2, you are also required to submit the originals of one valid Proof of Identity (PoI) document and one valid Proof of Address (PoA) document. View the list of acceptable documents here.

Step 4: After you fill the form, your biometric data shall also be taken as part of the enrolment. It includes your:(( Section 2(g), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016))

  • Photograph
  • Finger-prints
  • Iris scan

Step 4: At the end of the process, you will get an acknowledgement slip with an Enrolment Number and other details you have given during enrolment.

Step 5: You can check if your Aadhaar is ready using your Enrolment ID here. Verify whether your Aadhaar is genuine or not here.

Step 6: Your Aadhaar will be ready in 60-90 days. Once the Aadhaar is ready, you receive an SMS on the registered mobile number. After Aadhaar is ready, your Aadhaar Card with your Aadhaar number and other details are enclosed in a physical letter which will be delivered to you.

You can also download an electronic version of your Aadhaar with your Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID here. Downloaded Aadhaar (e-Aadhaar) is a valid and secure password-protected electronic document which is  treated at par with the original Aadhaar letter. (( Ministry of Electronics & IT, Unique Identification Authority of India, Validity of e-Aadhaar as Proof of Identity, https://uidai.gov.in/images/uidai_om_on_e_aadhaar_validity.pdf))

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Check this Government resource to learn more about how to get Aadhar.

Passport for LGBTQ+ Persons

A Passport is an official document issued by the government that allows you to travel internationally.(( Section 3, Passports Act, 1967.)) The Ministry of External Affairs issues Passports through the Central Passport Organisation (CPO) and you will be able to apply for a passport by approaching Passport Offices, Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) in India. 

Given below are some of the important rights you have while applying for or updating a Passport:

 

New/Update and Re-issue of Passport

The procedure for a new Passport, updating a Passport and re-issuing a Passport in case you have lost or damaged it, is the same in India. With respect to Passport, reissue refers to renewal of a passport. These can be done either online or in-person. To understand how to get a new Passport, update the details of your Passport or re-issue your passport, read here. 

  • Name: If you have changed your name to reflect the gender you identify with, you can fill your new name in the passport application form. You should carry a copy of your changed name in the Central/State Gazette and a copy of other ID proofs which recognize your new name in case the passport authorities require it. 
  • Gender Details: While obtaining a new Voter ID card, you have 3 options for gender which is “male”, “female” and “transgender” (third gender). This option is available to you in all Passport offices  across India and in the passport application form.


The Passport officials 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 Passport 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.

Lost/Forgotten Aadhar

Follow the options below to get a Aadhar Card:

  • In case the mobile number is registered with UIDAI, you can retrieve your lost/forgotten Aadhaar Number (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID) here.
  • Select EID/UID for retrieval and enter the name and mobile number (as registered during Aadhaar enrolment).
  • The EID/Aadhaar number delivered on the registered email/ mobile number.

In case the mobile number is not registered in Aadhaar, visit the nearest Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment centre to update details. If a reprint of the Aadhaar is required,  order Aadhaar Reprint by paying Rs. 50.

For any additional help and support, see our explainer on Complaints/Help and Support for updating identitity documents”.

Voter ID for LGBTQ+ Persons

A Voter ID Card, also known as the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is a photo identity card that is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to all individuals who are eligible to vote.(( Section 61(b), Representation of Peoples Act, 1951; Rule 28(2), Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.)) This card is commonly known by other names such as an election card, voter’s card, Voter ID, etc. 

 

New Voter ID 

You can register for a new Voter ID Card for free, either in person or online by filling out Form 6, which is the application form to register as a voter in India. If you meet all the requirements, your name will be added to an ‘electoral roll’ which is a list of names of voters in a particular constituency. To understand how to get a new Voter ID card, read here. 

  • Name: If you have changed 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 in case the election authorities require it. 
  • Gender Details: While obtaining a new Voter ID card, you have 3 options for gender which is “male”, “female” and “transgender”. This option is available to you in all offices of Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers  across India and in the application form.

 

Updating / Changing Voter ID Details

You can update the demographic information of your Voter ID Card and by doing so you will receive a newly issued card which will have updated information. Read here to understand in detail how to update Voter ID 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 all offices of Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers and in the application form. 


The election officials 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 election 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.

Driving License

A Driving License (DL) is an official document, issued in the form of a card, by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of each State, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways,  which permits you to drive one or more types of vehicles, such as a motorcycle, car, etc. on a public road, and it also serves as a proof of identification.

You can apply for a DL in any state where:

  • You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
  • Where your driving school from where you have taken your training(( Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) is located.

Please note that you can hold only one DL at a time.(( Section 6(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) Your DL will be valid throughout India, i.e you can use your DL to drive in any state in India.(( Section 13, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) See here for information on the time periods of validity.

Electronic Driving License 

Now, you can also carry an electronic copy of your Driving License in the DigiLocker or mParivahan app.(( Rule 139, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989)) The electronic form of Driving License is just as valid as a physical copy. If you drive a motor vehicle without possessing a DL, you can be punished with jail time of up to 3 months and/or a fine of Rs. 5,000.(( Section 181, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))

You can get a DL only if:

  • You are an adult(( Section 4(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) i.e. above 18 years of age.
  • You hold a valid Learner’s License,(( Rule 14(1)(a), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))which is a temporary license which is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued to you.
  • You are not disqualified from holding a Driving License.(( Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) 

You can obtain a new DL, update your DL, renew your DL and get a duplicate DL. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more