Theme: Identification & Certificates

Ration Card for LGBTQ+ Persons

Ration cards are helpful when you want to get essential goods such as rice, grains, etc. at a lower subsidised price from shops set up by the government. Ration Cards have been introduced as part of the Government’s Public Distribution System and is an important identity proof. They are issued to people depending on their economic status, so some people may be issued a ration card which is APL (Above the Poverty Line) or it may be BPL (Below the Poverty Line). 

Since Ration cards are issued by State Governments, the procedures to obtain them are also dependent on the State rules. Under the law, ration cards are issued to the eldest woman in the household who is above 18 years and this woman would be considered to be the ‘head of the household’. If there is no woman, then the eldest male gets the Ration Card. Now as per the law, even transgender women can be the heads of the households.(( Ashwin Kumar Misra v Bharat Sarkar, 2015(4) RCR (Civil) 327.)) 

Given below are some of the important rights you have while applying or updating a Ration Card.

 

New Ration Card

You should fill out the application form, which you can obtain from any Circle Office, or download it from your state government’s website. You can access the portals to the relevant website for all the states here. To understand how to get a new Ration 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 and a copy of other ID proofs which recognize your new name in case the circle office authorities require it. 
  • Gender Details: While obtaining a new Ration card, you may have 3 options for gender which is “male”, “female” and “third gender”. Since Ration Cards are regulated state wise, sometimes there may not be an option to choose transgender and in such situations, you should:
    • Contact the Ration Card Circle Officers 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 Ration Card Details

You can update the demographic information of your Ration 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 Ration 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”.


The Circle Office 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 Ration card 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.

Updating Driving License

Sometimes, you may need to update certain details on your Driving License (DL), after which you will be given a new DL, and your old DL will be taken away. Please note that you do not have to take a driving test to update your DL. To update your Driving License, follow the steps given below:

Step 1 – You can update details like your name, address, etc., so you must understand the procedure for updating any specific detail in your state. The procedures and the documents required vary across states.

Step 2 – You should go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state, and ask for the relevant application form. For example, in Gujarat,(( Department of Port and Transport, Government of Gujarat, http://rtogujarat.gov.in/process_licence.php#link4)) if you want to update your DL, you must make an application in Form L.L.D. with the details of the original DL and you must submit an application made on plain paper.

Step 3 – You should submit the relevant documents. For example, in Gujarat, you must submit  a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original licensing authority.

Step 4 – You should then pay the required fee for updating for DL. For example, in Gujarat, the fee is Rs. 200. This fee varies across states.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here. Read this government resource to know more

Applying for new Driving License

You can apply for a new Driving License (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

You must apply for a DL after 30 days(( Rule 15(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))and within 180 days(( Section 14(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))(6 months) of the issuance of the Learner’s License. Please note that you need either a learner’s license or a Driving Certificate from a driving school that has been accredited by a body notified by the Central Government .

Procedure for Applying In-Person (( IndiaGov Archive, Obtain Driving License, https://archive.india.gov.in/howdo/howdoi.php?service=6))

Step 1 – You should go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state

Step 2 – You should fill and submit the application form

Step 3 – You should submit the following.

  • A valid learner’s licence issued by a the RTO, if any (original and a self-attested copy)
  • 3 recent Passport size photographs(( Rule 14(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Proof of identification (original and a self-attested copy)
  • Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.
  • The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.

Step 4 – You should take the driving test, on the scheduled date, as conducted by the RTO/RTA,(( Rule 15(2), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989)) which will certify your ability to safely drive and handle a motor vehicle.(( Section 9(3), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) However, you don’t have to take a driving test if you already hold a driving license, and the time between the expiry of that license and your application for a new license does not exceed 5 years.(( Section 9(3) (a)(i), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))

Step 5 – After passing the test, you should submit your passport sized photographs, or get a photograph clicked, and submit your finger impressions.

Step 6 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 7 – You can then collect your DL. Sometimes, the RTO/RTA may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO/RTA for the details on this step.

Online Procedure(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Sarathi, https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservicecov10/newDLDet.do))

Step 1 –  You should visit the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and click on “Apply Online”, and subsequently on “New Driving License”. This will redirect you to a page that will instruct you on how to fill out the application online.

Step 2 – You should fill in the application form.

Step 3 –  You should upload the documents, which are the same as the ones mentioned above, and the fee,  and submit the application.

Step 4 – You should take a print-out of the filled application, along with the reference number, and submit it at the relevant RTO/RTA.

Step 5 –  You should take the driving test on the scheduled date,  as conducted by the RTO/RTA. The details of the test are given above.

Step 6 – After passing the test, you should submit your photographs and finger impressions.

Step 7 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 8 – You can then collect your DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

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

Read this Delhi government resource to know more on driving licenses.

Renewal of Driving License

A Driving License (DL) is valid for a limited time period, based on which you have to renew it. Given below are the time limits for validity of a Driving License (DL), with respect to its issue or renewal:

  • If you have not turned 30 years old, it will be effective till you turn 40 years old
  • If you are between the ages of 30 and 50, it will be effective for 10 more years
  • If you are between the ages of 50 and 55 , it will be effective for until you turn 60 years old
  • If you are 55 years old or above, it will be effective for 5 more years

However, this varies across states. For example, in Delhi, a DL is valid for 20 years, or until you attain 50 years of age, whichever is earlier.(( Transport Department (Government of Delhi), Frequently Asked Questions, http://transport.delhi.gov.in/content/frequently-asked-questions))

You must renew your DL 1 month(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Parivahan Sewa, Renewal, https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/en/content/renewal)) before this period has passed, if you wish to keep driving. You may do so in any state, through any appropriate authority.(( Section 15, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))  In some states like Delhi, you must do so within 1 year of the expiry of your DL, otherwise you will have to take a driving test.(( Section 15(4), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))  If the application is late for more than five years after the date of expiry of the licence, the applicant should undergo all the formalities to obtain a fresh licence.(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Parivahan Sewa, Renewal, https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/en/content/renewal))

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

Follow the steps given below to renew your DL:

Step 1 – You should visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state and fill in and submit the application form

Step 2 – You should submit the following(( Rule 18(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))

  • 3 recent Passport size photographs.
  • Driving License (original and a self-attested copy)
  • Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.  Alternatively, you must submit a medical certificate, which you can download here, if you are over 40 years of age.(( Section 15(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))
  • The prescribed fee. This varies across states.
  • Any additional documents that might be required, according to the state you live in.

Step 3 – You can then collect your renewed DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

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

Read this government resource to know more

New Learner’s License

You need to get a Learner’s License before you can apply for a Driving License. Given below is the online and in-person procedure for obtaining a Learner’s License:

Procedure for Applying In-Person

Follow the steps given below to get a new Learner’s License:

Step 1 – You should go to the RTO/RTA Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state.

Step 2 – You should fill in and submit the application form.

Step 3 – You should submit the required documents.

  • Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • 3 recent Passport-sized photographs(( Rule 10, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.
  • The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.

Step 4 – Thereafter, you should take and pass a preliminary learner’s test,(( Rule 11, Central Motor Vehicles Rules)) which will test how well acquainted you are with traffic procedures, familiarity with the vehicle, etc. (( Rule 11(2)(d), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989)) For example, in Delhi, this is the syllabus of the test.

Step 5 – You must undergo a medical examination, where colour-blindness and movement of limbs will be examined.

Step 6 – If you pass your tests, you can collect your Learner’s License once it is ready. Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

Step 7 – You can also check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Online Procedure

Follow the steps given below to get a new Learner’s License:

Step 1 – You should visit the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and click on “Apply Online”, and subsequently on “New Learner’s License”. This will redirect you to a page that will instruct you on how to fill out the application online.

Step 2 – You should fill out the application form.

Step 3 –You should upload the relevant documents, given above.

Step 4 – You should submit the application.

Step 5 – You should take a print-out of the application along with the reference number and submit it at the relevant RTO.(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Sarathi, https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservicecov2/sarathiHomePublic.do))

Step 6 – You should take and pass the learner’s test. The details are given above in Step 4 of the offline procedure.

Step 7 – You should undergo a medical examination. The details are given above in Step 5 of the offline procedure.

Step 8 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 9 –  You can collect your Learner’s License.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

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

Duplicate/Lost Driving License

If you have lost or damaged your Driving License (DL), you can apply for a duplicate DL, in which case you will be given a new DL.

Follow the steps given below for a duplicate DL:

Step 1 – You should inform the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state, from where you obtained the original DL, that you have lost/damaged your DL, and apply in writing for the issuance of a duplicate DL.

Step 2-  You should fill in and submit the application form.

Step 3 – You should submit the following:(( Transport Department (Government of Delhi), Duplicate Driving License, http://transport.delhi.gov.in/content/duplicate-driving-licence))

  • FIR of the lost DL
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.
  • Any additional documents that might be required, according to your state.

Step 4 – You can then collect your DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you are unable to obtain a duplicate license or your state does not allow it, you can apply for a new one, but you will have to demonstrate that you tried to get a duplicate license, and that it wasn’t possible for you to get it.(( Section 9(7), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))

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

Read this government resource to know more

Learner’s License

A Learner’s License(( Transport Department (Government of Delhi), Learner License, http://transport.delhi.gov.in/content/learner-licence)) is a temporary license which is valid for 6 months, which legally allows you to practice driving on Indian roads, as long as you are accompanied by an adult who holds a valid Driving License.(( Rule 3(b), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989)) Please note that you must be 18 years old before you apply for a DL for a vehicle other than a transport vehicle, so you need to get your Learner’s License renewed or get a new one, depending on the regulations of your state, if you get your Learner’s License before you turn 18 years of age. For example, in some states you can get your learners license after the age of 16 years to drive a motorbike of 50 cc with the permission of your parents or guardian.

You can apply for a DL in any state where you either live or ordinarily conduct business, or where a school of driving is located from where you have taken your training.(( Section 8(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) The DL is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of each State, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways,.

Criteria for Grant of Learner’s License

Any person can be granted a Learner’s License, if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are at least 16 years of age(( Section 4(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))
  • Your parents/guardians have given consent, in case you want to drive a motorcycle without gear(( Section 72, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; Rule 12, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • You are not disqualified from holding(( Section 8(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) a Driving License

Precautions to be taken while Driving with a Learner’s License

You should take the following precautions while driving a motor vehicle with a learner’s permit:

  • You are accompanied by an adult who holds a valid Driving License who will be able to control or stop the vehicle, if necessary(( Rule 3(b), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • The letter “L” is painted, in the front and the rear of the vehicle, or a sign is affixed with the letter “L”. The painting should be at least 18 centimeters square, and the letter “L” should be at least 10 centimeters high, 2 centimeters thick and 9 centimeters wide at the bottom.(( Rule 3, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • You are not carrying any passengers with you, if you are on a motorcycle, except your instructor.(( Rule 3, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))

Penalty for Underage Driving

There is a strict penalty in place for those who allow minor persons to drive their motor vehicles without following the provisions mentioned above. Further, the juvenile will be punished under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000, in addition to the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.(( Section 199A(6), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))

You can get a new Learner’s License, get it renewed or get a duplicate. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

Renewal of Learner’s License

As a Learner’s License is valid only for 6 months, you need to get it renewed or get a new one once that period has passed.

You can renew your Learner’s License, which is valid for 6 months, or obtain a new one after the date of its expiry, depending on the rules of your state. This procedure varies across states, so you should check the rules specific to your state. For example, in Haryana, you can renew your Learner’s License only once.(( IndiaGov Archive, Obtain Driving License: Haryana, https://archive.india.gov.in/howdo/service_detail.php?formid=151&service=6))

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

Read this government resource to know more

Duplicate/Lost Learner’s License

If you have lost or damaged your Learner’s License, you can get a duplicate Learner’s License with your application number and date of birth. Follow the steps given below to get a print-out of your Learner’s License:

Step 1 – You should visit the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and select the State. This will redirect you to a page that will ask you for your application number and date of birth.

Step 2 – You should fill in the required details.

Step 3 – You can then print your Learner’s License.

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

Read this government resource to know more

New/Reissue/Updation 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 – both the procedures are described below.

Please note that you can cancel/reschedule your Passport appointment only two times in a given year, and once that is over, you must restart the process after one year.(( Ministry of External Affairs, Passport Seva, FAQs, Fee Payment, https://portal1.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/faqFeePayment)) For example, if you have booked an appointment for 16th January, 2020, and you change it to 20th January, 2020, you only have one opportunity left to change/cancel your Passport appointment.

Online Procedure

You have two modes of application i.e. via online form submission(( Ministry of External Affairs, Passport Seva, e-Form Submission, https://portal1.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/pccOnlineEForm)) or via online e-form submission.(( IndiaGov, Passport Seva Portal, https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/passport-seva-portal-convenient-way-get-passport#tab=tab-2)) These are discussed in detail below:

Step 1 – For online form submission, you should register on Passport Seva Portal, and then log in to the Passport Seva Portal, where you will be able to download the e-Form for fresh/reissue of Passport. For e-form submission, you should register on Passport Seva Portal and then log in to the Passport Seva Portal, where you should click on “Apply for Fresh Passport or “Reissue of Passport”.

Step 2 – For online form submission, you should download the form, and fill it, and click it “validate and save”. This will generate an XML file, which you must upload through “upload e-form”.  For e-form submission, you should fill in the form and submit it.

Step 3 – You should click on “Pay and Schedule Appointment”, which will enable you to schedule an appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) at a branch of your preference.

Step 4 – You should make the online payment.  The fee payable also varies on the basis of what kind of Passport you are applying for, if it is a new Passport or a re-issue, etc.

Step 5 – You should take a print-out of the application receipt containing Application Reference Number (ARN) or Appointment Number, and visit the PSK where you have booked your appointment,  along with original documents. You can also check this list to find out the Passport Seva Kendras in India.

Step 6 – You should get your documents verified in the PSK. The documents required vary on the basis of whether the applicant is a major person, minor person or senior citizen, if the applicant is eligible for Non-ECR category, reason for reissue, etc. You will generally require to provide proof of birth, proof of residence, and proof for Non-ECR category, if applicable. See here for a consolidated list of documents that you will require.

Step 7 – You should get your finger impressions taken, and get your photograph clicked.

Step 8 –  You should get police verification done, where the police from your local police station will come and verify your address.

Step 9 – You can track your application status through the online account you have made on the portal.

Step 10 – Your Passport will be delivered to you. The time taken for you to get your Passport also depends on many factors, such as need for police verification, time taken for verification of documents, etc.

Procedure for Applying In-Person(( IndiaGov, Passport Seva Portal, https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/passport-seva-portal-convenient-way-get-passport#tab=tab-2))

To apply for a new Passport/reissue of Passport in person,follow the steps given below:

Step 1 – You should download the application form for new/reissue of Passport from Passport Seva Portal on an A4 size paper, or purchase the form from the local District Passport Cell (DPC) for a nominal fee. See here to find a DPC.

Step 2 –  You should fill the form, and submit it with the required documents to the DPC.

Step 3 – You should get your application and documents verified by the officials at DCP. See Step 3 of online procedure for details.

Step 4 –  You should pay the prescribed fee in the form of a demand draft. Please ensure you write your name, date of birth, and the date of submission of form behind the DD. See above for details.

Step 5 –  You should get your finger impressions taken, and get your photograph clicked.

Step 6 – Thereafter, you should collect the Acknowledgment Letter which contains a File Number, which you can use for tracking the application status.

Step 7 – You should get police verification done, where the police from your local police station will come and verify your address.

Step 8 – Your Passport will be delivered to you. The time taken for you to get your Passport also depends on many factors, such as need for police verification, time taken for verification of documents, etc.

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

Read this government resource to know more