Theme: Identity Documents

Getting Identification Proof (ID Proof)

In India, getting proof of identification is of paramount importance since an ID proof contains your personal details, which are useful for authorities to determine and verify your identity. ID proofs serve various purposes including:

  • Government Benefits: ID proofs, such as Ration Cards, enable you to apply for and receive government benefits, such as food at subsidized prices, etc.
  • Proof of Age and Proof of Residence: Various ID proofs serve as proof of address and proof of age, required for day-to-day activities. For instance, a PAN Card can be used for  opening a bank account. 
  • Photo Identity: Various ID proofs serve as a proof of photo identity. For example, when you enter an airport, you need to give a photo identity card, such as your Driving License which helps cross-check your picture.
  • Utilizing Government Services: ID proofs also allow you to enjoy certain things, like driving a car, riding a motorcycle, etc. For example, a Passport allows you to travel internationally.

You should try to get at least one proof of identification, as it will simplify the process of getting other ID proofs. Please note that there is no proof of citizenship in India. Your identification proofs and documents are only used as a proof for authenticating and verifying who you are.

Types of ID Proofs

The Government of India issues multiple identification documents. The most commonly used identification cards/documents are:

For a full list of documents accepted as proof of identification, see here.

Read this government resource to know more

Changing Your Name

To change your name, make an addition or delete a part of your name, you will have to follow the steps given below and make sure that it is published either in the State or Central Gazette. You can choose to publish it in the Central Gazette if you want to apply for any higher studies abroad, visa applications, passport application, etc. If you choose to publish it in the State Gazette, then it will only be published within your State but you can use this to update/obtain many identification documents, change your name in school certificates, etc. Follow the steps given below to change your name:

Step 1: Make an Affidavit/Undertaking

You will have to make the documents given below depending on where you want to publish your new name:

  • Affidavit (for both State and Central Gazette)
  • Undertaking (for the Central Gazette)

An affidavit/undertaking are documents which contain facts written by you such as your desired new name. For example, you can use the affidavit/undertaking not only while changing your name but also while getting an Aadhar card, opening a bank account, getting a SIM Card, etc.

Step 2: Go to a Notary or Oath Commissioner

Find the nearest/local Notary or Oath Commissioner who will verify your affidavit/undertaking. Your document will be stamped after which it will be a valid legal document. You will have to pay a fee for this service.

Step 3: Advertise your new name in a Newspaper

You will have to approach two local leading newspapers in your state (one in your regional language and one in English) and request them to publish your new name after showing the verified affidavit. You will have to pay a fee to the newspapers to publish the advertisement.

Step 4: Publish it in the Central or State Gazette

You will have to publish your name either in a State Gazette (within your state) or the Central Gazette (national level).

 State Gazette

You must approach the Government Press of your respective state, fill up the respective form given by them and pay the prescribed fees.

Central Gazette 

If you want to publish your name in the Central Gazette, you will have to send it to the address “Department of Publications, Civil Lines, New Delhi-54” with the following:

  • Your verified Affidavit and Undertaking.
  • Advertisement clipping of the original newspaper.
  • Self attested ID proof and 2 self attested passport photos.
  • Copy of proforma with signatures by you and 2 witnesses.
  • CD copy of proforma with your typed name (excluding witnesses and signatures).
  • A certificate signed by you declaring therein that the contents of hard copy and soft copy are similar.
  • Request letter along with a fee.

Step 5: Proof of Name Change

Both the Central and State Gazette take a lot of time to publish names. You should search for your name in your respective State Gazette website. For the Central Gazette,  follow these steps:

  • Go to the Central Gazette page and click on ‘Search Gazette’
  • Add the category ‘Weekly Gazette’ and press search.
  • Select ‘Part IV’
  • Add in the dates
  • in the “keyword” section, add your new name.
  • Click on the results generated, and
  • Download the relevant file and this downloaded copy can be used as proof.

Proof of Residence

To issue different government kinds of proof of identification, you will have to submit a proof of residence, which may indicate your permanent address or your communication address. 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, Passport

  • Bank/Post Office Statement/Passbook
  • 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 residence proof.
  • Ration Card, Voter ID, Driving License
  • Insurance Policy
  • Disability ID Card/Handicapped Medical Certificate
  • Property Tax Receipt (not older than 1 year)
  • Any of the following documents, not older than 3 months:
    • Electricity Bill
    • Water Bill
    • Telephone Landline Bill
    • Credit Card Statement
    • Gas Connection Bill

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

Voter ID

  • Bank/Kisan/Post Office Passbook
  • Ration Card, Passport, Driving License
  • Income Tax Return/Assessment Order
  • Latest Water/Telephone/Electricity/Gas Connection Bill for that address, either in the name of the applicant/his immediate relations like parents, etc.
  • Postal Department’s post received/delivered in the applicant’s name at the given address.

Driving License

  • Ration Card, Voter ID Card
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Payslip issued by any office in the Central/State Government or a local body
  • Post Office/Bank Passbook (indicating residential address)
  • House Tax Receipt, Marriage Certificate, Income Tax Returns

For a complete list for residence proofs for Driving License refer here.

Ration Card

Different states have different requirements with respect to the proof of residence required while obtaining a Ration Card. However, some of the common documents accepted are(( IndiaGov Archive, Apply for Ration Card:Delhi, FAQs, https://archive.india.gov.in/howdo/service_detail.php?formid=50&service=7)):

  • If you are the owner of a house: Registration deed, allotment letter, power of attorney, house tax receipt etc.
  • If you are the tenant: NOC of landlord, Rent Agreement etc.

Read this government resource to know more

Complaints/Help and Support for updating identity documents

Given below are the portals and helpline numbers you can use to file complaints, address grievances, make enquiries and ask for help and support.

Aadhar Card

Grievances associated with Aadhaar are received through the UIDAI Contact Centre, Post, Public Grievance Portal of the Government, and E-mail. Read more here. You can check your complaint status here.

PAN Card

Complaints/queries regarding PAN can be registered here. Alternatively, you may call the PAN Centre on 020-2721 8080 or send an email to tininfo@nsdl.co.in.

Ration Card

You can call the helpline number 1967 by the Department of Food and Public Distribution.

Apart from this, since the issue of Ration Cards is governed by the State Governments, each state has a different grievance redressal system. Given below are the complaint portals for three states of India:

  • Delhi: To lodge a complaint, visit this website, and click on “Grievance Redressal portal”, which will redirect you to another page where you can lodge a grievance or view the status of your complaint. When you click on “Lodge your Grievance”, you will be taken to a page where you can describe your issue, upload supporting documents, etc. Here, in the section of “Department Concerned”, you should choose “Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs”. After you fill in all the sections, click on “Submit”, and your complaint will be lodged.  You can also call on the helpline numbers 1967 and 1800110841 for inquiries and support.
  • Maharashtra: To lodge a complaint, visit this website, which will allow you to you lodge a grievance or view the status of your complaint. To lodge a complaint, click on “Post Grievance”, which will redirect you to a page where you will be required to fill in your mobile number and/or email address, and an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number and/or email address. Once your details have been authenticated, you will be taken to a page where you can fill in your personal details, the description of your complaint, etc. In the section of “Level of Administration”, you should choose “District”. You will be able to preview the form, and submit it. 
  • Karnataka: According to the regulations of the state, you can lodge a complaint by calling the number 8022220579, or emailing at  digr.admin@karnataka.gov.in. For more information, please see here.

Passport

For any issues related to obtaining or updating your Passport, you can visit this website, which will allow you to register your grievance. You will have to fill in your personal details, reference number, if any, the relevant PSK, etc. Once you have filled in all the required details, click on “Submit”. You can also track the status of your complaint here.

Voter ID Card

The fastest way to lodge your grievance is by visiting the online portal of the ECI. You can lodge both Election and Non-Election Related Complaints. After logging in and lodging the complaint, you will get an acknowledgement with an ID and can track the status of your complaint. Visit the National Grievances Service portal here.

You can lodge the grievance by downloading and using the mobile Voter Helpline App, which can also be used to verify your name in the Electoral Roll.

You can also call the Voter Helpline at 1950 (Please add your STD code before 1950) or visit the Voter Facilitation Centre.

Driving License and Learner’s License

As the issue of Driving License/Learner’s License is governed by the State Governments, each state has a different grievance redressal system. Given below are the complaint systems for three states of India:

  • Delhi: In case of any complaint, you can call the Grievance Redressal Officer for licenses. The number is 23960497. You can also call on the helpline number, which is 9311900800.
  • Maharashtra: To lodge a complaint, visit this website, which will allow you to you lodge a grievance or view the status of your complaint. To lodge a complaint, click on “Post Grievance”, which will redirect you to a page where you will be required to fill in your mobile number and/or email address, and an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number and/or email address. Once your details have been authenticated, you will be taken to a page where you can fill in your personal details, the description of your complaint, etc. In the section of “Level of Administration”, you should choose “District”. You will be able to preview the form, and submit it.
  • Karnataka: According to the regulations of the state, you can lodge a complaint by calling the number 8022220579, or emailing at  digr.admin@karnataka.gov.in. For more information, please see here. 

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

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

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.

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”.

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

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