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How to Apply for a Transgender ID Card in India

How to Apply for a Transgender ID Card in India
4 min read
#legal transition
Table Of Content

This is a basic, practical guide on how to apply for a Transgender Identity (Trans ID) Card in India.
Before getting into the steps, it’s important to clarify a few things that often cause confusion or anxiety.

You do not need to medically transition to apply for a Trans ID Card. You also do not need a gender dysphoria certificate from a mental health professional in order to apply. However, the gender marker you can obtain depends on the type of application you submit.

If you are not medically transitioning, you can apply for a gender marker of T (Transgender).
If you want a binary gender marker (M or F), you are required to show proof that you are undergoing some form of gender-affirming care.

It’s also important to note that people on DIY HRT are generally not accepted for binary marker changes. Authorities usually expect documentation from a registered mental health practitioner and evidence of gender-affirming care under a licensed medical professional. Regardless of the gender marker you apply for, you can change your name.

Applications for a Trans ID Card fall under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.

  • Section 6 applies if you want your gender marker changed to T (Transgender).
  • Section 7 applies if you want your gender marker changed to M (Male) or F (Female).

Section 2(i) of the Rules defines medical intervention broadly. It includes counselling, hormonal therapy, and surgical intervention, if any. This means that surgery is not legally required. However, in practice, implementation can vary.

Some District Magistrates insist on proof of surgery before approving a binary gender marker, even though the law does not require it. This varies by region. If your application is rejected, you are allowed to reapply or escalate the matter.

You may also choose to first apply under Section 6 and later request a revised card under Section 7, though you can apply directly under Section 7 if you prefer.

How to apply for a Trans ID Card

Start by visiting the official portal:
https://transgender.dosje.gov.in

Register using your relevant details, then log in and select “New Application.”

You will be asked to choose a category:

  • Select “Transgender Certificate & ID Card” if applying under Section 6.
  • Select “Revised Transgender Certificate & ID Card” if applying under Section 7.

Fill in the required personal details carefully. When asked for “Changed/Chosen Name,” you may enter your preferred name. You do not need a gazette notification or additional documentation for this.

You will also be asked which name should be printed on the certificate. Choose your chosen name if you want it reflected on the ID card. This card is a valid identity document and can be used as proof of name.

Medical details and documentation

If you are applying under Section 7, you will be required to submit details of your medical transition. This section is optional for Section 6 applications but mandatory for Section 7.

Next, you will need to upload:

  • A photograph
  • Your signature
  • An affidavit

An affidavit is a written declaration that you affirm to be true. For this, you must purchase non-judicial stamp paper worth ₹10 and have it notarised by a notary public. Notaries are commonly found near courts or government offices.

The stamp paper can be purchased in your chosen name. You do not need to use your deadname for this step. Many notaries can also help prepare the affidavit text. Using Times New Roman, font size 12, is generally recommended, as it is standard in legal documentation.

Samples of affidavits that can be used for your application can be found at: https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/Applicant/Registration/Downloads

Submission and timeline

After uploading all documents, you will be asked to agree to a declaration and submit the application. Once submitted, the process can take anywhere from 15 days to over a month.

The process is digital. Documents are usually not mailed to your home address, which can be reassuring for those concerned about privacy.

A note on verification and caution

This guide has been prepared with care and verified to the best of the author’s ability. However, laws and their implementation can change, and regional practices may differ. Always verify information independently and be prepared for inconsistencies in how applications are processed.

Using this guide does not guarantee approval, but it is intended to help you navigate the process with clearer expectations.

This guide is based on lived experience and publicly available legal provisions under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.