Official statutory photo identity card and certificate issued under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 via the National Portal for Transgender Persons without physical medical examination
Under Rule 5 of the Transgender Persons Rules, 2020, District Magistrates and screening committees are strictly prohibited from subjecting applicants to physical or medical examinations for issuing the initial identity certificate.
💡 The Transgender Identity Certificate and Identity Card are statutory identity documents issued by the District Magistrate under Section 6 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. In compliance with the landmark Supreme Court NALSA judgment, the initial certificate is issued purely based on self-perceived gender identity without requiring any physical or medical examination. The resulting photo ID card serves as conclusive proof of gender across all Indian authorities.
The Act creates a two-tiered legal framework balancing self-determination with post-operative recognition.
| Feature | Initial Certificate of Identity | Revised Certificate of Identity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governing Section | Section 6 of the Transgender Persons Act, 2019 | Section 7 of the Transgender Persons Act, 2019 | Both issued by the District Magistrate |
| Recorded Gender | Recognized as 'Transgender' / 'Third Gender' | Recognized specifically as 'Male' or 'Female' | Binary legal gender recognition |
| Medical Proof Requirement | Zero medical proof; strictly self-declaration affidavit (Form-2) | Mandatory Form-4 certificate from hospital Medical Superintendent | Requires hormone therapy or surgical proof |
| Portal Processing Time | Within 30 calendar days | Within 15 to 30 calendar days | Right to appeal to State Appellate Authority if delayed |
Statutory limit of 30 days from the date of online application submission to District Magistrate issuance.
100% Free of cost (no application fees or stamp duty on the national portal).
Any individual who identifies as transgender, kinner, aravani, hijra, or intersex, residing within the jurisdiction of the concerned District Magistrate in India.
Any transgender, intersex, or gender-non-conforming individual in India seeking official legal recognition of their self-perceived gender identity on government records (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID), availing welfare benefits under the SMILE scheme, or obtaining the dedicated Ayushman Bharat TG health cover of ₹5 Lakh/year including gender affirmation care.
Visit transgender.dosje.gov.in and click 'Registration'. Provide your name, email ID, active mobile number, state, and district to generate login credentials.
Log in and select 'Application for Certificate of Identity'. Enter your personal details, current address, education, and select your self-perceived gender identity (Transgender).
Draft the affidavit as per Form-2 of the Rules on non-judicial stamp paper (₹10–₹50 depending on state), get it notarized, and upload the scanned PDF copy along with your photo and ID proof.
The application is routed directly to the District Magistrate's office. The DM verifies documents without physical visits or medical tests and is mandated by law to process the application within 30 days.
Once approved, log in to the portal to download your Certificate of Identity and the colorful Transgender Identity Card containing a QR code, photo, and official DM seal.
The Transgender ID Card serves as universal documentary proof for updating all other identity documents:
Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. The Transgender Identity Certificate issued by the DM is officially recognized by UIDAI as valid Proof of Identity for updating both Name and Gender ('Transgender' / 'Third Gender').
Submit a PAN Correction Form on Protean/UTIITSL attaching the DM Certificate and updated Aadhaar card.
Apply for passport re-issue under 'Change of Name / Sex'. The Ministry of External Affairs accepts the DM Certificate to endorse gender as 'T' or the revised gender.
If an individual undergoes Gender Affirmative Surgery (GAS / SRS) and desires legal recognition specifically as 'Male' or 'Female' (rather than 'Transgender'):
Collect the official certificate in Form-4 signed by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or Medical Superintendent of the hospital certifying completion of surgical intervention.
Log in to transgender.dosje.gov.in, select 'Application for Revised Certificate', and upload Form-4 and the original Transgender Certificate.
The District Magistrate issues an amended certificate recognizing the applicant as legally Male or Female. This revised certificate is then used to amend birth certificates, passports, and school records.
Legal escalation avenues if your application faces bureaucratic resistance.
| Issue Encountered | Probable Root Cause | Recommended Legal Action |
|---|---|---|
| Application pending with District Magistrate beyond 30 days | Statutory timeline under Rule 6(1) | File an online grievance directly on the National Portal dashboard. If unresolved, submit a formal appeal to the Appellate Authority (Divisional Commissioner) under Section 7. |
| DM office calls applicant for physical medical test | Rule 5 of the Transgender Persons Rules, 2020 | Submit a formal written objection citing Rule 5(2) and Supreme Court NALSA judgment (2014) affirming that no medical examination can be conducted for initial certification. |
| Bank or college refuses to accept Transgender ID card | Section 13 (Non-discrimination in establishments) | Section 13 makes discrimination against a transgender person in employment, education, or healthcare a punishable offense. Lodge a complaint with the District Transgender Protection Cell. |
| Name change rejected on Aadhaar after getting TG card | UIDAI List of Acceptable Supporting Documents | Transgender Certificate issued by DM is Document Code 32 in UIDAI's official list. Present the Gazette notification or DM order to the Regional UIDAI Grievance Nodal Officer. |
No. Under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020, no physical or medical examination of any kind can be conducted for issuing the initial Certificate of Identity. The certificate is issued purely based on the applicant's self-declaration affidavit of their self-perceived gender identity.
Under the Ministry's SMILE scheme and the National Health Authority (NHA) partnership, holders of the Transgender ID Card receive an exclusive Ayushman Bharat TG Card providing up to ₹5 Lakh per year in comprehensive health insurance. This package uniquely covers Gender Affirmative Surgeries (GAS), hormone therapy, and post-operative counseling.
Yes, absolutely. The law explicitly protects transgender individuals regardless of whether they have undergone medical or surgical interventions. You can apply for and receive the Certificate of Identity and Identity Card purely on your self-perceived gender.
The Transgender Identity Card and Certificate have permanent lifetime validity. A revised card is only needed if you choose to transition to binary Male/Female gender after surgery or update your legal name.
Yes. If residing in a shelter home, community residence, or rented accommodation without formal bills, a certificate or letter issued by the head of the Transgender Community, shelter home superintendent, or local Gram Panchayat / Ward Councilor is legally acceptable as proof of residence.
Statutory enactment prohibiting discrimination and providing legal recognition of self-perceived gender identity.
Checked on November 4, 2026
View Reference Document ↗Prescribes application procedures, Form-2 affidavit formats, 30-day DM turnaround, and the operational framework for the National Portal.
Checked on November 4, 2026
View Reference Document ↗
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Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and Transgender Persons Rules, 2020. The application process is 100% paperless and faceless.
Apply on National Transgender Portal →