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Gender Change - Overview

In India, the idea of gender extends beyond initial designation. Recognizing the fluid nature of identity, the law empowers every citizen to explore their personal expression. Whether through outward presentation, social roles, or even medical transition, individuals can navigate a path that aligns with their inner sense of self. This process, for some, involves realigning sex characteristics to match their internal identity, often referred to as gender transition. To ensure legal recognition of this deeply personal journey, an official announcement is published in the national Gazette, acknowledging the chosen gender presentation and identity. Ultimately, India's approach to gender transition champions personal truth and self-determination, celebrating the diverse spectrum of human experience.

How to Legally Change Your Gender?

Here is the step-by-step procedure of doing the gender change in India-

Creating the Gender Change Affidavit

Once you have decided to undergo gender transformation, the first step is to prepare an affidavit declaring the change of gender and gender change name (if required). The affidavit must adhere to the format as prescribed by the Department of Publication. It has to state your name, address, father’s name, age, and gender. It is to be noted that all the details mentioned in the affidavit should be the same as mentioned in the supporting identity proof document. The affidavit must be printed on a stamp paper and should be notarized.

Publishing Advertisement

The second step is to place an advertisement in a leading newspaper in the city you live (as per your supporting document of address proof). The advertisement can be placed in a regional or national newspaper. The content of the newspaper advertisement should be the same as mentioned in the affidavit.

Gazette Procedure

In this step, the duly signed application has to be filed along with mandatory documents (please refer to the next section to know the documentation criteria). The prescribed government fees should also be paid at the time of filing. A gazette is nothing but an official magazine published by the Government and every State and the Central Government may have their own version of gazettes. You can notify in any of the gazettes but some Govt. institutions may insist on a notification in the Central Govt. Gazette. Usually, public notices or advertisements from private individuals are published in Part IV of the Central Govt. Gazette.

Gazette Publication

After submission of the application, the department will review the application of the change of gender notification. After the necessary approval, the same will be published in the Government e-Gazette. It might take up to 45-60 business days for the change of gender notification to appear in the e-Gazette. The weekly Gazette is usually published every Saturday. One can download it from the official website

Once it is published, the applicant receives a copy of the gazette via email and a printout of the same can be taken. It is to be noted that the department does not issue any physical certificate. A copy of this notification will serve as proof for change of gender and can be enclosed with all the government documents as proof. With this, you can also incorporate the required changes in your Voter Card, Aadhar Card, PAN Card, and so on.

Rejection of Gender Change Application

There are some instances where the department might reject the application if any of the prescribed procedures and formats are not followed. In case the change of gender application is rejected, a fresh application has to be filed with the department. It is advisable to seek the assistance of a legal expert to ensure that there are no mistakes and all the legal requirements are complied with.

Documents Required for Gender Change Male to Female Application

  • Self-attested copies of ID proof (Aadhar/Voter ID/Passport)
  • Two self-attested passport size photographs
  • A newspaper publication in which the gender change of the person has been announced.
  • A specimen proforma duly signed by the applicant and two major witnesses.
  • A declaration stating that the contents in the application are true.
  • A letter of request and the registration fee, to the authority.
Change of Gender Documents Required

How to Change Gender in Aadhar?

Here is a step-by-step explanation:

  • To update your Aadhaar, go to the Self Service Update Portal at ssup.uidai.gov.in/ssup and log in
  • Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
  • Complete the captcha or security code
  • Select the ‘Send OTP’ option
  • The OTP will be sent to the mobile number associated with your Aadhaar
  • Type the received OTP and log in
  • Change your gender details and then press the submit button
  • Your gender information will be changed.

You can update your Aadhaar card online by using the same online procedure to change your name, address, and date of birth.

Steps for Gender Change in PAN Card

  • Step 1: Visit the NSDL website
  • Step 2: Go to the 'PAN' section and select 'Apply'
  • Step 3: Select 'Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data/Reprint of PAN Card (No changes in existing PAN Data)' option
  • Step 4: Fill in the required information in the form and submit it
  • Step 5: Upload the supporting documents, which include a copy of a government-issued identity proof with the correct gender (such as Aadhaar card, passport, or driving license)
  • Step 6: Pay the fee online
  • Step 7: After submitting the form and documents, the application will be verified by the PAN authorities, and if everything is in order, a new PAN card will be issued with the updated gender.

Steps for Change of Gender In Passport

The process to change the gender in a passport in India involves submitting an application for re-issue of passport with the required documents.

The following steps outline the procedure:

  • Step 1: Fill in the passport application form online with the required details, including the change of gender
  • Step 2: Submit the relevant documents, such as a government-issued certificate or affidavit supporting the change of gender
  • Step 3: Pay the fee for the passport re-issue
  • Step 4: Make an appointment with the Regional Passport Office (RPO) or Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) to get your documents and biometrics verified
  • Step 5: Attend the appointment at the designated time and location
  • Step 6: Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive the new passport with the updated gender within a few weeks.

Steps for Gender Change In Birth Certificate

The process to change the gender in a birth certificate may vary depending on the country or state in which the birth certificate was issued.

  • Step 1: Receive the proper form for changing the birth certificate's gender from the gram panchayat or the corresponding municipality office where your birth certificate was issued
  • Step 2: Provide documentation such as a court order, doctor's letter, or other supporting evidence
  • Step 3: The vital records office that issued the original birth certificate should receive the completed form and the necessary supporting documents
  • Step 4: Pay the associated fee with changing the gender on a birth certificate, which will need to be paid at the time of submission
  • Step 5: Once the application has been submitted, it may take several weeks or months for the updated birth certificate to be issued.

How Vakilsearch Helps for Change of Gender in India?

Vakilsearch helps you obtain the legal validation to your decision of gender transformation by publishing the same in the Official Gazette issued by the Government of India. We help you complete the process, right from the filing of the application until the same is published in the Government notification.

At Vakilsearch, we will take care of the entire process to the best of your satisfaction. We will collect all the documents from you for preparing the affidavit. We will have our lawyers draft the affidavit and send it to you for signature. We would also help you to identify the most suitable regional newspaper for publishing your application.

We will send you regular intimations about the process and communicate in advance if any changes are required to be made in the application format.

At Vakilsearch, we will track your application status and will keep you posted all the while, till the notification is published in the Government Gazette. You can also check your application status yourself on our user-friendly and truly digital platform.

FAQs on Gender Change

Get in touch with Vakilsearch to know the cost as the fees are subject to change.
Yes, you can change your gender in the Aadhar card. This is done through the Aadhar update process, either online, by post, or visiting an Aadhar Enrollment Centre.
Yes, you can change your gender in the PAN card online. You need to submit the 'Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes or Correction in PAN data' form on the NSDL website. There is a nominal fee for this service.
To change your gender in a passport application, submit a new passport application form along with the necessary documents like the doctor's certificate for gender change, updated identity proofs, etc. You'll need to visit the Passport Seva Kendra or District Passport Cell for the process.
Yes, during the gender change application, you need two witnesses, they can be from your family or friends. If you are married, it is better to keep your spouse as one of the witnesses.
No, there is no requirement of any surgery for making an application for gender change. You can make the application whenever you have decided to change your gender.
Here at Vakilsearch, we take about 6-8 weeks to get your gender change notification complete in the Gazette of India.
Yes, you can change your gender legally in many countries, including India. Depending on the nation and the particular rules of each jurisdiction, the procedure could change.
The cost of changing your gender can vary widely depending on the procedures you undergo and the country in which you live. The price of gender reassignment surgery in India can range from a few hundred thousand to several lakhs of rupees.
The time required to change your gender can vary depending on the country and the specific requirements of each jurisdiction. In India, the process can take several months or even years, depending on the individual circumstances.
In India, changing your gender without surgery is feasible. Without undergoing sex reassignment surgery, people can self-identify as male, female, or transgender under the Transgender People (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019.
In India, changing your gender without surgery is feasible. Without undergoing sex reassignment surgery, people can self-identify as male, female, or transgender under the Transgender People (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019.
You can change your gender at any time, although the specific procedures and requirements for doing so may vary depending on the country in which you live.
In many countries, gender reassignment surgery and related treatments are covered by health insurance policies. However, the specific coverage and eligibility requirements may vary depending on the insurance provider and the country in which you live.
If an employee changes their gender, it is important to respect their identity and provide support and accommodations as needed. To make sure that they are inclusive and supportive of all employees, regardless of their gender identification, employers should examine and update their policies and processes.
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