TG Documentation

One of the major steps in the lives of transgender people is establishing official documentation that attests to their sex-reassignment surgery and consequent identity. Transgender people are often subjected to embarrassment, harassment and discrimination if their documentation does not match their gender presentation.

In India, transgender people can change most of their documentation after a medically certified Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS). However, as far as we have researched birth certificates cannot be changed.

Steps for sex change in legal documents issued in India

1. Get the Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) done. Usually, the hospital where you get the surgery performed should be able to guide you about legal formalities to be completed, since this must be a routine and crucial requirement for all their patients of this type.
2. Post-surgery, get a certificate of sex change by a board of doctors of the hospital concerned.
3. Put a newspaper advertisement to that effect . (Samples below)
   FTM: “I, aged……….., having my date of birth as ………….., resident of …………………………and so far known as Ms…………………, have
   changed my gender and name and will henceforth be known as Mr…………………”.
   MTF: “I, aged……….., having my date of birth as ………….., resident of …………………………and so far known as Mr…………………, have changed my gender and name and will henceforth be known as Ms.…………………”.
4. If you are employed, submit an application to your employer requesting necessary change in the records and issuance of a new identity card. Please include copies of your certificate of sex change from the hospital, a notarized affidavit to that effect and the newspaper advertisement. You can check with your HR department for more information
5. An application accompanied by copies of affidavit, newspaper advertisement and employer’s identity card to the following authorities for change in their records and issuance of fresh documents incorporating the change:

• Voter’s identity card
• Driving license
• Ration card
• Bank account and debit / credit card
• PAN Card
• Passport

They have done it!

Giving the Indian system its due credit, I have had very little, if any, trouble in getting my official identification documents altered as per my new physical gender. Driving license and Passport are through already, while PAN card is in the process of application.” – Gazal, GazalHopes blog (Nov 2009)

 

Two months ago, I applied formally to change my gender in the voter’s list. The government officials were very indifferent to me at first. Just a week ago, I got an acknowledgement slip saying the change has been made.” The gender in Rose’s all other identity proofs like the PAN card and passport have also been changed. – Rose Venkatesan via Times of India (Apr 2010)

Sources : NTDV.com, Times of India, GazalHopes blog
Thanks : Rashmi, Kalki Subramaniam
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