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Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number1, specific to each individual2, 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.3 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.
Given below are some of the important rights you have while applying for or updating an Aadhar card.
Details in 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. It is a cost-free process. To understand how to get a new Aadhar card, read here.
- Name: If you have changed your name to reflect the gender you identify with, you can fill your new name in the enrollment form. You should carry a copy of your changed name in the Central/State Gazette and a copy of other ID Proofs which recognize your new name in case the authorities require it.
- Gender Details: While obtaining a new Aadhar card, you have 3 options for gender which is “male”, “female” and “transgender” (third gender). This option is available to you in all enrollment centres across India and in the Aadhaar Enrolment Form.
Updating / Changing Aadhar Details
You can update your demographic information or your biometric information such as name, gender, fingerprints, etc. by physically going to the nearest Aadhar enrollment centre and requesting for a ‘Aadhar Data Update/Correction Form’. To understand how to update Aadhar details, read here.
- Changing Your Name: If you want to update your name to reflect the gender you identify with, you can fill your new name in the enrollment form. You should carry a copy of your changed name in the Central/State Gazette and a copy of other identification proofs which recognize your new name (if you have it).
- Changing Gender Details: If you want to update your gender, then you can mark from the 3 options given which is “male”, “female” and “transgender”. This option is available to you in all enrollment centres across India and in every Aadhar Update Form.
The officials at the enrollment centre may ask you for proof of gender identity or proof of change of name, but they cannot subject you to any form of harassment or gender verification on the spot. If you face any harassment or discrimination, you should file a complain with the Aadhar authorities. If these authorities do not respond, you can take help from lawyers, NGOs, etc. to make the process easier and take action by filing a complaint with the police.
- Section 2(a), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other. Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. [↩]
- Section 4(1), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other. Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. [↩]
- Section 3(3), Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other. Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. [↩]
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Your Right to Recognition of Your Gender Identity
Sai D s
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I am female to male transgender so I want to change my name and gender in aadhar card
Nyaaya
December 8, 2022
The name can be updated if the change is minor, which includes correcting spelling (phonetically identical), name change after the wedding, and short-form to full form. There is a ₹50 fee charged, but people can only change two areas (for example, gender and name) in one attempt for the sum paid.
Gender information can only be updated once, as per the memorandum. Updating the gender on the Aadhar Card more than the required number of times requires an exceptional handling procedure, which may necessitate the Aadhar Card holder to visit the regional office of the Unique Identification Authority of India.
The following are the steps to make gender change in aadhar card:
You can update your Aadhar by going to https://uidai.gov.in and clicking on the “Update Aadhar” option. After that, you must tap on the “update demographics data online” option.
You must now proceed to update your Aadhar gender details. To start, you must sign in with the 12-digit unique Aadhar number and punch in the captcha code displayed. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. You need to enter the password.
You must now select the ‘update demographics data’ option. After that, from the menu, you must choose the gender data field and tap on the ‘gender’ option to proceed. The portal will notify you what documents it requires and the One-time Password from your registered cell phone number in order to correct or change your gender details.
After you continue, another tab will be opened. You must enter the exact gender and upload all the valid papers from your laptop or desktop. The scanned document’s side must be less than 2 MB, and the photos must be in pdf, jpeg, or png format. You will receive a One-time Password on your registered cell phone number after punching in the captcha code.
You need to pay a charge of ₹50 using any digital payment methods provided. You can download the receipt and application after receiving the successful transaction text message on your phone. It’ll clearly display the new and old genders entered.
If the gender is required to update more than once, the procedure is as follows:
To update the gender, the person must go to an Aadhar update or enrollment centre.
Because the update exceeds the specified number of times, the person must send a plea to accept the gender update, which is made at the Aadhar enrollment centre, to the Unique Identification Authority of India’s regional office via post or email. The person is needed to describe why such a plea must be accepted and provide a photocopy of the URN slip, Aadhar information, and relevant proof details. You should send an email to help@uidai.gov.in. Note, unless otherwise specified, people are not required to physically visit regional offices.
The UIDAI regional office must conduct due diligence to determine whether or not the gender update request is bona fide. As needed, the UIDAI regional office might seek extra details from you or conduct a field investigation.
If the UIDAI regional office determines that the gender update request is bona fide, it’ll be forwarded to the technical centre for reprocessing or processing.
Listed below are the documents required
Self-attested ID Proof copies (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID)
Two passport-sized photographs that have been self-attested
A newspaper publication where the individual’s gender change is announced
A duly signed specimen proforma by the applicant and two key witnesses
A statement declaring the contents of the applicants are bona fide.
The registration fee and a request letter to the authority.