Home / Legal Explainers / Government & Elections / Identification & Certificates / Identity Documents / Getting Identification Proof (ID Proof)

Getting Identification Proof (ID Proof)

Last updated on Jun 15, 2022

In India, getting proof of identification is of paramount importance since an ID proof contains your personal details, which are useful for authorities to determine and verify your identity. ID proofs serve various purposes including:

  • Government Benefits: ID proofs, such as Ration Cards, enable you to apply for and receive government benefits, such as food at subsidized prices, etc.
  • Proof of Age and Proof of Residence: Various ID proofs serve as proof of address and proof of age, required for day-to-day activities. For instance, a PAN Card can be used for  opening a bank account. 
  • Photo Identity: Various ID proofs serve as a proof of photo identity. For example, when you enter an airport, you need to give a photo identity card, such as your Driving License which helps cross-check your picture.
  • Utilizing Government Services: ID proofs also allow you to enjoy certain things, like driving a car, riding a motorcycle, etc. For example, a Passport allows you to travel internationally.

You should try to get at least one proof of identification, as it will simplify the process of getting other ID proofs. Please note that there is no proof of citizenship in India. Your identification proofs and documents are only used as a proof for authenticating and verifying who you are.

Types of ID Proofs

The Government of India issues multiple identification documents. The most commonly used identification cards/documents are:

For a full list of documents accepted as proof of identification, see here.

Read this government resource to know more

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 3.5 / 5. Vote count: 6

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Please share your feedback about this post!

Sharing feedback will help us improve our content. Tell us how!

If you want to keep your feedback confidential, please mention it in your feedback. If you have a question, please ask us in the comments or Ask Nyaaya sections.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a question you want to ask our legal experts?

Ask Nyaaya

Related Resources

Your Right to Recognition of Your Gender Identity

Identification documents play a major role in facilitating your rights such as the right to healthcare, education, etc. and are also important for day-to-day activities. It is your right to get identification documents recognizing the gender you want to be associated with.

PAN Card for LGBTQ+ Persons

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is an identification proof mandatorily required to file taxes which is issued by the Income Tax Department.

Proof of Gender Identity

When you face any trouble with officials or people who want you to prove the gender you identify with, you have the option of showing them the documents given below.

Learner’s License for LGBTQ+ Persons

A Learner's License is a temporary license which is valid for 6 months, which legally allows you to practice driving on Indian roads, as long as you are accompanied by an adult who holds a valid Driving License

Driving License for LGBTQ+ Persons

A Driving License (DL) is an official document, issued in the form of a card, by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of each State.

Ration Card for LGBTQ+ Persons

Ration Cards have been introduced as part of the Government's Public Distribution System and is an important identity proof.