Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a prominent document in India used for identity verification. Every Indian, irrespective of caste, gender, district, or village, has the right to own this document. This is why the Indian Government has launched the Transgender PAN card.
With the help of an Independent category PAN card, transgender individuals can link their Aadhar card easily. They can also avail of various financial and governmental advantages that they could not earlier.
So, in this blog, let’s get to know what a transgender PAN card is and how one can apply for it online.
What is Transgender Pan Card?
A third gender category is introduced by The Indian Government in PAN card application Forms. This new category gives freedom to people to choose the transgender option openly.
The third gender PAN cards helps transgender people in the following ways:
- To work among other individuals
- Claim the benefits of government schemes and programs
- Buy assets
- Avail loan benefits
- Apply for credit cards and many others.
Why is Transgender Pan Card Important?
Transgender PAN cards help such individuals legally avail of the benefits from government schemes. From opening bank accounts to buying a property, third gender PAN cards have made all financial transactions and investments really easy for the transgender populace.
Previously, transgender people could select their gender while applying for Aadhar cards, but the same choice was not available with PAN. However, the issue had aggravated over the years as despite having Aadhaar cards, they could not link the same with their PAN cards. Additionally, they could neither file ITR nor buy properties, use credit cards, or perform any financial activities.
Hence, the Indian Government passed a law allowing transgender people to choose their gender freely. Now they can choose between male, female, or others/transgender or Independent category PAN card. With the help of this law, things have become a lot smoother for them.
New PAN Card Rule
The CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) department of India drafts every rule and law about tax. Under Sections 295 and 139A of the Income Tax Act, the CBDT issued an informational notice for transgender people.
The notification is about the addition of a new gender category in the PAN card forms (Form 49A and Form 49AA) for both Indian and NRI Indians, respectively. You can check the same in the highlighted sections of both forms below:
Latest Form 49A with Recent Changes:
Latest Form 49AA with Recent Changes:
Document Requirement
To apply for the Independent category PAN card, transgender people have to provide the following documents:
- Any resident proof (Rental Agreement or Passport, Voter ID Card, Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence, water, electricity, or gas bill)
- Photo identification proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID Card, PIO Card, or Birth certificate)
- Signature or thumb impression on the form
- Filled affidavit form or medical certificate. You can download the affidavit from the link below:
What Are The Steps to Apply for Online Transgender Pan Card?
You can follow the step-by-step guide below to apply for an online transgender PAN card.
Step 1: Visit the official website specially created for the transgender community: transgender_dosje_gov_in (Remove ‘_’ with ‘.’).
Step 2: On the website’s homepage, select the option of registration. You can see the online registration form for Transgender ID cards in the image below.
Step 3: Once you register yourself, a new webpage will appear on the screen. The page will be displayed as shown below:
Step 4: Enter your credentials and hit the log-in button.
Step 5: After you log in, the dashboard will appear as shown below in the image:
Step 6: Click on the New Application option. In another window, you will have the option to select the Transgender certificate and ID card. It will help you in opening the Transgender ID Card application Form 2020 as displayed below:
Step 7: Fill the form with the required information, verify, and submit it.
Step 8: Upload any one of the following documents:
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID Card
- Birth Certificate
- Ration Card
- Passbook
- Passport
- Caste Certificate.
Step 9: Click on ‘Save’ and ‘Next’ to complete the application.
How to Download Transgender Certificate?
To download the identity certificate and ID cards, transgender individuals can visit the National Portal for Transgender Persons. They have to log in to their account and press the download button as given on the screen.
But, in case your application is delayed or rejected, you can visit the grievance portal and register the issue. The application further is presented to the concerned authorities without delays.
Moreover, the issuing authorities work under strict timelines for the smooth functioning of the certification process and the identity cards. So, any grievances or complaints will be resolved in time.
How to Update the Gender of PAN Card to Transgender
To make any changes to the PAN card, you have to fill the Correction Form. The PAN application fee is Rs. 110 with GST. And, outside India, the charges are Rs.910.
You can download the form from the official website of the Indian Income Tax Department. Tick the transgender box given on the fourth number of the form as shown in the image below:
Make sure to fill all the columns and share the information of your existing PAN (if any). You have to fill the form with block letters using black ink only and in English.
Check out the PDF format of the form below: https://www.squareyards.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/form-for-changes-in-pan.pdf
Note: Submitting any document as proof for gender change in the PAN card is not required. You also cannot possess more than one PAN card. So, when filling a PAN application for gender change, make sure to fill in the details about your existing PAN in the form (if you own any).
Benefits of Acquiring a Transgender Person Identity Card
Here are a few benefits that transgender individuals can claim after acquiring an independent category PAN card:
- It will work as a photo identification card for the transgender person.
- A transgender person can file ITR, apply for a loan, credit cards, open a bank account, and do many other financial activities.
- With the help of third gender PAN cards, they can claim the benefits of Central government programs and schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of the Transgender Persons Act, and when was it launched? Also, mention the date when it came into force.
The name of the Transgender Persons Act is the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019. The Act was launched on January 10, 2020, and came into effect on September 29, 2020.
How to contact the helpdesk for the application procedure?
You can use two available help desks for any assistance.
For queries related to the Administration, you can call 011-20893988. You can also communicate your grievances via email at [email protected].
However, if you need technical assistance, you can reach out via call on 91-7923268299 or mail at [email protected].
In how many days will the certificate of identity arrive?
The certificate of identity takes a maximum of 30 days to process. You can raise the grievance if you haven’t received your identity certificate. However, make sure to use a registered ID for filing the grievance.
When does a transgender person have to submit a medical certificate?
If a transgender person is undergoing surgery to change their gender to male or female, they have to submit a medical certificate. The CMO (Chief Medical Officer) of the medical institution where surgery has taken place will issue that medical certificate. Thus, a transgender person has to attach the medical certificate with the PAN application form.
Is the National Portal for Transgender multilingual?
Yes, you can access the portal in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, and Bengali.
Is it compulsory to apply for a PAN from your hometown or submit it from the current city?
No, it is not compulsory to fill the application from your hometown. However, to fill the application from your current city, you have to be its resident for more than or equal to twelve months.
What if I cannot fill the form by myself? Where can I get help?
If you cannot fill your form, you can visit the nearest social welfare department. Also, they will give you complete assistance in filling the form.
Is there any application fee for registration?
No, there is no application fee for registration.
Who issues the Identity Certificate and Identity Card?
The District Collector or a District Magistrate issues the Identity Certificate and Identity Card.
