In India, gender is recognized beyond initial assignment. The law supports individuals in expressing their true identity—whether through appearance, social roles, or medical transition. For many, this involves aligning physical traits with their internal identity, known as gender transition. Legal acknowledgment of this journey is done through an official Gazette publication, affirming the chosen gender. India’s approach upholds self-expression and respects the diverse spectrum of identity.

How to Legally Change Your Gender in India

Create a Gender Change Affidavit

Start by preparing an affidavit declaring your gender change (and name change, if applicable). It must follow the format prescribed by the Department of Publication and include your name, address, father’s name, age, and new gender. Ensure all details match your identity proof. The affidavit should be printed on stamp paper and notarized.

Publish a Newspaper Advertisement

Next, place an ad in a leading newspaper (regional or national) in your city, using the same content as in the affidavit. The newspaper must match your address proof location.

File for Gazette Notification

Submit a signed application with required documents and the prescribed government fee. You can file in either the State or Central Gazette, though some authorities may require Central Gazette publication. Private notices appear in Part IV of the Central Gazette.

Gazette Publication

After review, your gender change notification will be published in the e-Gazette—typically within 45–60 business days. The Gazette is published weekly (usually Saturdays). You can download your copy from the official website. This e-Gazette notification is valid proof of your gender change for updating documents like Aadhar, PAN, and Voter ID. No physical certificate is issued.

Application Rejection

If the application doesn't meet the required format or guidelines, it may be rejected. In such cases, a new application must be submitted. To avoid delays or errors, legal expert guidance is recommended.

Documents Required for Gender Change (Male to Female) Application

• Self-attested copies of identity proof (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Passport)
• Two self-attested passport-size photographs
• Copy of the newspaper advertisement announcing the gender change
• Duly signed specimen proforma by the applicant and two adult witnesses
• Declaration affirming the accuracy of the application details
• Letter of request along with the prescribed registration fee addressed to the authority

How to Change Gender in Aadhaar Card

Follow these steps to update your gender details in Aadhaar:

1. Visit the Aadhaar Self-Service Update Portal: ssup.uidai.gov.in/ssup
2. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
3. Complete the captcha/security code
4. Click on ‘Send OTP’
5. Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
6. Log in and select the Gender field for update
7. Make the required change and click Submit

Your gender details will be updated.
Note: The same portal allows updates for name, address, and date of birth.

Steps to Change Gender in PAN Card

1. Visit the NSDL website
2. Navigate to the 'PAN' section and click on ‘Apply’
3. Choose ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data’
4. Fill in the form with required details and submit
5. Upload supporting documents (e.g., Aadhaar, Passport, or Driving License with correct gender)
6. Pay the applicable fee online
7. Once verified, the PAN authorities will issue a new PAN card reflecting the updated gender

Steps to Change Gender in Indian Passport

1. Fill out the passport re-issue application form online, mentioning the gender change
2. Upload/submit supporting documents (e.g., affidavit or government-issued certificate reflecting gender change)
3. Pay the applicable re-issue fee
4. Book an appointment at the Regional Passport Office (RPO) or Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
5. Visit the center for document and biometric verification
6. Upon approval, the updated passport with the new gender will be issued within a few weeks

Steps to Change Gender in Birth Certificate (India)

1. Obtain the gender change application form from the Gram Panchayat or Municipal Office where the birth certificate was issued
2. Gather supporting documents such as a court order, medical certificate, or affidavit confirming gender change
3. Submit the completed form along with documents to the local vital records office
4. Pay the applicable processing fee at the time of submission
5. Wait for the application to be processed—issuance of the updated birth certificate may take several weeks to months, depending on the authority

How Sperso Filings Supports Gender Change Process in India

Sperso Filings provides end-to-end assistance for legally updating your gender by arranging its publication in the Government of India’s Gazette. From document preparation to final notification, we manage the complete process.

Our team collects the required details and drafts the affidavit for your signature. We also help select a suitable local newspaper for the public notice.

You’ll receive regular updates, and we notify you if any revisions are needed. We handle the Gazette filing and follow-ups until the update is published. You can also track the progress anytime through our simple digital platform.