Gender Change
Complete Guide to Gender Change in India (2025 Update)
Changing gender in India is a significant and life-affirming decision for many individuals. With growing social awareness and legal recognition, the gender change process in India has become more streamlined, though it still involves several legal and documentation steps.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to change your gender legally in India, the documents required, procedures, legal considerations, and how services like Gazette Consultant can help simplify the process.
What is Gender Change?
Gender change refers to the legal process of updating your gender identity in official documents to reflect your true gender. This could mean changing from male to female, female to male, or choosing a third gender (transgender/non-binary).
The process is not just about paperwork; it is about affirming your identity legally and socially.
Is Gender Change Legal in India?
Yes, gender change is 100% legal in India. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, along with Supreme Court rulings, recognizes the rights of individuals to identify with their self-perceived gender.
Key Legal Highlights:
• Right to Self-Identify: No person can be forced to undergo surgery or medical treatment for legal gender recognition.
• Gazette Notification: Publishing your gender change in the Government of India Gazette provides legal proof of your new gender identity.
Why Do People Choose to Change Gender?
People opt for gender transition for multiple reasons, including:
• Personal Identity Alignment: To live authentically as their true self.
• Social Acceptance & Legal Identity: To update official documents like Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, etc.
• Workplace & Educational Equality: For correct identity on certificates, employment records, and educational documents.
• Avoiding Discrimination: To reduce challenges in daily interactions due to mismatched identity documents.
Full Process of Gender Change in India
Let’s break down the step-by-step procedure for gender change in India.
Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit for Gender Change
Gender Change Affidavit is a self-declaration made on a stamp paper stating:
• Your old name and gender
• Your new name and gender identity (male, female, or transgender)
• Your intent to be recognized by your new gender in all legal documents
Download Gender Change Affidavit Format
Click here to download Gender Change Affidavit Format PDF
Note: The affidavit should be notarized.
Step 2: Medical Certificate
• Psychiatrist certificate (Gender Dysphoria diagnosis)
• Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) certificate (if applicable)
Important:
Medical documents are optional for Gazette notification but may help update identity in certain departments.
Step 3: Publish a Newspaper Advertisement
You need to publish an advertisement announcing your gender change in one local newspaper and one newspaper published in English or Hindi Only in your Area. This helps in public acknowledgment.
Sample Content for Gender Change Advertisement
“I, (Old Name), son/daughter of (Father’s Name), resident of (Address), have changed my gender from (Old Gender) to (New Gender) and shall henceforth be known as (New Name), (New Gender).”
Step 4: Prepare an Application for Gazette Notification
The Gazette Notification is the final legal step in gender change. Once published, the Gazette serves as a permanent, legal record.
Required Documents
Valid Documents
Gender Change Affidavit
Notarized affidavit
Newspaper Clippings
One national and one local paper
Identity Proof
PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.
Address Proof
Aadhaar, Utility Bill, Ration Card
Passport-size Photos
2 recent photos
Download from deptpub.nic.in
CD (Compact Disk)
Soft copy of documents and application
Covering Letter
Requesting publication
Step 5: Pay Government Fee
You need to pay the Gazette publication fee through Bharatkosh Portal:
• Visit www.bharatkosh.gov.in
• Select Controller of Publication
• Choose Gazette Notification fee
• Payment can be done online.
Step 6: Submit the Application
You can submit the gender change application:
• By Post/Courier to the Gazette Office in Delhi
• In Person at the Department of Publication, Government of India, Civil Lines, Delhi
Step 7: Receive Gazette Publication
Once approved, your gender change will be published in the e-Gazette at egazette.nic.in.
This document is the final proof of your gender change, recognized across India.
Timeline of Gender Change Process
It may take upto 8 weeks for department to process and publish your advertisement in government of India weekly gazette.
Where to Use the Gazette Notification?
Once you have the Gazette copy, you can:
• Change gender in Aadhaar Card
• Update PAN Card
• Modify Passport
• Update Voter ID
• Change records in Banks
• Update Educational Certificates (process varies by board/university)
How Can Gazette Consultant Help You?
We at Gazette Consultant offer end-to-end services for Gender Change Gazette Notification:
Our Services Include:
• Drafting Gender Change Affidavit
• Preparing Newspaper Advertisements
• Assisting with Bharatkosh Fee Payment
• Compiling Gazette Application Forms
• Preparing and sending Compact Disk (CD)
• Courier Service for document submission (All India)
• DIY Video Guides in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and English
• WhatsApp Support for step-by-step guidance
Why Choose Gazette Consultant?
✅ 15+ Years of Experience
✅ 13,000+ Clients All Over India
✅ 100% Online Service
✅ Multi-Language Support (Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Marati, Tamil and English)
✅ Safe Digital Payments (Google Pay, PhonePe, Bank Transfer). Our Bankers state bank of India.
✅ Transparent and Simple Process
Payment Structure
• Instalment 1: Advance for documentation & CD
• Instalment 2: Final payment for releasing advertisement and paying Government Fee
We accept Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or Bank Transfer.
FAQs: Gender Change in India
Yes, gender change is allowed via self-declaration without surgery as per Indian law.
Yes, it is the most recognized legal proof for gender change in India.
The cost varies depending on documentation, newspaper ads, and consultancy charges. Contact us for detailed pricing.
Yes, both name change and gender change can be done in a single Gazette notification.
Watch Our Video Guide
🎥 Watch Full Process Video on Gender Change in India (Hindi)
[Click here to watch on YouTube]
🎥 తెలుగులో చూడండి – Watch in Telugu
[Click here for Telugu Video]
Contact Us for Assistance
📞 WhatsApp & Call: +91 836-842-6853
🌐 Website: www.gazetteconsultant.com
Conclusion
Changing your gender legally in India is your fundamental right. While the process involves several steps, it is achievable with the right guidance. Whether you are transgender, transitioning from male to female, female to male, or choosing a third gender identity, we are here to help.
Start your gender change process today with Gazette Consultant!