How can I get my Transgender ID card ?

Step-by-step TG ID Card Application by Sriraksha V Srivastava

The act talks about TG ID Cards and how to apply for them. Sriraskha V Srivastava who heads the Trans-Law Cell at CLPR will walk us through this ACT and help us understand how to get a TG Card in simple steps. 

How to get a TG ID Card? 

Trans Law and Trans rights in India have a rich history- a major breakthrough in recent years has been in the form of the TG ID Card which replaces the Gazette Notification method.

What does the ACT state?
The ACT states that until there is an online facility to apply for the TG ID Card, one can apply in person or through post.
Centralised National Portal

There is now a centralised national portal called the National Portal for Transgender Persons. It is entirely online and you would need access to the internet, a personal email account.
Then you have to register there. Then you have to see which application is relevant to your needs and complete all its steps. 

Steps

You will have to mention your dead name.

You will have to mention your name of preference

You need a scanned copy of a Government ID so either an Adhaar or a PAN Card.

Then the self-sworn affidavit that states that you identify as a transgender person. 

Issue with the application

A lot of Trans people are unable to access this online platform because they don’t have access to the internet or to a smart-phone. This was never addressed by the policy makers.

Can I still apply offline?
Sriraksha says offline application is still possible. “I have heard from people that they go directly to the District Magistrate and they apply there.” This is what the portal does, when you apply it takes your application in its centralised system and forward it to the concerned District Magistrate. 

Who is the District Magistrate?
The District Magistrate is the jurisdictional and territorial judge appointed in your specific area. They deal with the matters that are specific to your area. 

So you will have to submit your application to them so that they can be forwarded. So people claim, according to Srirakhsa that you can apply there and then check the status of your application.
Confusion

The different rules of applying has become a point of confusion among the members of the community. Should they apply online or offline? 

This also depends on the states. In Tamil Nadu, one can apply online but they can go ask for the status offline.

In Karnataka, you have problems finding out the status if you applied online and some districts prefer an offline mode of application. 

So even amongst this confusion you have to apply and ultimately you will be given the TG ID Card or the revised TG ID Card which is the crux of all of this. 

Can I change my educational certificates with my TG ID Card?
Yes, Sriraksha says. The ACT states that anyone can apply for a change in official documents including educational documents by using the TG ID Card. You can go to CBSE or your State Board and bring a representation to them stating that you now identify as this and that was your dead name. Then you attach your TG ID Card and ask for a revised certificate with your preferred name and gender.