Transgender PAN

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a vital document for performing various financial transactions in India. It is required for activities such as opening a bank account, filing tax returns, applying for important documents like a passport, getting employment, or buying property.

To apply for a PAN in India, applicants must provide their Aadhaar number. While the Aadhaar system allows applicants to identify as transgender, the PAN application did not previously accommodate this option. As the government has made it mandatory to include Aadhaar details when applying for a PAN, transgender individuals with a valid Aadhaar number often faced difficulties due to mismatched gender information. Any discrepancy between the PAN application and the UID card could result in the rejection of the application.

Transgender individuals who could not link their PAN with Aadhaar encountered problems filing their Income Tax Returns (ITR), as an Aadhaar card is mandatory for this process. The tax department could not process their ITR claims without a valid Aadhaar number.

Moreover, having a PAN card simplifies many processes such as applying for a gas connection, getting a loan, applying for a credit card, or opening a Public Provident Fund account.

Transgender can apply for PAN - What you need to know about the new rule?

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which sets tax regulations in India, has introduced a new procedure for applying for a PAN card. According to a notification under sections 139A and 295 of the Income Tax Act, transgenders can now apply for a PAN card by informing the tax department about their Aadhaar card details and obtaining a new PAN card.

The changes are reflected in Form 49A (PAN application form for Indian citizens) and Form 49AA (PAN application form for individuals who are not citizens of India). For a comprehensive guide on applying for a PAN card, visit PAN card application.

How to update gender to transgender in PAN?

The government has added "Transgender" as a new gender category for PAN cards. This means individuals applying for a new PAN card can now select "Transgender" as their gender. Those who already have a PAN card and wish to change their gender to "Transgender" can submit a change request application without needing additional supporting documents. You can submit the application online or offline through various modes such as IT PAN Service Centres managed by UTIITSL, TIN-Facilitation Centres (TIN-FCs)/PAN Centres managed by NSDL e-Gov, the Income Tax website, the UTIITSL website, or the NSDL e-Gov website. Here’s how to update your gender to "Transgender" on your PAN card:


Access the form: Obtain or download the new PAN card application or change form that includes the third gender option.

Complete the form: Fill out the application in BLOCK LETTERS and BLACK INK, providing your existing PAN at the beginning. It is illegal to have more than one PAN at a time, so provide your existing PAN and surrender any additional ones.

Select gender: To change your gender, select the appropriate box on the left-hand side of the application and choose the "Transgender" option.

Submit the application: Submit the PAN card change application online or offline. The processing fee for a PAN application is Rs. 110 (including GST), and if the PAN card needs to be dispatched outside India, an additional dispatch charge of Rs. 910 must be paid by the applicant.

No additional documents or evidence are required for this application. For more details, visit Apply PAN online.

What documents are required for transgender PAN?

Transgender individuals who wish to apply for a PAN card must provide the following documents:

Proof of residence (such as a Rental Agreement, Passport, Voter ID Card, Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence, or a utility bill for water, electricity, or gas)

Photo identification proof (such as an Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID Card, PIO Card, or Birth Certificate)

A signature or thumb impression on the application form

A filled affidavit form or a medical certificate.