Aadhaar Gender Change: How to Update Gender Online

UIDAI allows Aadhaar holders to update their gender to Male, Female, or Transgender. Whether your gender was recorded incorrectly during enrolment or you wish to change it, this guide covers the complete process, required documents, and legal rights.

Gender Options in Aadhaar

Aadhaar supports three gender options:

• Male (M)
• Female (F)
• Transgender (T)

The transgender option was enabled following the landmark NALSA v. Union of India (2014) Supreme Court judgment, which recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender.

Legal Background: Supreme Court & Transgender Persons Act

NALSA Judgment (2014)

The Supreme Court in National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India held that:

• Transgender persons have the fundamental right to self-identify their gender
• The right to choose gender identity falls under Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 19 (Freedom of Expression)
• Government must recognize transgender as a third gender on all official documents

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019

• Provides legal framework for recognition of transgender identity
• A person can apply for a Certificate of Identity from the District Magistrate
• Gender change on official documents (including Aadhaar) is supported
• No requirement for sex reassignment surgery to identify as transgender

Documents Required for Gender Change

For Gender Correction (Male ↔ Female — if originally recorded wrongly):

1. Any valid identity document showing the correct gender:
   • Passport
   • PAN Card
   • Voter ID
   • Driving Licence
   • Class 10 Certificate

For Gender Change to Transgender:

1. Self-declaration — A signed self-declaration letter stating your gender identity
2. Certificate of Identity issued by the District Magistrate (under the Transgender Persons Act, 2019) — if available
3. Any supporting identity document

Important: UIDAI accepts self-declaration for gender identity. A medical certificate or surgery proof is NOT required to update gender to transgender.

How to Change Gender in Aadhaar Online

1. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Login with your 12-digit Aadhaar number and OTP
3. Click Update Aadhaar from the dashboard
4. Select Gender as the field to update
5. Choose the correct gender: Male, Female, or Transgender
6. Upload a supporting document (JPEG or PDF, max 2 MB)
7. For transgender update: upload your self-declaration letter or Certificate of Identity
8. Review and submit
9. Pay ₹50 via card, net banking, or UPI
10. Note down the URN (Update Request Number)
11. Track your update status after 5-7 working days

How to Change Gender at Aadhaar Enrolment Centre

If online update is not possible or you prefer in-person assistance:

1. Locate the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre at uidai.gov.in → Locate Enrolment Centre
2. Carry the following:
   • Existing Aadhaar card or number
   • Original supporting document (ID with correct gender)
   • For transgender: self-declaration letter (original + photocopy)
   • Certificate of Identity from District Magistrate (if available)
3. Fill the Aadhaar Update/Correction Form
4. Select "Gender" as the field to update
5. Submit form and documents to the operator
6. Complete biometric verification (fingerprint/iris)
7. Pay ₹50 update fee
8. Collect the acknowledgement slip with EID
9. Track status using EID after 10-15 working days

How to Write a Self-Declaration Letter for Gender Change

If you are updating gender to transgender, here is a simple format:

To,
The Regional Officer, UIDAI

Subject: Self-Declaration for Gender Update in Aadhaar

I, [Full Name], Aadhaar Number [XXXX XXXX XXXX], hereby declare that
my gender identity is Transgender. I request that my gender in Aadhaar
records be updated to "Transgender" accordingly.

I affirm that this declaration is true to the best of my knowledge.

Date: [Date]
Place: [City]

Signature: _______________
Name: [Full Name]

Fees and Timeline

Important Tips

1. Self-declaration is sufficient — For updating gender to transgender, you do not need any medical certificate or surgery proof. A self-declaration letter is legally sufficient.
2. Update other documents too — After updating gender in Aadhaar, update your PAN, bank accounts, voter ID, and other linked documents.
3. No discrimination at centres — Aadhaar enrolment centres are required to process gender updates without discrimination. If you face any issues, file a complaint with UIDAI.
4. Gender correction vs gender change — Simple correction (wrong M/F entry) is treated as a data correction. Gender identity change (to transgender) may require self-declaration.
5. District Magistrate certificate — While not mandatory for Aadhaar update, obtaining a Certificate of Identity from the DM helps with updating gender across all government documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I change my gender to transgender in Aadhaar?

Yes. UIDAI recognizes Male, Female, and Transgender as valid gender options. You can update your gender to transgender online or at an enrolment centre.

Q2. Do I need surgery proof to change gender to transgender?

No. The Supreme Court's NALSA judgment and the Transgender Persons Act, 2019, do not require sex reassignment surgery for gender recognition. A self-declaration is sufficient.

Q3. What documents are needed for gender change in Aadhaar?

For M/F correction: any valid ID showing correct gender. For transgender update: a self-declaration letter and optionally a Certificate of Identity from the District Magistrate.

Q4. Can I change gender from transgender to male or female later?

Yes. Under the Transgender Persons Act, after sex reassignment surgery, a person can apply for a revised Certificate of Identity with the updated gender from the District Magistrate, and then update Aadhaar accordingly.

Q5. Is there a fee for gender change in Aadhaar?

Yes. UIDAI charges ₹50 for any demographic update, including gender change, whether done online or at an enrolment centre.

Q6. How many times can I change gender in Aadhaar?

There is no specific limit stated by UIDAI, but frequent changes may attract scrutiny. Gender updates should reflect genuine identity.

Q7. What if the enrolment centre refuses to update my gender?

This is a violation of your rights. File a complaint with UIDAI through their helpline (1947) or grievance portal at uidai.gov.in. You can also approach the District Magistrate.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with UIDAI or any government agency. For official information, visit uidai.gov.in.