How to Get a Gazette Name Change for Transgender People in Tamil Nadu (Step-by-Step Guide)

Changing your name and gender in official documents is an important step in affirming your identity. If you're a transgender person in Tamil Nadu, this guide will help you navigate the process of applying for a name and gender change in the Tamil Nadu Gazette.

Documents Required for Gazette Notification

To apply for a name and gender change in the Tamil Nadu Gazette (Chennai office), you need the following documents:

1. State TG Card and National TG Card – Proof of transgender identity.

2. Aadhaar Card – Proof of address.

3. 10th Marksheet – Proof of date of birth and father’s name.

4. Transfer Certificate (TC) – Additional proof of date of birth and father’s name.

5. Public Notice – Must follow the government-approved format (two original copies required).

6. Self-Declaration Letter – Preferably handwritten (one original and one photocopy).

7. Passport Size Photos – Two recent photographs.

8. Birth Certificate (Optional) – Additional proof of date of birth.

Additional Requirement:

• Two sets of photocopies of each document along with the originals for verification.

Address Proof for Gazette Publication

The address printed in the Gazette can be based on either your present or permanent address. However, you must provide address proof from any one of the following government documents:

1. National/State TG Card

2. Aadhaar Card

3. Voter ID

4. Driving License

5. Ration Card

Sample for Reference

Self Declaration Letter

• Must be handwritten and should be in Tamil Only.

• If you are not done with surgery, you can mention Hormone Treatment as-well.

• Make sure you use only old name to sign.

Self Declaration Letter Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17wr_G8HY4g03TVr5pozSs-9c3nn24vJ5vCLaFztiwnc/edit?usp=drive_link

Sample Reference Letter Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cr6TufzFrjNFkTP5gAZVOAn2oil3WtSq/view?usp=sharing

Public Notice

• Should be typed in English.

• Paste a passport sized photo in the appropriate place and sign it diagonally on the photo.

• Use only old name to sign.

• Must have 2 original copies, means you need two copies with original passport sized photos.

• Have 2 xerox as additional.

Public Notice Copy Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RP0Z6nDDRlKE11rSHj1Ggm1-SUydul20pOwvfUnP2-M/edit?usp=sharing

Public Notice Sample Link: (Only For Reference): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GdpDPX_NOwnFJS5Xq6NmVlKs7JonX_Rh/view?usp=sharing

Gazette Office Timings & Submission Process

• Gazette office address:

Commissionerate of Stationery and Printing, 110, Anna Salai, Chennai- 600002

Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i27fqxbRfXizBbk47

Phone Number for any Doubts: 044 2854 4414, 044 2852 0038, 044 2852 0039, 044 2852 0040

• The Gazette office operates Monday to Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Submit the application along with the required documents at the Gazette Office in Chennai.

• The documents will be reviewed by the authorities before approval.

Guidance for Visiting the Office

1. Go inside the office and walk a little further into the premises.

   
   

2. You'll notice many chairs where people sit until it's 10 AM.

   
   

3. Head to the counter and ask to see P4 for the name change process for transgender individuals.

   
   

4. They will direct you to P4, which is in the same room.

   
   

5. Once there, submit your documents in two sets: one for verification and processing, and another as a backup for the office's records.

   
   

6. There's no need to fill out the forms like others. You can directly proceed with this process.

   
   

7. The service is free for transgender individuals; you don't need to pay for it.

   
   

8. After submitting your documents, you can follow up by calling them after 10 to 15 days to inquire about the progress. They will provide you with updates on whether the name change has been published or not. Note: Make sure you give the right phone number as they might call you for any changes.

   
   

9. Once it's confirmed that the name change has been published on the website, you can collect the hard copy within a week by visiting the office.

Processing Time & Gazette Publication

• Once your documents are submitted and approved, your name and gender change will be published in the Tamil Nadu Gazette within 10-20 days.

• The Gazette is published online every Wednesday after 5:00 PM. You should regularly check the official Gazette website.

• A hard copy of the Gazette publication can be collected one week after the online publication. Only the applicant can collect the printed copy.

Fees & Charges

• No charges are required for publishing a transgender name change public notice in the Tamil Nadu Gazette.

Conclusion

Updating your name and gender in the Tamil Nadu Gazette is an important legal step. By following the above procedure and ensuring you have all the necessary documents, you can complete the process smoothly. If you have any doubts, visiting the Gazette office in Chennai for guidance can be helpful.

For further updates, always check the Tamil Nadu Gazette website regularly after submission.

Need Help? Drop your questions in the comments section, and we'll be happy to guide you!