EPFO Allows Transgender Identity Certificate for Name and Gender Change

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has taken an important step to make its systems more inclusive. It has now allowed members to use a Transgender Identity Certificate or Card as valid proof to update their name and gender in EPFO records. This move simplifies the process for transgender members and aligns EPFO records with officially recognised identity documents.

What Has EPFO Changed?

EPFO will now accept the Transgender Identity Certificate or Card issued through the National Portal for Transgender Persons as a valid document for changing name and gender in its database. This certificate is officially issued by the government and is already recognised for various legal and administrative purposes.

With this change, the document has been added to the list of acceptable proofs under EPFO’s joint declaration process. This means transgender members no longer need to rely on alternative documents to correct or update their personal details.

Simplified Joint Declaration Process

In January 2025, EPFO had simplified the joint declaration process for updating member profiles. The process covers changes in several parameters such as name, gender, date of birth, nationality, marital status, parents’ or spouse’s name, date of joining, reason for leaving, and date of leaving.

By including the Transgender Identity Certificate in the approved document list, EPFO has made it easier for members to request accurate updates without unnecessary delays or complications.

Categories of Members Under the New System

EPFO classifies members into three broad categories to decide how profile updates can be made:

• Members whose UAN is linked with Aadhaar and generated after October 1, 2017
• Members whose UAN was generated before October 1, 2017, but whose name, date of birth, gender, and Aadhaar are validated
• Members whose UAN is not Aadhaar-validated, those without a UAN, or cases involving deceased members

The level of verification and approval required depends on which category a member falls into.

Online Profile Updates Without Documents

For members whose UAN is validated through Aadhaar, EPFO allows many profile updates without uploading any documents. These members can update details such as date of birth, gender, nationality, parents’ names, spouse name, date of joining, and date of leaving. They can also self-approve these requests without needing employer approval.

If documents are required in certain cases, EPFO allows submission through DigiLocker, making the process fully digital and more convenient.

Read more: PIB Fact Check: Will Your SBI YONO App Be Blocked If Aadhaar Is Not Updated?

Conclusion

By accepting the Transgender Identity Certificate for name and gender changes, EPFO has made its systems more inclusive and user-friendly. Combined with Aadhaar-based self-approval and digital document submission, this step reduces paperwork and ensures member records reflect their correct identity. It is a positive move towards simplicity, dignity, and ease of access for all EPFO members.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.