Whether you want to take admission, apply for a job, or go outside the country. You need to submit the Proof of identity for verification. On successful verification, you will be able to access those services. Many institutions accept various ID proofs, including Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, and others. As an individual, you must obtain the official identities. Here, in this guide, you will learn about the Identity Proof Documents in detail.
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What is Proof of Identity?
Proof of Identity refers to the document required for identity verification. This document contains essential details like name, photo, date of birth, and address. You need identity proof to submit for the identity verification process. It helps confirm the legitimacy of the person. Almost all organizations, whether it’s a bank, insurance, or recruitment firm, ask for identity documents for verification. Without having an officially valid identity document can not access these services.
Acceptable List of Proof of Identity Documents
These are the accepted list of proof of Identity:
- Aadhaar Card
The Aadhaar Card is a unique identity card that contains a 12-digit number. It is issued by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). It serves as valid proof of identity and address. It contains biometric and demographic details like name, address, photo, and fingerprints.
- Passport
It is an official document issued by the Government of India. It allows you to travel abroad. It also serves as a strong proof of identity and nationality within India.
- Voter ID Card
A Voter ID Card or EPIC (Electronic Photo Identification Card) is the identity document required for the Election Commission of India. It is mainly used for verifying voter identity in elections.
- Driving License
It is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It allows people to drive a vehicle in India. You can also use it as a valid ID and address proof.
- PAN Card
A PAN card contains a 10-digit unique alphanumeric identifier. The Income Tax Department of India issues this ID. It serves as an important form of identification for all financial transactions in India. This document is used to track all the tax-related information for an individual or entity.
- Ration Card
A Ration Card is issued by the State Government to eligible households. It helps families buy essential food items like rice, wheat, and sugar at lower prices under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
These are the other identity proofs that you can use:
- Photo Bank ATM Card
- Photo Credit Card
- Photo Passbook of Kisan (Farmer’s) Account
- Disability Certificate
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Scheduled Caste (SC)/Other Backward Class (OBC) Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- School Leaving Certificate (SLC)/School Transfer Certificate (TC)
- Mark-Sheet Certificate issued by a recognized Board of Education or University.
Why Proofs of Identity Matter?
These are the reasons why every individual needs to have identity proof:
- Prevents risk of fraud and identity theft: Identity proofs help in checking the legitimacy of a person. It ensures that the person is genuine and not using someone’s identity. It reduces the identity theft risk.
- Mandatory Process: All the authorities conducting KYC verify identity proof before providing any services.
- Helps Access Government Services: Proof of identity is required for Aadhaar enrollment, PDS services, scholarships, pensions, and other welfare schemes.
- Legal and Official Transactions: Whether you want to open a bank account, apply for a passport, a driving license, or property registrations, you need official identity proof for registrations.
- Widely Accepted: A valid POI is accepted across institutions, reducing the need for multiple identity documents.
Passport as Proof of Identity
A passport is a reliable proof of identity (PoI) document in India. It is a government-issued document that not only confirms your identity but also your nationality. Only the authorized authorities can issue a passport after verifying the applicant’s identity and background.
It is accepted both nationally and internationally as an official identity document.
Conclusion
The proof of identity document contains essential details that help in checking the document’s legitimacy. Multiple documents can be used for a valid identity document for verification. Above, we have shared the accepted list of identity documents. As an individual, you must obtain these documents to smoothly access the services.
FAQs
Ques: What can I show as proof of identity?
Ans: You can use various documents as proof of identity, including Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Ration Card, etc.
Ques: Can I use a PAN Card as ID proof?
Ans: Yes, you can use a PAN Card as ID proof.
Ques: What is proof of identity?
Ans: These are official documents that the government issues that help verify a person’s name and other details.
Ques: Is Aadhaar a Valid proof of identity?
Ans: Yes, Aadhaar is a valid proof of identity.
Ques: Can one document serve as both identity and address proof?
Ans: Yes, some documents like Aadhaar Card, Passport, and Driving License can be as both identity and address proof.
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