Certificate of Identity Issued by Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar

Certificate of Identity: An Overview

Simply put, a Certificate of Identity is an introductory form to obtain an Aadhaar Card. This Introducer’s Certificate is typically presented to individuals who do not have any of the valid identity documents stating his or her name, date of birth, current address, and a photograph that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) seeks to enrol for Aadhaar. 

Considering the case of India, there are two competent authorities that can issue this document. 

In other words, a certificate of identity refers to a legal document explaining the authentic details of a citizen. Also called the passport of aliens, this document can be used for passport and visa applications as well. Specifically, it is for refugees, stateless persons, and others who do not have standard documents because of political or legal issues. This document includes personal identification records. Usually, this Certificate for Aadhaar Enrolment/Update is issued for a limited period that is only three months.

Who Issues?

1. Gazette Officer

He holds the authority to issue it. The officer uses his letterhead to type the details of the beneficiary, like name, address, date of birth, nationality, etc. His stamp and signature certify it to be accepted worldwide.

In India, these officers are categorized as gazette officers:

• Officers of the Armed Forces
• Central and State Government Employees With Group A Service Rules (IAS, IES, IFS, SDPO, DIB, CP, DGP,
• JCP, IGP, ADLCP, DIG, DCP, SSP, DCP, SP, ASP, ACP, DSP, COLONEL, etc.
• Scientists (In the Govt.-funded Research Organization),
• Vice-Chancellor to Assistant Registrars, Principals, and Faculty Members of Central and State Universities,
• Doctors, Engineers, and Drug Controllers (Central and State Services),
• Magistrate and Above in Judicial Services
• Additional district civil surgeons
• Commissioned officer of the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces
• Assistant Professor of Government Colleges/University Lecturer at Polytechnic College

2. Bank Managers

Bank managers can also issue it in the name of a beneficiary. This proof certifies the identity and address of the beneficiary who has applied for an Aadhaar card through it. The bank manager must be from the local area where the applicant is from and have been familiar with him/her for at least 3 years.

Certificate of Identity from Tehsildar: Step-by-Step Process

Obtaining this document involves a structured process that aims at verifying and certifying an individual’s identity, birth, and address. It facilitates official recognition and the convenience of passing through administrative procedures. Let’s get to know the step-by-step process to get it:

Step 1. Application Submission

The process starts with a visit to the Tehsildar office. This list can help you find a nearby one for your purpose. Obtain the form and fill in details such as name, address, date of birth, identification proof, purpose of the certificate, etc. The validity of this application is only 3 months. So, the applicant should process it as soon as possible.

Step 2. Document Submission

Now, you need to fill out the form provided by Tehsildar. Also, enclose supporting documents, which can be the following: They can let you pass through this process effortlessly and verify your identity and residence. Commonly, these documents are required:

1. Indian Passport
2. PAN Card/ePAN Card
3. Ration/eRation Card
4. Voter ID Card/eVoter ID Card
5. Driving License
6. Service Photo ID Card by Central/State Govt./PSU/Regulatory Bodies/ Statutory Bodies
7. Pension Photo ID Card/ Freedom Fighter Photo ID Card/ Pension Payment Order by Central/State Govt./PSU/Regulatory Bodies/ Statutory Bodies
8. Kisan Photo Passbook
9. CGHS/ECHS/ESIC/Medi-Claim Card by Central/State Govt./PSU/Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana Card
10. Disability Identity Card/Certificate of Disability Issued under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rule 2017
11. Photograph Identity Card/Certificate with Photograph Issued by Central Govt./State Govt. like Bhamashah, Domicile Certificate, Resident Certificate, Jan-Aadhaar, MGNREGA/NREGS Job Card, Labour Card, etc.
12. Marriage Certificate with/without Photograph Issued by Central/State Govt.
13. ST/SC/OBC Certificate Issued by Central/State Govt.
14. School Leaving Certificate/School Transfer Certificate
15. Mark Sheet/Certificate Issued by Recognised Board of Education/University
16. Scheduled Commercial Bank’s Passbook Having Name and Photograph
17. Bank Account Statement, Credit Card Statement, or Post Office Savings Account Statement
18. Transgender Identity Card/Certificate Issued the Transgender Persons Act, 2019

Step 3. Verification Process

Now comes the verification procedure. The authenticating authority examines the originality and validity of the enclosed documents. Also, he or she may enquire if required to validate the information provided in the form. This is how the officer meets all requirements to issue the certificate of identity.

Step 4. Interview (if required)

This is an optional case wherein the verification officer wants some clarification on the provided information. This step ensures the authenticity of the application.

Step 5. Issuance of Certificate

As the verification is complete, the Tehsildar issues this document. At this point, the applicant must check if all provided details, including the applicant’s name, address, date of birth, purpose of the certificate, and a unique identification number, are correctly mentioned.

Step 6. Validity and Renewal

This document has a validity period, which completely depends on the purpose behind its issuance. It’s a pleasure to get it renewed if it expires and also, update it if the circumstances change.

Benefits of Obtaining a Certificate of Identity

Here are the most common advantages that one can leverage:

• Official Recognition: It provides official recognition to an individual, which helps in passing through various legal and administrative hurdles.
• Proof of Residence: If a person who does not have a valid proof of residence to apply for government schemes, subsidies, opening a bank account, etc., it will be valid.
• Ease in Documentation: A certificate of identity is served as primary identification proof, which simplifies documentation processes as of a passport, voter ID card, driving license, etc.
• Government Schemes and Benefits: Many government schemes and benefits are for those who have the genuine proof of identity and residence. This certificate provides it, ensuring its eligibility for those schemes like opening a bank account or raising a request for LPG connection.
• Legal Transactions: Transactions and many other processes require applicants to pass through verification. This can be a case of property transactions, inheritance claims, etc.
• Employment and Education: Employers and educational institutions often seek the proof of identity and residence before onboarding a trusted source in a company. This document fulfils this kind of requirement for employment and educational purposes.
• Travel Purposes: Being a source of authentic information, it can be used to support identification for travelling in domestic regions.
• Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups: There are some marginalized communities and groups that face challenges in proving their identity. This document can help them ensure access to such facilities as government welfare schemes and services that are reserved for citizens.

Conclusion

Obtaining a certificate of identity from the Tehsildar in India requires applicants to follow a systematic procedure. However, a gazette officer can provide it. But a Tehsildar is also able to verify your application and issue it.