I don’t believe this. I shifted from Coimbatore to Chennai before sometime, and I still don’t have an address proof! This, in-spite of my parents living in the current house (which we are staying now) for more than six years.
I have no clue that it would be so difficult to get an address proof in a metropolitan city of India – Chennai! I wonder how you people manage, any help would be appreciated.
We don’t have a ration card (for the last six years, since shifting to the new house) and our application was accepted earlier, but no one came for verification and we never got a new ration card.
I went to the Voter ID card department here and they told me that they don’t accept new applications now (before about a month or two).
There is a postal department service where they verify the address (through the postman) and give an ID for a nominal fee. But it seems this ID is not accepted anywhere, like driving license authorities or govt banks!
I went to change the address in my driving license, but they want proof of address. A bank statement from ICICI bank/ credit card statements are not accepted. But they said that a Government bank passbook with my address is acceptable as address proof.
So, I go to a govt bank (where I have an account, but the address is my previous Coimbatore address) but they don’t accept ICICI bank statements or Post Office PPF pass book (which I got changed to my current address with great difficulty). They want one of the valid ID proof like driving license, etc.
Back to square one.
All utility bills like electricity bill and telephone bill are in my fathers name. I don’t have a passport and under my present condition, can’t even imagine applying for one (they need three address/ID proof documents it seems!).
What does one do? Remain addressless?
I am sure all of you would have gone through such experiences. Do you think I need to apply for Voter ID card by registered post (one idea that I have, but not sure how far it will work) or reapply for ration card? Do people get new ration cards, even if we have more income than prescribed by them?
What do you think is the easiest way to get an address proof? Please suggest the best way to get an address proof.
Destination Infinity
PS: Fortunately, I have an ID proof – PAN Card. But that thing doesn’t have any address!!
I know exactly what you are going through because we go through this because we have shifted house several times which means electricity bills etc are never in our name! Passport addresses have changed and so have all others. It is very frustrating. Basically one has to just get the address changed on one thing, and I got it changed on my pan card. it will take a few months, but then you can use it. or you can apply for a passport and get an address on that. we have gone through this so many many times!!
Get your LPG connection to new address by transfer to nearest gas agency. use this as start point for other address changes. also get a BSNL landline at new address. Use its bill as address proof.
Sorry I meant i got the address changed on my passport because it had to be renewed, not pan card.
I think new passports require ID proof, and they are asking for multiple address proof’s, it seems! I am not sure if that’s an option for me.
Destination Infinity
I fully sympathize with you.. i moved to chennai an yr ago for work from pune.. 6 months ago I ran out of pages on my Passport so wanted to get it reissued.. they asked me for last 1 yr address proof in chennai i had only 6 mths address proof and that too axis bank salary account statement.. (rent agreement, company letter are not accepted by passport but i got my address in axis bank updated using rent agreement stupid ways of working isn’t it)
now i need to get my wife’s name and address changed on passport and she doens’t have any single address proof with her.. I mean who uses ration card these days?? and why would you change your address on driving licence, voted id etc & if it all u want to change it, what proof will you use???
so all in all it is a nonsensical ways of working which just puts common man in trouble.. this kind of ways of working breeds agents & middlemen which is nothing but corruption..
we are at a time when movement of people from one place to another is common and being citizens of india we can stay anywhere in the country so what difference does it make if I have old passport of pune and want to get a new one in chennai???
the authorities must make life simpler for common man just like they go all out doing everything for poor people..
I heard the post office ID proof is acceped by driving authorities. Not sure why you had to face so much hurdle! I know, it does annoy so much!
Do you have LIC document issued in your name with address. If not take a minimal policy…that is counted as a valid address proof in many instances. Or how about your PAN Card or bank statement or a letter from employer is also counted in many instances!
I will check with my driving school if they accept post office ID proof or my post office PPF savings bank account as address proof. If they do, I can change my address in the driving license.
LIC policy document is something I did not consider and it seems to be a valid address proof, but I don’t want to take a policy just for getting an address proof!
PAN card doesn’t have address on it. It is only an ID proof. My govt. bank has my previous address, and they want address proof to change the address! I am currently working on my own project, so letter from employer is not an option! Thanks for your suggestions.
Destination Infinity
LIC policy is your best bet. Why don’t you have one already? :confused:
I had one, but it got lapsed. Even the policy has my old address on it. I don’t want to take another policy and lapse it too…
Destination Infinity
Don’t you actually need an address proof for new LIC policy? =/
take a LIC policy and the cancel it within cool-off period (which is 14 days)
I think the only proper ID card is ration card. Your family can apply for a white ration card with your name in it. You may have to run a few times to their office. I too have pan card and Post office card but they are accepted only in some places. Ration card is a must nowadays. Or else passport but as you said for getting that you need a ration card!
All the best.
I think I’ll have to start running
I may have to reapply for the ration card and wait again. I hope I get lucky this time!
Destination Infinity
Hi Rajesh K
We share the same story except that I am riding my bike without even a licence from many years.
In my opinion not everyone in India is lucky enough to have a proof of address. Moreover I am cursed with a spelling mistake of my name on my voter’s ID.
So I am planning to get an address proof anytime after my retirement some 40 years later or so.
So we could go together and get it done after our retirements if you plan the same way too.
oh we too had to face problem because of that..reminded me of the Golmaal song in the original movie. Anyway so Hubby got an address proof from company HR which we submitted to SBI to open an account and now we have SBI passbook as an address proof. you could try that.
They are accepting company HR letters? I am not sure why my bank didn’t accept a government post office savings bank pass book?? Anyways, getting a HR letter is not possible in my case because I am working on my own project right now. I’ll have to look at other options.
Destination Infinity
I think you can apply for ration card. If I find any pointers, I will send a message to you
Hope you get a proof soon 
I wish the authorities were 10% as helpful as my blog friends!
Destination Infinity
Hope you get a way around this pretty soon.
Maybe they don’t trust themselves
Let me see what other options I can explore…
Destination Infinity
get the UID card ,
get the landline telephone with incoming service.
hope this will solve your problem.
UID card? Ok, I will apply for that also – if we can apply! BSNL Landline telephone is already there in our house but it is registered in my father’s name. I don’t want another one! Thanks for your suggestions.
Destination Infinity
Apply for another telephone connection in your name, and when you get your 1st bill, cancel it
In my case I relied entirely on my lease agreement of the house which was jointly in my name and my housemates’ (and later when I moved, it was joint with my hubby’s name). It worked for both of us to get a local mobile phone connection, bank account, as well as any other basic purpose.
I m guessing your house contract would be in your dad’s name eh?
When I was in Bangalore, I too was able to open a bank account using the rental agreement. But in TN, we don’t have the concept of agreements. Everything is just by word of mouth. In Chennai, we have our own house and of course, all the documents/property tax, etc are in my father’s name.
Destination Infinity
Ouch!
Many states don’t accept rent agreement unless it is registered. In Delhi at least they don’t. And mobile companies today refuse to accept it too, since unregistered ones can be made for Rs100 by anyone. So try this option: Make a rent agreement with your father either in your personal name or in the name of your company and then get it registered in the court. That is a legal document and so will be accepted everywhere. Once you have one id proof in a city, you can get others like bank accounts and all.
That’s an interesting option that I did not consider. In Karnataka, rental agreement was accepted by banks. But in TN, it is not. Maybe I need to check again. But it looks like I will cut it through with the bank itself, will update shortly.
Destination Infinity
What a bloody nightmare, unfortunately mate – I am of no help to you as I don’t live in India. But good luck in getting this sorted – sounds horrendous
Looks like the govt bank passbook might work out… I am giving it a second try. Will know tomorrow. I will update.
Destination Infinity
No idea sir ji .. how to go about it .. if you were in uk I could have counter signed it ..
Same answer as the above
Destination Infinity
Hi,
Normally any proof of identity that contains address acts as POA too but sometime when it doesn’t the following could be used-
1. Have you tried this link?
http://www.indg.in/e-governance/apply-for-201cproof-of-address201d
2. Also, if you are working in some company, ask ur HR to issue you a letter on company’s letterhead verifying your address. This may help you to get the address proof with some banks or so.
3. If not, change the electricity/phone bill to your names
4. How about UID? Aadhar card?
5. Certificate of address signed by a Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councilor or a Gazetted Officer.
6. Income tax assessment order
7. Vehicle registration etc?
I too am relocated often and have to rely on rental agreements/ office id card/letter from HR/ passport which still has Chennai address etc to come to my rescue.
Do keep us posted if you get the resolution or no
Thanks for the detailed comment. My situation is quite uniquely not satisfying many of them. But it looks like the govt bank passbook address update might just work out. I will update on the same, soon.
Destination Infinity
Introduction by an existing account holder along with a rent agreement should enable you to open a bank account with a nationalised bank.
Rent agreement is not there in TN. I already have an account with nationalized bank, just trying to get the address transfered to my new address. Looks like it will get done, will update shortly.
Destination Infinity
I think you have to get your voter ID card first. Then only you can go any further. Try sorting it out first.
I will apply for both voter ID (through registered post) and Aadhar UID. Since the latter is new, I might just get lucky with it.
Destination Infinity
Here’s an idea – For address proof, most places like banks accept a letter from Public authority or Gazetted officer confirming your current address. Have you tried it?
Thanks for your suggestion, but I got my Indian bank passbook address changed successfully today!
I will write a post on it, now.
Destination Infinity
here’s what you can try…
since the address is in your dad’s name, you can get an affidavit done from a registered high court official (notorised) on a 500 rupee stamp paper stating that you are his son and has been staying in the same address now for more than 6 years…
my sister in law tried this here in pune and it worked for her…not sure about chennai Rajesh.
consult a high court official for the same !
regards
rahul
500 rupees stamp paper? OMG. Anyway, I got the address proof. Refer to my latest post. Thanks for your suggestion.
Destination Infinity
You need an address proof. If you have an account in SBI or any government bank then change the address mentioned on your passbook by asking SBI authorities and get the address changed in your passbook. It will be better if you shift your home branch to your present location. It will act as your address proof.
That’s what I did
Thanks for your input.
Destination Infinity
Dear Rajesh,
I am in a similar situation. Could u please tell us ,what were the documents u were asked to submit while u registered for an account with Indian Bank ?
When I registered for the account (before a couple of years), a letter from my employer was enough. That too I didn’t give, it was done by the company directly. But when I went now, I think I read some new rules mandating some address proof.
I got my address changed now using my credit card statement and post office PPF passbook. Thankfully, they accepted it.
Destination Infinity
PS: But, when I went to change the address in my driving license, they are saying that only four documents are accepted – Ration card, Voter ID, LIC policy and Passport!
Hey why don’t you cancel your name in previous ration card and then you will get one deletion certificate and after that you can apply for new ration card anywhere in india with the help of that deletion certificate and one witness from your neighbour and your witness’s ration card photocopy.Remember the witness should be your neighbour with valid ration card or person in whose house you are living on rent. ……. simple. I also changed the addresss in same way.
U can try getting a written statement from ur area/locality corporator/MP etc, that can be useful as a proof for some works. hope dat will help some of ya.
For getting a driving license, it seems they consider affidavit as a supporting document. Not as the main proof of address. Even otherwise, the procedures should be easier?
Destination Infinity
Can i use aadhaar card to get licence ??i live in delhi
It should be accepted. But not sure, try it.
Destination Infinity
https://www.tin-nsdl.com/indian-citizen.php
see the proof available here. I suggest you make a rent recepit with a revenue stamp that woks as an address proof will cost you 20 odd rupes only and you need to fill yourself as a tenant in that receipt.
Have you solved your problem ?
The address proof issue is very indeed very frustrating .
There are many ways to solve it … but first can you tell me for what purpose you want an address proof – then we can work according to it .
please also see my blog – i have started this to find a solution to this vexed problem
Raju
Hi Raju ,
I too am facing problem like Rajesh . I have tried opening a bank account with SBI , India’s premier bank but due to address proof they had rejected my application .
I basically live in Durgapur (wb) and have been living in Delhi since last 6 years on rent , and had furnished my notorised rent agreement copy along with my pan card copy as my id proof , they rejected it stating that they will be considering only registered rent agreement ,DL , voter id card ;ration card as valid documents .As you know its not that easy to have these documents .I have none to my name . I even asked if i can furnish any letter from my employer , they rejected that too .
i have no clue as to how to apply for a bank account in a national bank .
I was thinking of an option that i should open an account back i durgapur sbi branch and later shift it here in delhi , but then again i am back to square one on adress proof id .
can you please suggest a way out .
thanks
sarbjeet .
best thing.. if u r in a rented house.. get your rental agreement. if the rental agreement is in ur father name, then create a new agreement with ur name and apply for a bsnl connection that u wud get in 10 days.. u can use the bsnl bill for any address prooff..
hi i am also facing problem regarding adress proof , i am staying in bangalore i have rental aggreement with my name i tried to open bank account in sbi but they told we are not acceping rental agreement as valid adress proof , would you like to told me in which bank u had opened your account with rental agreement ,if possible give the ifc code of bank /adress where it located …
I opened my bank account before 3-4, with PNB in Bangalore. But some new rules reg. opening bank accounts seem to have been put in place recently. You can check with any PNB branch now, but I find similar restrictions (as mentioned in your comment) in Indian Bank too. So chances are less, but you can try.
Destination Infinity
I can understand your frustration. I have been trying to get my passport issued since more than one year. LOL
I think rental agreement along with NOC from the owner is sufficient for opening an account in SBI…please confirm….
Please check with the manager of the branch you want to open an account. These rules and the documents that can be used as an address proof keep changing.
Destination Infinity
I think this will be helpful to u
http://devilsworkshop.org/get-address-proof-card-in-india-from-post-office/
Landed here looking for someway to get some solution for a similar dilemma. Did you find a solution? My passport is expired and I want it reissued in my new address , but they want an address proof. Which i dont have ! Trying to generate one is pure nightmare. Ration card apparently is not acceptable as an address proof for passport. My DL is lost, so no hope there too ..Election card address change also ruled out as they require an address proof.The only address proofs we have are all in hubby’s name . Just wondering if something can be done with that and the marriage certificate.. phew!!!!
Does ur hubby have a passport with new address ? if yes, it shud not be a problem to you …. to change ur Address in PPort..
I faced the same situation. Since my dad is in the army we move around quite a lot and I have not started working yet. However by using a certificate from dad’s office I opened an account with SBI. I also used the certificate to apply for my PAN card. The folks at the RTO didn’t accept it when I applied to change the address on my driving licence. The address proof from the Post Office is pretty useless though..
When a customer[ Account holder] himself went to bank and asks to change his address, i dont understand why should he submit the proof of residence. Most of the job holders dont stay in permanent residence. Not many house owners deal with rental aggreeements. How could the customers submit address proof. I am corpoarte employee and when i joined the company, I got Kotak bank account with out submitting any address proof. Now when I moved to different rental home, they are not even accepting company letter as proof, They r asking for passport, voterId, driving license. Do they think we will get them in 2 to 3 days, It will take months to get them and again they too need some proofs to apply. Why these people dont think practical ?
Hi,
I just completing reading all the comments and relate to the situation that i am going through. Its a vicious circle to change the address on DL or any other state issued address proof. The best option is the one I recently considered i.e. to get a LIC policy on the new address and then get the address change. Any other effort will go in vain. We are Indians and we should realize that without paying bribe to Government agencies, none of the task can be completed.
I learnt this lesson and accepted this fact. Its very hard to pin point our nationality ourself but there is no option. Even the government knows this and still it is helpless. What else you can expect.
Just apply for a minimum policy of approx 1500Rs. and then pay 1000Rs. bribe in RTO and get the address changed on licence.
hi,
Going through the above comments and your story , i found a solution that now a days you can apply for the voter id card throught the election commision’s website of your state. what you have to do is that you have to fill a online application form on the election commisions website and the people or the BLO of your area will come to your given address and verify your address and identity , along with the documents he/she needs for it. submit those documents and your voter id card will come to you, in a week or month.
Hi all,
HELP required!
I am from Kanpur and residing in New Delhi from past 6 months. (I am doing MBA in New Delhi). Recently, I purchased a second hand (used) bike which required ownership to be transferred on my name. When I visited RTO, they asked for the “ADDRESS PROOF” where the problem arises. I reside here in PG so couldn’t get any rental agreement. I have following documents:
1. PAN CARD (All India)
2. Passport (Kanpur Address)
3. Voter-ID (Kanpur Address)
4. Driving License (Kanpur Address)
5. SBI passbook (Kanpur Address)
6. College ID Card (Delhi, no address though)
7. Also accounts in ICICI bank, Karnataka Bank, Bank Of India (All Kanpur Address)
Now, tell me what can I do to get a address proof in Delhi?
PS: Can’t get a rental agreement as its a paying guest house.
I wonder if post office address proof card would be accepted for this.
Kindly help !
I hear your woes my man. I have been facing this stupid problem for quite a while. The Indian government has no concern for such problems. They just want something out of thin air. If this continues, then I ll have to print my own address proofs. F**k the government.
I find a new LIC policy is suggested by many but would getting one require an address proof?
Im also in your state like.
Everybody in this list are go with the small starting points like LIC (Just get the origional doc itself, for 1st month, then need not continue),
Get lpg conn. with the LIC or affidavit by gazated officer.
Then You may go to BSNL (They are waiting for new customers like you for long time).
Then it is easy to change the address proof by Nationalized banks.
Don’t go for ration card or any other option for change of address. They are too slow and tedious jobs.
Simple enough
U have a PAN card and an ICICI account with new address
Approach SBI or any other govt bank with ICICI statement and PAN card
Ur account will b opened!