When you travel by air or by train, you have to show your identity proof document. If you have to set up a company, you have to give a copy of your address proof and identity proof. If you book a hotel room, before check-in you have to tender a copy of your Identity Proof to the receptionist!
Wherever you go today and whatever you do, you need to carry your Identity proof and address proof as mandatory documents.
Through this article, I suggest you the most acceptable address proof, identity proof and place of birth proof at many places.
Passport – Ensure that the passport is valid as on date. I have come across many instances where people produce expired passports. If the passport is not valid as on date, then it won’t be considered as address proof. According to me, passport is the best rated document as address proof/identity/place of birth for any activity, be it company incorporation, applying for PAN Card, booking hotel room etc.
Driving License – This is the next best option. You can keep a color laminated copy of the driving license card. Now it comes in the type and size of a credit card and hence is easy to carry.
Election ID card – I won’t suggest this document. For example, your regular address is 27th Cross, Banashankari 2nd Stage, Bangalore – 70; in election ID Card they would have mentioned ‘27th Cross, Banashankari, Karisandra Village, Ganesh bhavan Hobli/Ward, etc. The address won’t generally match with your regular address in use.
Aadhaar Card – At some places, this card is not accepted. Secondly, this card is not user friendly to carry in terms of its size and shape. Better to avoid this document as a proof.
Utility Bills (only as address proof) – Bills such as electricity bill, water bill or property tax paid receipt, telephone bill etc. If the bill is in your name and the correct address is mentioned in the document, you can use this as address proof. But make sure that such bills are not older than 3 months as on the date of producing the document. Older bills are not considered as address proof.
Birth Certificate/ 10th Standard Marks Card or Marriage certificate are the best alternative documents as proof for place of birth.
Passport size photo: Keep atleast 10 passport size photos (latest not older than 1-2 year) ready with you any point in time.
Other documents which are not so commonly used
Pensioner’s card, certificate from the bank manager, bank passbook (the first page where your name is written and photo is affixed; attested by the manager) and employer’s certificate in original can be used; but I won’t recommend them.
According to me, Passport is the best document wherein all the information such as identity (your photo) address, date of birth, father’s name, mothers name, wife (or husband) name etc. are mentioned. Kindly get one done soon!