N RI Information Informing  educating and connecting Indians across the globe . . . © Copyright 2006 Nriinformation.com Proof of Address Card in India Proof of identity and proof of address have become a fact of life these days across India. Such documentary proofs are required to avail many services in India today. Whether you need a Sim card for your cell/mobile phone, want to open a bank account, get a new gas connection, apply for a ration card etc. applicants must provide acceptable proof of their identity and address. Normally professionals have documents such as passports, house tax receipts, drivers license etc. On the other hand many unemployed or perhaps students may not have acceptable identification to avail services such as an Internet connection. In an effort to provide relief to such people who do not have proof of identification, the Indian Postal Department issues a photo ID card that can serve as both: 1. Proof of Identification 2. Proof of Address As this card bears the stamp of the Government of India, it is normally accepted in most scenarios. How to get ‘Proof of Address Card’ in India Applicants need to first get the application form from the post office, kindly note that some of the smaller post offices may not provide this facility. The cost of the ‘Application Form’ for getting Proof of Address is Rupees 10/- the fee for a new card is Rupees 250/- 1. Obtain the form at a post office 2. After filling, submit it to the post office along with applicable fee A postman will verify the address provided on the form. Following the verification, the application form is sent to the district head office for further processing. This process can take about eight weeks to complete. Once you get your card, it is valid for three years after which it can be renewed by paying the required renewal fee. Sample of Application Form for Post Office Proof of Address Card The cost of the Form as mentioned earlier is Rs10/-  You can view a sample form by clicking HERE. Those who use a downloaded online form still have to pay the Rs10 form cost when they submit their application to the Post Office.