Can Minors Get a PAN Card?

Many people incorrectly believe PAN cards are only for adults above 18. According to an expert in taxation, minors can and should get PAN cards, especially for financial transactions, opening bank accounts, and making investments in the minor’s name.

How Do Minors Apply for a PAN Card?

Minors cannot apply directly for a PAN card themselves. Instead, parents, guardians, or a Representative Assessee must apply on their behalf.

The application process can be hybrid (partly online, partly offline) for both Indian residents and NRI minors. For Indian resident minors, if all documents are properly uploaded in the required format and size, the process can be fully online.

In the online method, the form is filled out on NSDL’s official website and supporting documents can either be uploaded online or sent physically to a PAN center. For the offline process, a downloaded form is filled out manually and submitted with the necessary documents, the minor’s photograph, and the application fee.

Important to note: a PAN card issued to a minor won’t include their photograph or signature. When the minor turns 18, they need to apply for an updated PAN card with their photo and signature, but their PAN number remains unchanged.

Step-by-Step Application Guide Using Form 49A

Here’s how to apply for a minor’s PAN:

• Visit the NSDL website at www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html
• Click on ‘New Application’ and then select the PAN type as ‘New PAN Indian Citizen’ (Form 49A) and the category as ‘Individual.’
• Enter the minor’s personal details and parents’ information (address, contact number), and upload the parents’ signatures
• Click “Submit” and complete the additional details on the next page
• Provide Representative Assessee (parent/guardian) details, upload the minor’s photograph and required documents
• Pay the required fee and submit the application
• An acknowledgement number will be issued after successful payment

If you choose physical document verification, send all paperwork to the address provided by the service provider (NSDL Protean or UTIITSL) within 15 days of submitting your online application to avoid rejection.

Documents needed for a PAN card of a Minor?

Documents Required for a Minor’s PAN Application:

How much does a Minor's PAN card Cost?

Here are the details regarding the Cost of a Minor’s PAN Card:

Important Points About Minor's PAN Card

Here are some key points to remember:

• The minor should not sign or place a thumb impression on the application form
• The PAN card will show the minor’s name and photograph, but will be signed by the Representative Assessee
• Once the minor turns 18, they should apply for changes or corrections to update their PAN card with their signature and current photograph
• Minor’s PAN will not contain their signature
• After turning 18, reapplication is necessary to update the photograph and signature