PAN Card Rule Change: These Updates Are Mandatory After Turning 18
After completing 18 years of age, individuals are required to update their existing PAN card details with their latest photograph and personal signature.
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card issued during childhood does not become invalid once a person turns 18. However, certain important details in the PAN card must be updated after attaining adulthood, according to the rules of the Income Tax Department.
A minor PAN card generally contains the parent’s or guardian’s signature and a photograph taken during childhood. Therefore, after completing 18 years of age, individuals are required to update their existing PAN card details with their latest photograph and personal signature.
The good news is that there is no need to apply for a new PAN card. The existing PAN number will continue to remain valid, and only necessary corrections or updates need to be made.
What Is a Minor PAN Card and Why Is It Issued?
A Minor PAN Card is issued to individuals below 18 years of age when it is required for financial purposes such as investments, stock market transactions, or maintaining bank deposits.
Since minors cannot independently complete financial and legal procedures, the application is submitted by their parents or legal guardians on their behalf. Although the PAN card is issued in the child’s name, certain verification and contact details are provided by the parent or guardian.
While obtaining a PAN card is not mandatory for every child, it becomes necessary in cases involving financial investments or transactions.
Key PAN Card Details That Must Be Updated After Turning 18:
After becoming an adult, individuals should verify and update the details available on their PAN card. The major changes include:
Updating the photograph: The childhood photograph on the minor PAN card must be replaced with a recent photograph.
Changing the signature: Since a minor PAN card contains the parent’s or guardian’s signature, the individual must update it with their own signature after turning 18.
Updating personal details: Any changes in name, date of birth, residential address, mobile number, or email ID should also be corrected.
Keeping these details updated is important for smooth financial transactions and official verification processes.
How to Update PAN Card Details After Turning 18?
The process of updating PAN details from minor to major status can be completed online through the official portals of Protean eGov Technologies or UTIITSL.
Applicants need to select the PAN correction or modification option and provide their existing PAN number. After filling out the application form, they must submit the required identity proof and address proof documents along with the applicable fee.
Once the request is submitted, applicants can track the status of their PAN update using the acknowledgement number received during the application process.
Many people believe that a new PAN card is required after turning 18, but this is not true. The existing PAN number remains valid throughout the lifetime of the individual.
Applying for multiple PAN cards is illegal and can lead to penalties under income tax rules. Therefore, individuals should continue using their existing PAN number and only update the required details.
After the correction process is completed, a new PAN card with the updated photograph and personal signature will be issued while retaining the same PAN number.
