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A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Indian Income Tax Department. Besides being a tax document, the PAN card also plays a key role as a universal identity and KYC (Know Your Customer) document in financial and banking systems. While minors (individuals below 18 years of age) aren’t generally liable to file income tax returns, there are many situations where having a PAN for your child becomes necessary or highly beneficial.
Key Takeaways
A minor PAN Card can be applied for at any age by a parent or legal guardian
It is useful for banking, investments, nominee registration and certain tax-related cases
The application process is simple and can be completed online or offline using Form 49A
Required documents include proof of identity, address and age, usually of the parent or guardian
Once the child turns 18, the PAN must be updated to a major PAN, while the PAN number remains unchanged
What is a Minor PAN Card?
A minor PAN Card is simply a PAN card issued to a person under the age of 18. It’s usually applied by a parent, guardian, or representative assessee on behalf of the child because a minor cannot legally sign documents. A PAN card for minors is often required for financial and investment-related activities carried out in a child’s name. Let us understand the reasons in detail.
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Why Apply for a PAN Card for Your Child?
Although minors are usually not taxable, their PAN card can be useful in many scenarios, such as:
Opening Bank Accounts in a Minor’s Name: Banks often require a PAN to maintain KYC compliance even for minor accounts. It can also be required for opening a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account for a minor girl child.
Investing Under the Child’s Name: If a parent wants to open a mutual fund, fixed deposit, or other financial investment for a child, a PAN card is often required.
Nominee & Estate Planning: Assigning a nominee for investments, insurance, or estate planning can be smoother with a PAN card for the nominee - even if they’re a minor.
Income or Tax Filing in Rare Cases: If a minor earns taxable income (e.g., from talent awards, prizes, or disability income), having a PAN card can help with proper tax compliance.
In most cases, a minor’s income is clubbed with the parent’s income and is not taxed separately. However, a PAN card becomes mandatory when:
The minor is physically disabled, blind or otherwise specially abled
The minor earns income through personal skills, talent or specialised knowledge
The minor earns income independently
How to Apply for a Minor PAN Card (Online)?
A minor cannot apply for a PAN card independently. The application must be submitted by a parent, guardian or representative of the assessee. The application can be made through online or offline modes.
The simplest way to apply is through the official NSDL (Protean) portal. The steps are listed below:
Attach required photocopies - identity, address, birth proof and photographs
Pay the fee at the PAN centre or via DD
Submit at the nearest PAN centre
You will receive an acknowledgement number for tracking. Once verified, the PAN card will be sent to the registered address.
Did You Know?
Minors living abroad may need documents attested by the Indian embassy in their country of residence to get a PAN card
Source: Economic Time
Documents Required to Apply for a Minor PAN Card
To process the application smoothly, the following documents are required as proof of identity, address, and date of birth. Let us see which documents can be used for each category.
Proof of Identity (POI): Usually, the parent/guardian or the child, depending onthe document chosen:
Aadhaar card
Passport
Ration card
Driving licence
Voter ID
Government-issued photo ID
Proof of Address (POA): Typically of the parent/guardian:
Aadhaar card
Passport
Driving licence
Utility bills (recent)
Property documents
Post office passbook
Proof of Birth / Age (for minor):
Birth certificate
Aadhaar card
Passport
Domicile certificate
Affidavit before magistrate (if required)
A photograph of the minor may be required, depending on how the application is submitted.
Is it Mandatory to Update a Minor PAN Card After Turning 18?
A PAN card issued during childhood should be updated once the individual turns 18. This is because a minor’s PAN does not carry a signature and may have limited identification details.
After turning 18, the PAN must be converted into a regular (major) PAN to ensure it remains valid for official, financial and tax-related purposes.
The update process is simple:
Visit the NSDL (Protean) portal and select the option “Changes or Corrections in Existing PAN Data / Reprint of PAN.”
Enter the existing PAN card number and update the required details, including photograph, signature, and any personal information that may have changed.
Upload the necessary supporting documents and pay the applicable fee.
Once the request is processed, a new PAN card is issued with updated details. The PAN number remains the same, only the personal information is refreshed, ensuring continuity in financial and tax records.
Tips for Parents Applying for a Minor PAN Card
Understanding the basics early on can simplify the minor PAN card application process and support your child’s future financial needs. Here are some quick tips.
Start Early: Applying for a PAN card at a young age can save time later, especially if you’re planning long-term investments, opening bank accounts, or building financial assets in your child’s name.
Link Aadhaar Wherever Possible: With increasing emphasis on Aadhaar-based verification, linking Aadhaar can make the PAN application and future updates faster and more seamless. In many cases, Aadhaar authentication is now a key step in PAN issuance and verification.
Stay organised throughout the process: Keep copies of all submitted documents, both digital and physical, and make sure to note the acknowledgement number after applying. This will help you track the application status and quickly resolve any follow-ups, if required.
Final Words
Obtaining a minor PAN card for your child may seem like a small administrative step, but it plays an important role in building their financial identity and ensuring long-term compliance. As children grow older and begin engaging in financial transactions, such as investments, savings instruments, or official documentation, a PAN helps streamline processes and avoid last-minute hurdles.
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Glossary
Form 49A: The official application form used by individuals, including minors, to apply for a new PAN card in India
KYC: A mandatory verification process used by banks and financial institutions to confirm the identity of an individual
Minor: An individual who has not yet completed 18 years of age, as defined under Indian law
Representative Assessee: A parent or legal guardian authorised to manage tax and financial matters on behalf of a minor
Acknowledgement Number: A unique reference number generated after submitting a PAN application, used to track its status
FAQs
Yes, there is no minimum age requirement. A PAN card can be issued to minors, as long as the application is submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
A minor cannot apply independently; the application must be made by a parent, guardian, or representative assessee on the child’s behalf.
It is not mandatory always, but it is required in certain circumstances, such as when:
The minor earns income independently
The minor earns income through personal skills, talent, or specialised knowledge
The minor is physically disabled, blind, or otherwise specially abled and earns taxable income
The PAN number does not expire, but the details must be updated once the individual turns 18 to convert it into a major PAN.
Yes, the PAN number remains the same. Only personal details like the photograph and signature are updated.
Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.
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