PAN Card For Minor

Contrary to popular opinion, there’s no minimum age requirement when it comes to applying for a PAN card. This effectively means that even minors can apply for one. Minor PAN card is a colloquial term that’s used to refer to cards that are issued to individuals who are below 18 years of age. 

Although there may not be many financial transactions in the names of individuals less than 18 years of age, getting a PAN card for minors can be very useful. Firstly, it acts as a valid proof of identity of the minor. And secondly, in many scenarios even minors are mandatorily required to quote their PAN. 

Since minors cannot formally sign an application form, they won’t be able to apply for a minor PAN card. However, guardians, parents, and representative assessees of minors can make an application on their behalf. Here’s a quick look at the two different ways through which you can apply for a minor PAN card. 

1. Steps to Apply for a Minor PAN Card Online 

• Step 1: Visit the Online PAN application website of NSDL. 

• Step 2: Enter all the relevant details like the application type, category, the full name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number and the captcha code. 

• Step 3: Click Submit and make a note of the acknowledgement number and the token number. 

• Step 4: Click ‘Continue with the PAN Application Form’. 

• Step 5: Enter all of the information in their respective fields and submit the form. 

• Step 6: Make the payment online. 

• Step 7: Your application for a minor PAN card will be accepted and you will receive a reference number. This reference number can be used to track the status of your application. 

• Step 8: Print the acknowledgement receipt and send it physically along with all the supporting documents to the NSDL.

• Step 9: After due verification, the PAN card will be sent to the address mentioned by you at the time of application. 

2. Steps to Apply for a Minor PAN Card Offline 

• Step 1: Visit a PAN service centre near you and request for Form 49A. Alternatively, you can also download the form from the website of NSDL or UTIITSL. 

• Step 2: Fill the form manually, affix two colour photographs of the minor and attach all the supporting documents. 

• Step 3: Submit the application form at the PAN service centre along with the requisite fees. 

• Step 4: You will receive an acknowledgement number which can be used to track the status of the minor PAN card. 

• Step 5: After successful verification of your application, the PAN card will be sent to the address mentioned in the form. 

The Income Tax Act, 1961 doesn’t specify any eligibility criteria or a minimum age limit that needs to be satisfied to apply for a minor PAN card. In fact, you can even apply for one for a child that’s less than 5 years of age. 

That said, to obtain a PAN card for a minor, there are certain documents that you would have to submit along with the application form. Here’s a quick look at the list of documents. 

Documents Required to Apply for a Minor PAN Card

1. Proof of Identity

A copy of any one of the following documents of the individual applying for a PAN card on behalf of the minor.

• Aadhaar card 

• Driving licence

• Elector's photo identity card

• Passport

• Ration card with your photograph

• Photo identity card issued by a public sector undertaking, the state government or the central government

• Arm’s licence 

• Pensioner’s card with your photograph

• Original certificate of identity signed by a municipal councillor, a gazetted officer, a Member of Parliament (M.P.), or a Member of a Legislative Assembly (M.L.A.)

• Original certificate on the letterhead of a bank with your bank account number and photograph, attested by a bank official along with their name and stamp 

• Central Government Health Scheme card 

• Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme card 

2. Proof of Address 

A copy of any one of the following documents of the individual applying for a PAN card on behalf of the minor.

• Utility bills like electricity, landline, water, consumer gas or broadband bill not older than 3 months

• Bank account statement, depository account statement or credit card statement not older than 3 months 

• Driving licence

• Aadhaar card 

• Passport

• Elector's photo identity card

• Post office passbook with your address 

• Government-issued domicile certificate

• Property tax assessment order

• Property registration document 

• Allotment letter of accommodation issued by either the state government or the central government (not older than 3 years) 

• Original certificate of address signed by a municipal councillor, a gazetted officer, a Member of Parliament (M.P.), or a Member of a Legislative Assembly (M.L.A.)

• Original certificate from the employer 

3. Proof of Date of Birth of the Minor 

A copy of any one of the following documents evidencing the date of birth of the minor. 

• Aadhaar card 

• Passport 

• Birth certificate 

• Government-issued photo ID card 

• Domicile certificate

• Mark sheets from a recognised board of education 

• An affidavit mentioning the date of birth of the minor sworn before a magistrate

The charges that you would have to pay to obtain a PAN card for a minor depends on whether you require a physical card or an e-PAN. In the case of an e-PAN, only a PDF of the PAN card will be sent to the email ID mentioned in the application form. That said, let’s take a look at the application charges. 

• Physical PAN card - ₹107 (includes GST)

• e-PAN - ₹72 (includes GST)

There are many advantages that individuals less than 18 years of age can get to enjoy by applying for a minor PAN card. Here’s a quick overview of a few of them. 

• It acts as a valid proof of identity. 

• A minor can be named as a nominee on investments like shares, properties, and more. 

• Investments can be made in the name of the minor.

• A bank account or a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account can be opened in the minor’s name. 

In addition to the above uses of a PAN card for minors, there are certain other situations where a minor is mandatorily required to possess a valid PAN. Let’s take a look at what they are. 

• If the minor suffers from a physical disability or is blind.

• If the minor earns any income on their own or through the application of their skill, talent or knowledge. 

However, the income from investments made in the minor’s name would not be taxable and is clubbed with the income of the parents or the guardian. 

Once the minor reaches the age of 18, they can no longer make use of the minor PAN card issued in their name. Instead, they would have to convert it into a regular PAN card. The process that they would have to follow to do the same is listed below. 

• Step 1: Visit the Online PAN application website of NSDL. 

• Step 2: Under the Application Type drop down menu, select the ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data’ option. 

• Step 3: Proceed to enter all other relevant details like the category, the full name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, your current PAN and the captcha code. 

• Step 4: Click Submit and make a note of the acknowledgement number and the token number. 

• Step 5: Click ‘Continue with the PAN Application Form’. 

• Step 6: Click on the ‘Submit digitally through e-KYC & e-Sign (Paperless)’ option. 

• Step 7: Enter all of the information in their respective fields. 

• Step 8: Select the ‘Photo Mismatch’ and ‘Signature Mismatch’ options at the end of the application form. 

• Step 7: Submit the form and complete the e-KYC and e-sign authentication process. 

• Step 8: Make the payment online. 

• Step 9: Your application for changing the details in your PAN card will be accepted and you will receive a reference number. This reference number can be used to track the status of your application. 

• Step 10: After due verification, the PAN card will be sent to your address.