Many people think that PAN CARD is given only to people above 18 years of age, which is not correct. PAN cards are also issued to minors for financial transactions, opening bank accounts and investing in their name. However, minors cannot directly apply for their PAN card, their parents or guardians have to apply for PAN card on their behalf.

Parents can apply for PAN card for children.

The Income Tax Department has started an e-campaign on Permanent Account Number (PAN) on May 8, 2025. Its purpose is to make people aware about PAN, especially young people, who are below 18 years of age can also get a PAN card. Parents or guardians of minors can apply for PAN card for their children. This rule also applies to NRI children.

How to apply for PAN card?

Parents or guardians can apply for children's PAN card both online and offline (Minor PAN Card Apply Online). To apply offline, you have to download the form, fill it and attach all the necessary documents and submit it at the PAN center. If you want to apply online from home, you can do so by visiting the official website of NSDL. In the online process, all documents have to be uploaded.

Apply for a new card when the child turns 18

The PAN card issued to the minor does not have the minor's photo or signature. Therefore, when the child turns 18, he will have to apply for a new card (PAN card online Apply) to get a PAN card with his photo and signature, although his PAN number will remain the same.

Step by step process to apply for PAN online
Step 1: First of all you have to go to NSDL website https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUser
Step 2: Click on 'New Application' and then select the PAN type like 'New PAN Indian Citizen (Form 49A)' and select Individual in the category.
Step 3: Now fill the minor's personal details and parents details like address and contact number. Upload the parents' signature and then click on 'Submit'.
Step 4: A new webpage will open in which more information will be asked. Here the details of the parent or guardian who will sign the form on behalf of the minor and upload the minor's photo and necessary documents will have to be filled.
Step 5: Now finally pay the fees and then click on the 'Submit' button. After the payment is successful, an Acknowledgement Number will be issued. Which you can use further to know the status of the application.
If you have opted for physical document verification, then within 15 days of applying online, you will have to send the complete set of documents to the given address of the chosen service provider (NSDL Protean or UTIITSL). This deadline is mandatory to avoid rejection of the application.

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