PAN for Minors: When is It Required and How to Apply for Your Child

While a Permanent Account Number (PAN) isn’t mandatory for minors, you do need it for banking, property, and investment-related scenarios. A major KYC document and a universally used digit for financial transactions in India, the card has a simple and straightforward application process. This blog takes you through the situations when a PAN card is needed for your child and how you can apply for one.

When Do You Need PAN Card for Minors?

As a unique identifier for financial and tax-related activities issued by the Income Tax Department, a PAN card is a necessity for a range of scenarios regardless of the age of the individual. Here are some scenarios that mandate a PAN card for your child:

Income & Bank Requirements

• Opening bank accounts

• If the child has earned income through talent or knowledge (Child actors or performers, athletes earning prize money, receiving a scholarship, etc.) 

• Opening Demat accounts for share trading

Investment Activities

• Purchasing mutual funds, stocks, or bonds in the child’s name

• Making the minor child a nominee or beneficiary in insurance policies

• Investing in government schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for a minor daughter

• Creating fixed deposits where interest exceeds tax-free limits

Property and High-Value Transactions

• Buying or transferring property in the minor child's name

• Receiving gifts above reportable limits

• Inheriting assets that require legal documentation

Also Read: How to Check If You Already Have a PAN (Know Your PAN by Name/DOB)

Documents Required for Minor PAN Card Application

A PAN card application for a minor requires proof of identity and address of the minor’s parents or guardians, alongside proof of the minor’s date of birth. Since the applicant is a minor, any proofs of identity and address of the parents/guardians are deemed to be the ID and address proof of the minor. This greatly simplifies the application process.

Commonly accepted documents as ID and address proof include the passport, Aadhaar card, driving licence, or elector’s photo identity card. The birth certificate can serve as proof of date of birth, and should the minor be in school, their school identity card can serve as proof of address. If available, the minor’s Aadhaar card issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) can also be submitted.

Also Read: PAN Address Change Online: Step-by-Step With Supporting Documents

How to Apply for a PAN Card for Minors

You have two options for applying: online and offline. Applying for a minor PAN card online takes place through NSDL or UTIITSL websites, which offer convenience and faster processing. Offline applications require visiting PAN centres but allow immediate document verification. Both methods use Form 49A.

If you’re applying offline, find the nearest PAN centre and go there with your original documents and attested photocopies. If applying digitally, follow the steps below for the online process:

Step 1: Visit the Official Site

Go to the Apply for New PAN page on the site you pick, either Protean or UTIITSL .

Step 2: Initial Details

Start by selecting “Individual” as the applicant category, fill in the minor’s initial details (via Protean) or pick which format you want to issue the PAN in (via UTIITSL). Then, choose your preferred method for submitting the required documents, either online with digital versions (including Aadhaar-based eKYC) or in physical form.

If you choose the physical mode, you will have to send self-attested photocopies of all documents to the following address: Protean eGov Technologies Limited, Income Tax PAN Services Unit, 4th floor, Sapphire Chambers, Baner Road, Baner, Pune - 411045

Remember to sign across the minor’s photograph as well. Then, click Submit.

Step 3: Application form

Complete the application form, filling in all the minor’s personal details as required. You’ll need clear scanned copies of the required documents in JPG or PDF format. Each document should be under 300KB. Upload the necessary documents, and pay the required processing fee.

Step 4: Track the Application

You’ll have received an acknowledgement number either at the start of the process (UTIITSL) or after submission (Protean). Use this to track your application status online. The PAN card typically arrives within 15-20 working days at the representative’s address.

Also Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a PAN Online with Aadhaar e-KYC

To Conclude

Securing a PAN card for your child undoubtedly has benefits above its required uses, enabling practical and organised financial planning. It not only is a gatekeeper to financial capacity, but can also be used as the primary document to secure Instant Loans and gain access to much-needed funds. 

FAQs

Do you need proof of identity to apply for a minor's PAN card?

Yes, you need identity proof for the minor such as a birth certificate or Aadhaar card. Additionally, the parent or guardian applying as representative must submit their own PAN card and identity proof. All documents should be self-attested by the representative.

What's the difference between minor and major PAN card?

While the minor's PAN number remains the same throughout life, the cards themselves have a few distinctions. A minor PAN card issued to individuals below 18 years contains the child’s photo but has the parent’s signature. Once the child turns 18, they must update the PAN Card with their own signature and current photograph through a correction application.

How long is the application process for PAN card for a minor?

For the minor PAN Card to be issued, it typically takes 15-20 working days from document submission. Online applications may process slightly faster. You can track the application status using the acknowledgement number provided.

Can both parents apply for their child’s PAN card?

Only one parent needs to apply as the representative assessee. Either parent can fill out the application, but the same person must sign all documents and forms. The representative’s details will appear on official communications, so streamlining them by just having one parent fill them in is crucial.

Is there a minimum age requirement for getting a PAN card online?

No minimum age limit exists for obtaining a PAN card in India. Even newborns can get PAN cards if needed for financial transactions. The requirement depends on financial activities rather than age.

What happens to the PAN card for child when the minor turns 18?

The PAN number stays the same, but the minor’s signature must be updated along with the photograph. This correction application ensures the existing PAN card reflects their adult status and allows them to sign financial documents independently. 

Is it mandatory to link Aadhaar card with PAN card for child?

Current regulations require linking Aadhaar and PAN for all PAN holders, including minors. The linking can be done online using the minor’s PAN and Aadhaar details. This helps prevent duplication and ensures compliance.