How to Apply for Minor PAN Card?

An NRI minor PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is issued by the Income Tax Department to individuals who are under the age of 18. It serves the same purpose as a regular PAN card and has a 10-digit alphanumeric number. However, a PAN card for a minor doesn't include the minor's photograph or signature. Instead, it has the minor's photo and the signature of either the parent or guardian.

Although obtaining a PAN card is not mandatory for every child, it might become essential in several financial scenarios. It includes making investments, opening a bank account, making the child a nominee in any financial assets, etc.

Parents or guardians can apply for a minor PAN card either online or offline on the child's behalf anytime, as there is no minimum age limit to apply for a PAN card. Keep reading to learn more about a PAN card for an NRI minor and its features. Also, we will discuss the steps to apply for an NRI minor

What is an NRI Minor PAN Card?

An NRI minor PAN card is issued to individuals under 18 years of age by the Income Tax Department. It can be used for financial transactions, opening a bank account, and making investments under the minor's name. Since a minor cannot legally sign documents, it doesn't include a photograph or signature. When the minor turns 18, you must apply to update the minor's PAN card to a major card.

When Does a Minor Need a PAN Card?

The requirement of a PAN card for minors occurs in the following situations:

What is the Process to Apply for a PAN Card for Minors?

Since minors cannot apply for a PAN card directly on their own, their parents, guardians, or representative assess has to apply for the minor's PAN card. You can apply for a minor PAN card either online or offline. Here are the procedures to apply for a PAN card for a minor:

Applying Online for a PAN card for a Minor

Follow the steps below to apply for a minor PAN card:

• Step 1: Go to the official website of NSDL.
• Step 2: Select application type as "New PAN" and the category as "Individual". Ensure to choose the correct form: Form 49A (Indian citizens, including NRIs with Indian citizenship), and Form 49AA (foreign citizens/OCI minors).
• Step 3: After that, choose the document submission mode and whether you need a physical PAN card.
• Step 4: Fill in the personal details of the minor and parents. Enter the parent's address and contact number, AO code, and the parent's or guardian's signature.
• Step 5: Upload the minor's photograph along with the required documents.
• Step 6: Next, pay the minor PAN card fee using a debit card, a credit card, a demand draft, or net banking. Once done, click on "Submit".
• Step 7: You will receive an acknowledgement number, which you can use to monitor the minor PAN card application status.
• Step 8: Submit all the required documents if you chose the physical mode of document submission option. Also, if you chose the demand draft option as a mode of payment, include that as well. Put everything in an envelope and send it to the Pune address of the Income Tax PAN services unit.

Once your PAN card application is successfully verified, you will receive the PAN card at the registered address within 15-20 working days.

*Point to Note: It is not mandatory to use an Indian address; you can use a foreign address.

Applying Offline for a PAN Card for a Minor

Follow the steps below to apply for a PAN card for a minor offline:

• Step 1: Visit the official NSDL website and download Form 49A (for Indian citizens, including NRIs with Indian citizenship).
• Step 2: Fill out the form correctly as per the given instructions.
• Step 3: Attach a copy of the relevant documents.
• Step 4: Attach two recent photographs of the minor.
• Step 5: Submit the application form along with the required documents to the nearest PAN center along with the applicable fees.

After submitting the application, you will receive an acknowledgement number. You can use this number to keep track of the minor's PAN card application status. Once the application is successfully verified, the minor's PAN card will be delivered to the mentioned address.

What are the Documents Required to Apply for a Minor PAN Card?

You need to attach or upload identity proof, address proof, and age proof documents for a minor's PAN card application. Below is a list of each type of document you need:

What are the Fees and Processing Time for an NRI Minor PAN Card?

The fees for a minor PAN card may differ depending on the document submission mode and whether you choose to receive a physical PAN card or an e-PAN. The table below lists the fee you need to pay to obtain a PAN card for a minor:

Processing Time for a PAN Card for a Minor

The processing time for a PAN card for a minor may vary based on the courier and verification process. For PAN delivery within India, it may take 10-15 working days. However, for PAN card delivery outside India, it might take 3-6 weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a PAN Card for a Minor

Avoiding these common mistakes, as they might lead to delays or application rejection:

• Using the Wrong Form: Using the wrong form can lead to application rejection. You cannot change the form type after submission, and you may have to submit a fresh application using the correct form.
  So, remember that Form 49A is for Indian citizens, including NRIs with an Indian citizenship. Conversely, Form 49AA is for foreign citizens/OCI/PIO.
• Minor Signing the Form Instead of a Guardian : If a minor signs the form, the PAN card application will likely be rejected, and you will have to resubmit the form with the correct signature. A minor cannot sign their own PAN card application form, and it must be signed by either a parent or a legal guardian (the representative assesse).
• Uploading Blurred Documents: Uploading blurred documents or photographs is a common error that could lead to rejection or delay of your PAN application. You will need to re-upload clear and legible copies that meet the specific formatting and size requirements for a minor PAN card application.
• Choosing the Wrong Address Type: This error occurs when the communication address type selected in the form doesn't match the supporting address proof that you have submitted. Also, it can occur when you choose the wrong address type.

You will need to submit a PAN correction application and provide the correct address details and supporting documents.

What are the Steps to Update a Minor PAN Card After Turning 18?

Upon turning 18, the minor PAN card must be updated to a major PAN card to reflect the new changes and details. Follow the steps below to update the minor PAN card to a major PAN card:

• Step 1: Go to the official NSDL website.
• Step 2: Choose the application type as "Changes or Corrections in existing PAN data/reprint of PAN card" and the category as individual.
• Step 3: Choose the document submission mode for the PAN card and whether you need a physical PAN card.
• Step 4: Fill in the minor PAN number, name, birth date, and gender. Next, select the ' Photo Mismatch' and 'Signature Mismatch' options to provide the recent photograph and signature.
• Step 5: Provide other required details to make any other important changes in the PAN card.
• Step 6: Upload the necessary documents and submit the application.
• Step 7: Lastly, pay the fee, and you will receive an acknowledgement number. Use the number to monitor the status of your updated PAN card application.

You can also rectify the changes or corrections in your existing PAN data/ reprint of PAN card offline by visiting your nearest PAN centre.

Final Thoughts

Although every child doesn't need to obtain a PAN card, there are several situations where having a PAN card can be beneficial and important. Parents and guardians must be careful in filling out applications, avoiding common errors, and ensuring everything required is provided. Once the minor reaches the age of 18, it's vital to update the PAN card to maintain its validity and utility in financial matters.

Furthermore, to get accurate guidance and ensure compliance with the latest rules, seek assistance from professional tax experts at Savetaxs. We have been helping NRIs from over 90+ countries with their financial matters and tax obligations. Our team will assist you throughout the minor PAN application process by offering end-to-end guidance. Connect with us right away as our experts are actively working 24*7 across all time zones.