PAN · Update
PAN Card Minor To Major Update (India, 2026)
A PAN issued to a minor does not carry a photo or signature, because a child cannot sign for tax purposes. When that person turns 18, the PAN has to be updated to the adult format so it can be used for a bank account, investments, filing returns and as photo ID. This guide explains why the minor to major update is needed, the documents, the online process, how long it takes, and how to update a PAN after marriage.
- Why: a minor PAN has no photo or signature; at 18 it must be updated to the adult format.
- Same number: the ten character PAN stays the same; you are correcting the record, not getting a new PAN.
- Documents: identity, address and date of birth proof plus a photo and signature; Aadhaar can cover most of these.
- Where: apply through Protean, UTIITSL or the income tax portal under the correction or reprint option.
- Timeline: the e-PAN is often quick; the printed card takes longer, so treat any two day guarantee with caution.
- Never apply fresh: holding two PANs is an offence; always use the change or correction route.
01Why a minor PAN must be updated
A PAN card applied for before the age of 18 is issued in the minor format. It shows the PAN number but no photograph and no signature, and the parent or guardian is recorded as the representative. The PAN number itself stays the same for life.
Once the holder turns 18, the card needs a photo and signature added so it works as valid photo identity and so the person can operate accounts, invest and file returns in their own name. This is done through a PAN correction or change request, not a fresh PAN application.
The PAN number does not change
Updating from minor to major does not give you a new PAN. The same ten character PAN continues. You are only adding the photo, signature and updated details to the record and getting a reprinted card.
02Documents you need
For a minor to major update, keep these ready:
- Proof of identity: Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence of the now-adult holder.
- Proof of address: Aadhaar, passport, bank statement, utility bill or similar.
- Proof of date of birth: birth certificate, matriculation certificate, passport or Aadhaar.
- A recent passport size photograph of the holder.
- The holder's signature in the box provided.
Aadhaar often doubles as identity, address and date of birth proof, which makes the set simpler. For the full document picture, see the guide to updating PAN from minor to major online.
03Step by step: updating online
You can do this on either of the two authorised PAN service providers, Protean (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL, or through the income tax portal.
- Go to the PAN services site, for example protean-tinpan.com or pan.utiitsl.com.
- Choose "Changes or Correction in existing PAN data / Reprint of PAN card".
- Enter the existing PAN and the holder's details. Do not tick fields you are not changing; here you are adding photo and signature and confirming details.
- Upload the photograph, signature and supporting documents, or choose Aadhaar e-KYC and e-sign if the details match.
- Pay the processing fee and submit. Note the acknowledgement number to track the request.
If you misplaced the physical card entirely, the route is slightly different; see what to do when your PAN card is lost.
04How long it takes
After submission, the updated e-PAN is usually available within a short window, and the physical reprinted card is dispatched after that. Searches for "PAN card correction in 2 days" set an expectation that is not guaranteed: the e-PAN can be quick, but the printed card depends on processing and postal time.
Treat any claim of a guaranteed two day turnaround with caution. The honest position is that the digital PAN often comes fast, while the physical card takes longer.
05Updating a PAN after marriage
A common reason to update a PAN, separate from the minor to major change, is a name change after marriage. The process is the same PAN correction request, with a different supporting document.
- Choose the correction option and tick the name field.
- Enter the new name.
- Attach proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, a gazette notification, or a passport showing the updated name.
Keeping your PAN name consistent with your bank, Aadhaar and investment records avoids mismatches when you file returns.
06Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a new PAN: never apply fresh. Holding two PANs is an offence. Always use the correction or change route.
- Ticking fields you are not changing: only select the data you are actually updating.
- Name or date of birth mismatch with Aadhaar: a mismatch can hold up the request and later block PAN-Aadhaar linking.
- Unclear photo or signature: a poor image is a common reason for rejection and reprinting.
07How Claw Tax helps
Claw Tax and Accounts is an online tax, GST and accounting service for India that connects you with a verified chartered accountant at a fixed, published price, with a Claw reviewer checking every filing before it is submitted.
Updating a PAN from minor to major is a task you can do yourself on the Protean or UTIITSL site, and for many people that is the simplest route. Claw is useful when a name or date of birth mismatch keeps getting your request rejected, when you want it done right the first time, or when you want the PAN work handled alongside your first income tax return as a new adult taxpayer.
With Claw Tax and Accounts, a verified chartered accountant can file the correction correctly, make sure your PAN, Aadhaar and bank name all match, and then help with your ITR, at a fixed, published price, with a Claw reviewer checking the work.
This is not tax advice; a verified CA handles your specifics.
08Frequently asked questions
How do I update my PAN card from minor to major?
Use the change or correction option on the Protean, UTIITSL or income tax portal with your existing PAN, add a photograph and signature, attach identity, address and date of birth proof, pay the fee and submit. The PAN number stays the same; you are only updating the record to the adult format.
Does my PAN number change when I turn 18?
No. The ten character PAN is allotted for life and does not change. Updating from minor to major only adds the photo and signature and updates the details on the card. You should never apply for a new PAN, because holding two PANs is an offence.
Can a PAN card be corrected in 2 days?
The digital e-PAN is often available quickly after a correction request, but a printed card depends on processing and postal time, so a guaranteed two day turnaround is not something to rely on. Plan for the e-PAN to come first and the physical card to follow.
What documents are needed for a minor to major PAN update?
You need proof of identity, proof of address, proof of date of birth, a recent passport size photograph and the holder's signature. Aadhaar often serves as identity, address and date of birth proof in one, which simplifies the set.
How do I update my PAN card after marriage?
Use the same correction request, tick the name field, enter the new name, and attach proof of the name change such as a marriage certificate, a gazette notification, or a passport showing the updated name. Keep the new name consistent with your Aadhaar and bank records.
Can I update a minor PAN online without visiting an office?
Yes. If your details match Aadhaar, you can complete the correction online with Aadhaar based e-KYC and e-sign, uploading the photo and signature digitally. If e-KYC does not work, you may need to send signed documents by post.