income tax

Copy Page

Published on 24 July 2025

Understanding the Minor PAN Card: Application Process and Requirements in India

How to Get a PAN Card for Your Child in India (2025 Edition)

If you're planning to open a savings account for your child, invest in their name, or set up long-term financial plans, getting a PAN card for your minor could be the first step. While many of us associate PAN cards with working adults and tax filings, the fact is—children too can hold a PAN, and in many situations, they're legally required to.

What Is a Minor PAN Card?

A Minor PAN Card is issued to individuals below 18 years of age. Though children cannot legally sign documents or earn taxable income in most cases, there are several scenarios where having a PAN is essential.

Common Use Cases:

  • Opening a savings or fixed deposit account in a child’s name
  • Investing in schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
  • Naming a child as nominee in shares, mutual funds, or securities
  • Tax assessment if the child earns income independently (e.g., through acting, sports, or inheritance)

What Sets It Apart?

  • No photo or signature is included, since minors can’t legally sign documents
  • Must be updated after turning 18, adding a recent photograph and the individual’s signature
  • Valid identity proof for minors when applying for other government services

When Is It Mandatory?

You’ll need a PAN for your child if:

  • You're making investments in their name (mutual funds, stocks, deposits)
  • You're opening a minor bank account that could generate taxable interest
  • The child earns income independently (say, via talent shows, modeling, or business)
  • The minor is physically or mentally challenged and receives taxable income in their own right

Who Can Apply on Behalf of a Minor?

Since a child can’t legally apply themselves, a parent, legal guardian, or representative assessee must fill out the application and sign on the child’s behalf.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Minor’s PAN Card

You can apply online or offline—both are valid and processed by the Income Tax Department via NSDL or UTIITSL.

Option 1: Online Application (Through NSDL)

  1. Visit: https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam

  2. Application Type: Choose “New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A)”

  3. Category: Select “Individual”

  4. Submission Mode: You can opt for physical PAN card or paperless e-PAN

  5. Enter Details:

    • Minor’s full name, date of birth
    • Parent/guardian’s details, contact info, and address
    • Upload two passport-sized photos (if submitting digitally)

  6. Signature: Only the parent or guardian signs—not the minor

  7. Payment: Pay via debit/credit card, net banking, or demand draft

  8. Track Your Application: You'll get an acknowledgment number after submission

  9. Document Submission:

    • If opted for physical submission, send documents with the acknowledgment to the NSDL address
    • If online, upload documents as scanned PDFs

Option 2: Offline Application

Prefer the old-fashioned way? Here's how to apply offline:

  1. Download Form 49A from the NSDL portal

  2. Fill out the form with both minor and guardian details

  3. Attach:

    • Two recent passport photos of the child
    • All required identity, address, and age proofs

  4. Submit the form at your nearest PAN Service Center

  5. Pay the applicable fee and collect the acknowledgment receipt

  6. Once verified, the PAN card will be dispatched to your address

Documents You’ll Need

TypeAccepted Documents
Proof of IdentityAadhaar card (child), Passport, School ID, Parent/Guardian ID
Proof of AddressAadhaar (minor or parent), Utility bill, Rent agreement, Passport
Proof of DOBBirth certificate, Aadhaar card, School record, Passport, Magistrate’s affidavit

PAN Card Fees for Minors (2025)

ModeDelivery in IndiaOutside Indiae-PAN (India)e-PAN (Abroad)
Online (physical card)₹107₹1,017₹72₹66
Online (e-PAN only)₹101₹1,011₹66₹66
Offline₹107₹1,017₹72₹66

Pro Tips to Keep in Mind

  • No signature or thumbprint from the minor is needed
  • Always track your application using the acknowledgment number
  • When your child turns 18, you’ll need to update the PAN by selecting options like “Photo Mismatch” and “Signature Mismatch” on the correction form
  • PAN for minors is valid for all bank, tax, and investment purposes until they reach adulthood

FAQs

1. What happens when my child turns 18? You'll need to apply for a change/update to their PAN to add a photo and signature. This is done via the PAN correction form—select “Photo Mismatch” and “Signature Mismatch” options and attach updated documents.

2. Can NRIs or children living abroad get a PAN card? Yes. Both NSDL and UTIITSL support NRI applications. Make sure to check country-specific document requirements and updated fees for international delivery.

3. How long does it take to get a minor PAN card? Usually about 15–20 working days after your documents are verified. It could take a little longer if there's a backlog or address mismatch.

Final Thoughts

Getting a PAN card for your child isn't just about compliance—it's about future-proofing their financial identity. Whether you’re investing for them, opening savings instruments, or planning long-term inheritance, it’s a smart move that takes less than 30 minutes to set in motion.

Share: