How to Apply for a Minor PAN Card and Upgrade It at the Age of 18

A PAN card isn’t just for adults; minors can have one too. Many parents apply for a PAN for their child to open investments, receive gifts, or manage financial records early. But once the child turns 18, their minor PAN card must be updated to an adult PAN with fresh documents and a new signature.

This guide explains how to apply for a minor PAN card and how to update it when transitioning from minor to major with simple, step-by-step instructions.

What Is a Minor PAN Card?

A Minor PAN Card is a PAN card issued to individuals below 18 years of age. It works just like a regular PAN but is created using the parent’s or guardian’s identity and signature, since minors cannot legally provide their own KYC or signature.

A minor PAN is commonly used for:

• Opening a minor bank account
• Starting investments with a free demat account (mutual funds, stocks, bonds) in the child’s name
• Receiving gifts or an inheritance
• Creating an early financial identity for the child

Once the child turns 18, the minor PAN must be updated with the individual’s own photo, signature, and KYC documents; this is known as converting a minor PAN to a major PAN.

How to Apply for a Minor PAN Card Online

Applying for a PAN card for a minor is a simple process and can be completed entirely online through either NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL. 

A. Apply for Child PAN Card Through NSDL (Protean)

Step 1: Visit the NSDL PAN Application page.
Step 2: Select New PAN – Indian citizens (Form 49A).
Step 3: Enter the minor’s details, including name, gender, and date of birth.
Step 4: Enter the parent/guardian’s PAN and details.
Step 5: Upload the minor’s photograph (guardian’s signature will be used).
Step 6: Upload the parent/guardian’s ID and address proof.
Step 7: Choose e-KYC, e-sign, or physical submission.
Step 8: Pay the application fee and submit the form.
Step 9: Save the acknowledgement number for tracking the application.

B. Apply for Minor PAN Through UTIITSL

Step 1: Go to the UTIITSL PAN Card Application page.
Step 2: Select Form 49A for new PAN applications.
Step 3: Enter the minor’s basic details.
Step 4: Provide the guardian’s PAN and KYC documents.
Step 5: Upload the minor’s photo and the guardian’s signature.
Step 6: Submit documents through and e-sign.
Step 7: Complete the payment.
Step 8: Note the application coupon number for tracking.

What are the PAN Card Documents Required for Students Under 18?

• Minor’s birth certificate or school certificate (for DOB)
• Minor’s photograph
• Parent/guardian’s ID proof
• Parent/guardian’s address proof
• Parent/guardian’s PAN card

How to Convert/Update Minor PAN Card to Major?

Once the minor turns 18 years old, their PAN card must be updated to reflect their new legal status. This includes updating the photograph, signature, and KYC documents.

A. Steps to Update PAN from Minor to Major (NSDL)

Step 1: Go to the NSDL PAN Correction/Update page.
Step 2: Select “Changes or Corrections in Existing PAN Data.”
Step 3: Enter the PAN number and update the details.
Step 4: Upload:

• Your new photograph
• Your signature
• Your ID proof (Aadhaar preferred)
• Your address proof
• Your DOB proof

Step 5: Choose Aadhaar-based e-KYC/e-Sign or physical submission.
Step 6: Pay the correction fee.
Step 7: Download the acknowledgement slip and track the status.

B. Steps to Update PAN from Minor to Major (UTIITSL)

Step 1: Visit the UTIITSL PAN Correction page.
Step 2: Enter PAN and select the fields you wish to update.
Step 3: Upload your photo, signature, Aadhaar, and other documents.
Step 4: Choose e-sign or send physical copies to the UTI office.
Step 5: Submit the form and save your coupon number.

Why Updating PAN Card Is Important at 18

Once you become an adult, your minor PAN no longer meets KYC requirements. You will need to update it to continue using it.

• Financial institutions require adult KYC for investments, trading, loans, and banking.
• Guardian details are no longer valid after 18.
• File income tax or register for government services.
• Avoid account freezes or rejection of transactions.

Haven’t linked Aadhaar with PAN yet? Complete it in minutes.

PAN Card Minor to Major Documents Required

You only need the following documents when updating your minor PAN card to an adult PAN card.

• Identity Proof: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence
• Address Proof: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or recent utility bill/bank statement
• Date of Birth Proof: Birth Certificate, Aadhaar, Passport, or School Certificate
• Photograph: A recent photo and your signature

What are the Fees for Updating a PAN Card from Minor to Major?

Updating a minor PAN to an adult PAN involves a small processing fee. 

Pan Card Minor to Major Fees

• ₹50–₹110 for updates within India
  (varies based on whether you opt for e-PAN only or physical PAN delivery)
• ₹1,011 for delivery outside India

What the Fee Covers

• Processing of updated KYC
• Issuing a new adult PAN with your photo and signature
• Dispatch of the physical PAN (if selected)

Need Correction in Pan Details? Check how to apply for PAN correction and update.

Conclusion

A minor PAN card is a valuable start to building a financial identity early, but updating it at 18 is essential. Failing to update it may lead to delays and rejected financial transactions. 

Taking a moment to update your PAN now prevents complications later and keeps your financial journey moving smoothly.

Need a fresh copy after updating? And want to know how to download your e-PAN instantly.

Minor PAN Card: FAQs

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.