How Minors, Including NRIs, Can Apply For PAN: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide

While most people associate the Permanent Account Number (PAN) with adults, minors, whether Indian residents or non-resident Indians (NRIs), are also eligible for one. And there are benefits of having a PAN for your minor child, if you plan to open an account for him/her or make investments on the child’s behalf.

However, the application must be submitted through a parent or guardian.

Here’s how you can apply for a PAN card for your minor child.

Who Can Apply?

It is wrongly believed that PAN is only necessary for Indians after they turn 18 or start earning. The Government of India also provides a minor PAN card specifically for the purpose of financial transactions, opening bank accounts and making investments on behalf of a minor.

Whether the applicant is a minor residing in India or an NRI, the process is more or less the same as for adults except for some minor logistical changes.

It’s also important to note that minors cannot apply independently for a PAN.

Online and Offline Hybrid Process

The application can be filed either online or offline, or through a hybrid. Indian nationals can do it all online, as long as they scan everything as a JPEG and upload the JPG files. For NRIs, there might be requirement for some offline verification and some documents might require physical submissions with the tax officials.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Minor’s PAN Using Form 49A

Here’s how the application process works:

Step 1: Go to the NSDL PAN services portal at

Step 2: Click on ’New Application’. Select ‘New PAN Indian Citizen (Form 49A)’ and indicate Category ‘Individual’.

Step 3: The minor's address and phone number has to be entered, along with the address and phone number of the parent or guardian. The parent’s signature should also be uploaded. Then, click ‘Submit’. You will then be redirected to another page and submit a few more details. You will have to update the name of the Representative Assessee (usually a parent or guardian) who will sign for the minor. Then you will need to attach a photograph of the minor and necessary documents.

Step 4: Pay and Send Form and click on Support. You will receive a tracking number as soon as your payment is cleared.

Required Documents

Here are the documents needed for a minor’s PAN

- Minor’s birth certificate (as age proof)

- Parent’s or guardian’s identity and address proof

- Minor’s photograph

- Signature of the parent/guardian

What Happens When the Minor Turns 18?

After the minor turns 18, he/she will have to apply for a new PAN card with his/her own signature on the card along with a current photograph. This is a necessary step to approve the PAN for adult monetary use.

A minor card for a minor is quite beneficial if one wants to open a bank account for the minor or make investment for him/her. It also serves as an official government identity document.