In today's world, a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card has become one of the most essential documents for Indian citizens. From filing income tax returns and opening a bank account to completing KYC formalities and conducting major financial transactions, the PAN card plays a crucial role. Some banks have even started demanding PAN cards for opening accounts for minors, further underlining its importance.
Given its widespread use, the PAN card has been officially recognized as a valid identity proof by multiple financial and government institutions across the country. But this leads to a common question that often confuses many people—Does a PAN card have an expiry date like other ID or banking cards? And if so, when do you actually need to apply for a new one?
Let’s clear up the confusion and answer these commonly asked questions.
Unlike debit or credit cards and even some government-issued identity cards, PAN cards do not come with an expiry date. Once issued, your PAN remains valid for a lifetime. The 10-digit alphanumeric code assigned to you is unique and permanent. It doesn’t change or expire unless you apply for a new one due to specific circumstances.
That means, you don’t have to worry about renewing your PAN card periodically like you would with other documents such as a driving license or passport.
Although PAN cards don’t expire, there are certain situations where you may need to reissue or update your PAN card. Here's when:
If you lose your PAN card or it gets stolen, you must apply for a duplicate PAN card. Your PAN number remains the same, but you'll receive a new physical card.
If your PAN card is torn, damaged, or becomes unreadable, you can request a reprint of the card. The details stay unchanged, but you'll get a fresh, legible copy.
If you've changed your name, date of birth, or gender, or there's an error in your PAN details, you will need to apply for a correction or update. This updated PAN card will reflect the new information while keeping your PAN number the same.
Sometimes, a mismatch between your PAN details and Aadhaar data or bank information can cause issues in financial transactions. In such cases, an update or correction is necessary.
If you're unsure about the status or validity of your PAN card, you can easily verify it online. Here's how:
Visit the Income Tax Department’s e-filing website.
Go to the "Verify Your PAN" option under the 'Quick Links' section.
Enter your PAN number, full name, and date of birth.
Submit the details to check if your PAN is active and valid.
This simple step can help you ensure that your PAN card is in order and active.
While your PAN card doesn’t expire, it’s important to keep it safe, updated, and accurate. In case of any changes or issues, the process to correct or reprint the card is fairly straightforward and can be done online.
So, there's no need to panic or assume that you need to renew your PAN card periodically. However, being aware of when and why you might need to apply for a reissue or update can save you from unexpected hurdles in your financial or legal tasks.
Stay updated, stay informed—and make sure your PAN card is always in good shape!
